Antony and Cleopatra - Act 1, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis

This Study Guide consists of approximately 228 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Antony and Cleopatra.

Antony and Cleopatra - Act 1, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis

This Study Guide consists of approximately 228 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Antony and Cleopatra.
This section contains 440 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy the Antony and Cleopatra Study Guide

Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

The play opens in Cleopatra's palace at Alexandria, Egypt. Philo, who explains that the General's military and political reputation is suffering because of his affair with the Egyptian Queen, introduces us to the Roman General, Mark Antony. Antony and Cleopatra enter together, followed by her attendants and slaves. The couple is flirting openly; Cleopatra presses Antony to describe his love for her.

A messenger arrives with news from Rome. Cleopatra teases him that it may be from his estranged wife, or perhaps a summons from the Caesar, whom the Queen mocks for his youth and inexperience, and for his influence over Antony. He refuses to hear the news and insists instead that some entertainment be arranged for the evening. The couple leaves, and Philo and Demetrius are left on stage to reflect on Antony's scorn for his duty to Caesar and...

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This section contains 440 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy the Antony and Cleopatra Study Guide
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