Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

The setting is Pompey's house in Messina. Pompey, Menacrates and Menas are gathered, as if fresh from battle or military preparations. Pompey says that fortune is on his side, for whilst men flock to his cause, Caesar can only raise money, and with Antony abroad, Lepidus is busy gaining Caesar's confidence and looking after his own interests. The trio of powerful Roman men is therefore weakened and divided. Pompey dismisses Menas' report that Caesar and Lepidus are mustering forces for battle. Varrius arrives with news that Antony is indeed bound for Rome; Pompey speaks of his hope to lure Antony away from Caesar, while the conflict between Fulvia, Antony's brother and the Caesar exists as a wedge between their alliance. Pompey is hopeful that their internal differences will prove too great: his strategy is to divide and conquer.

Act 2, Scene 1 Analysis