Act 2, Scene 5 Summary

Cleopatra and her servants are talking about wild times they have had with Antony. A messenger arrives, but Cleopatra delays him with panic and bad temper. When he finally breaks the news that Antony has married Octavia, she flies into a rage and strikes him, threatening him with torture and death. She sends Alexas to get news of Octavia's appearance.

Act 2, Scene 5 Analysis

Before the arrival of the messenger, Cleopatra likens herself to an angler, using her bait to catch Antony The metaphor tells us that she considers love to be an extension of sport, a game in which she can enjoy her power over men. She describes how in one game she out-drank Antony and swapped her clothes with his whilst he was unconscious. The role-play demonstrates Cleopatra's dominance: she wears the most potent symbol of masculinity, the sword (a...