Act 4, Scene 4 Summary

Antony dresses on the morning of battle.

Act 4, Scene 4 Analysis

Quite a tender scene between Antony and Cleopatra. She helps him put on his armor, he insists that she is part of his spiritual armor. Antony jokes that she has replaced his squire, Eros, whose job it is to fit his suit of armor and fetch his weapons. He speaks lightly, as if he is going to some pleasurable pastime, rather than certain death. This is very much in keeping with heroic traditions. There is a touching moment when he kisses her and apologizes that she should have to accept a kiss from a soldier. This humble compliment touches on the spiritual truth of their mutual affection, and whilst we know that Antony's heroism will end in tragedy, this brief glimpse of intimacy hints at the humanity of Antony's way of...