Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene V explained
Antony learns that Enobarbus has deserted him for Caesar, but he responds with magnanimity, ordering that Enobarbus's treasure be sent after him and sending gentle farewells.
What happens
Antony learns that Enobarbus has deserted him for Caesar, but he responds with magnanimity, ordering that Enobarbus's treasure be sent after him and sending gentle farewells.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Antony’s degradation: he…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Betrayal and Trust
Enobarbus's desertion highlights the theme of betrayal, while Antony's generous response underscores the complexity of trust and loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Mark Antony
Antony receives news of Enobarbus's desertion and responds with generosity, ordering his treasure to be sent after him.
- Eros
Eros is present with Antony and confirms that Enobarbus's chests and treasure were left behind.
- Enobarbus
Enobarbus has deserted Antony and joined Caesar's camp, as reported by the soldier.
Key passages
“Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail’d To make me fight at land!”
I wish your advice and your battle scars had convinced me to fight on land.
Antony regrets not heeding the soldier's earlier counsel to fight on land.
“O, my fortunes have Corrupted honest men!”
Oh, my changing luck has turned loyal men into traitors.
Antony laments that his declining fortunes have caused even faithful followers to betray him.
