# Cleopatra — Themes

> Major themes in Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## Love and Betrayal

The central plot revolves around Harmachis's love for Cleopatra, which leads him to betray his sacred oaths, his country, and his own destiny, ultimately resulting in mutual destruction.

### Where it surfaces

- [Book II: The Fall of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-ii-the-fall-of-harmachis): Harmachis is betrayed by Paulus, a trusted captain, leading to the collapse of the Egyptian rebellion.
- [Of the Coming of Charmion; and of the Wrath of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-coming-of-charmion-and-of-the-wrath-of-sepa): Sepa's distrust of Charmion highlights the tension between personal loyalty and romantic attachment, as he fears her womanly nature may lead to betrayal.
- [Of the Coming of Harmachis to the Palace; Of How He Drew Paulus Through the Gates; Of Cleopatra Sleeping; and of the Magic of Harmachis Which He Showed Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-the-palace-of-how-he-drew-paulus-through-the-gates-of-cleopatra-sleeping-and-of-the-magic-of-harmachis-which-he-showed-her): Harmachis feels pity at Cleopatra's beauty, hinting at emotional conflict that may undermine his plot to kill her.
- [Of the Ways of Charmion; and of the Crowning of Harmachis as the King of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-ways-of-charmion-and-of-the-crowning-of-harmachis-as-the-king-of-love): Charmion's unrequited love for Harmachis and her jealousy; Harmachis's internal conflict between his duty to the rebellion and his growing attraction to Cleopatra.
- [Of the Coming of Cleopatra to the Chamber of Harmachis; Of the Throwing Forth of the Kerchief of Charmion; Of the Stars; and of the Gift by Cleopatra of Her Friendship to Her Servant Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-coming-of-cleopatra-to-the-chamber-of-harmachis-of-the-throwing-forth-of-the-kerchief-of-charmion-of-the-stars-and-of-the-gift-by-cleopatra-of-her-friendship-to-her-servant-harmachis): Cleopatra offers friendship to Harmachis while he secretly plots her murder, highlighting the theme of betrayal.
- [Of the Words and Jealousy of Charmion; Of the Laughter of Harmachis; Of the Making Ready for the Deed of Blood; and of the Message of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-words-and-jealousy-of-charmion-of-the-laughter-of-harmachis-of-the-making-ready-for-the-deed-of-blood-and-of-the-message-of-the-old-wife-atoua): Harmachis's internal struggle between his love for Cleopatra and his duty to betray and kill her.

## Fate and Destiny

The narrative is driven by prophecies, divine visions, and the inescapable will of the gods, with characters like Harmachis and Cleopatra seemingly bound to a tragic, preordained path.

### Where it surfaces

- [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/author-s-note): The author questions the 'malign influence' and 'secret hates' that doomed Antony and Cleopatra, suggesting a hidden destiny at work.
- [Of the Birth of Harmachis; The Prophecy of the Hathors; and the Slaying of the Innocent Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-birth-of-harmachis-the-prophecy-of-the-hathors-and-the-slaying-of-the-innocent-child): The prophecy of the Hathors foretells Harmachis's destiny to become Pharaoh, but also warns of ruin if he fails.
- [Of the Disobedience of Harmachis; Of the Slaying of the Lion; and of the Speech of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-disobedience-of-harmachis-of-the-slaying-of-the-lion-and-of-the-speech-of-the-old-wife-atoua): Atoua's prophecy declares Harmachis as the destined deliverer of Egypt, foretelling his role in overthrowing the Macedonian and Roman powers, contingent on his purity.
- [III: Of the Rebuke of Amenemhat; Of the Prayer of Harmachis; and of the Sign Given by the Holy Gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-rebuke-of-amenemhat-of-the-prayer-of-harmachis-and-of-the-sign-given-by-the-holy-gods): Harmachis learns of his divine destiny to free Egypt, but his failure in a trial delays his mission, emphasizing the conditional nature of fate.
- [Of the Departure of Harmachis and of His Meeting with His Uncle Sepa, the High Priest of Annu El Ra; Of His Life at Annu, and of the Words of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-departure-of-harmachis-and-of-his-meeting-with-his-uncle-sepa-the-high-priest-of-annu-el-ra-of-his-life-at-annu-and-of-the-words-of-sepa): Harmachis is groomed for a prophesied role as deliverer of Egypt, with Sepa emphasizing his great destiny.
- [V: Of the Return of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of the Celebration of the Mysteries; Of the Chant of Isis; and of the Warning of Amenemhat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-return-of-harmachis-to-abouthis-of-the-celebration-of-the-mysteries-of-the-chant-of-isis-and-of-the-warning-of-amenemhat): Amenemhat's warning about the heavy responsibilities of divine knowledge and the idea that those who enter the circle of divinity are judged by a sharper law reflect themes of fate and destiny.

## Power and Corruption

The pursuit and exercise of power corrupts both the Egyptian patriots and the Ptolemaic court, as seen in Cleopatra's manipulation, Harmachis's moral collapse, and the squandering of Egypt's sacred wealth.

### Where it surfaces

- [Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/cleopatra): The narrative of fall and vengeance suggests themes of power dynamics and moral decay.
- [Of the Birth of Harmachis; The Prophecy of the Hathors; and the Slaying of the Innocent Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-birth-of-harmachis-the-prophecy-of-the-hathors-and-the-slaying-of-the-innocent-child): Ptolemy Aulêtes, fearing the prophecy, orders the murder of an innocent child to secure his throne.
- [Of the Disobedience of Harmachis; Of the Slaying of the Lion; and of the Speech of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-disobedience-of-harmachis-of-the-slaying-of-the-lion-and-of-the-speech-of-the-old-wife-atoua): Ptolemy Aulêtes' cruel mockery of the slain child and his fear of Amenti illustrate the corruption of power and the moral decay of the Ptolemaic court.
- [III: Of the Rebuke of Amenemhat; Of the Prayer of Harmachis; and of the Sign Given by the Holy Gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-rebuke-of-amenemhat-of-the-prayer-of-harmachis-and-of-the-sign-given-by-the-holy-gods): The Ptolemaic rulers are depicted as corrupt usurpers who have defiled Egypt's temples and oppressed its people, setting the stage for rebellion.
- [Of the Departure of Harmachis and of His Meeting with His Uncle Sepa, the High Priest of Annu El Ra; Of His Life at Annu, and of the Words of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-departure-of-harmachis-and-of-his-meeting-with-his-uncle-sepa-the-high-priest-of-annu-el-ra-of-his-life-at-annu-and-of-the-words-of-sepa): Sepa describes Cleopatra's treacherous rise to power, the oppression of tax-gatherers, and the decay of Egypt under foreign rule.
- [Book II: The Fall of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-ii-the-fall-of-harmachis): Cleopatra's rule and the corrupting influence of power are central to Harmachis's plot and its failure.

## Patriotism and Rebellion

The book explores the struggle of Egyptian nationalists, led by Harmachis, to overthrow Greek (Ptolemaic) rule and Roman influence, highlighting themes of cultural pride and doomed resistance.

### Where it surfaces

- [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/author-s-note): The author frames the plot as an Egyptian patriot's attempt to overthrow the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty and restore native rule.
- [Book I: The Preparation of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-i-the-preparation-of-harmachis): Harmachis is raised to rebel against Greek rule and restore native Egyptian sovereignty.
- [Of the Disobedience of Harmachis; Of the Slaying of the Lion; and of the Speech of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-disobedience-of-harmachis-of-the-slaying-of-the-lion-and-of-the-speech-of-the-old-wife-atoua): The prophecy and Harmachis's lion slaying symbolize the Egyptian resistance against foreign domination, with the lion representing Rome and the dead man representing the Ptolemy.
- [VII: Of the Awaking of Harmachis; Of the Ceremony of His Crowning as Pharaoh of the Upper and the Lower Land; and of the Offerings Made to Pharaoh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vii-of-the-awaking-of-harmachis-of-the-ceremony-of-his-crowning-as-pharaoh-of-the-upper-and-the-lower-land-and-of-the-offerings-made-to-pharaoh): Harmachis is called to be the sword of Egypt's deliverance, swearing to cast out foreign idols and liberate the land.
- [I: Of the Farewell of Amenemhat to Harmachis; Of the Coming of Harmachis to Alexandria; Of the Exhortation of Sepa; Of the Passing of Cleopatra Robed as Isis; and of the Overthrow of the Gladiator by Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-farewell-of-amenemhat-to-harmachis-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-alexandria-of-the-exhortation-of-sepa-of-the-passing-of-cleopatra-robed-as-isis-and-of-the-overthrow-of-the-gladiator-by-harmachis): Harmachis's plot to overthrow Cleopatra and free Egypt from foreign rule is driven by patriotic fervor and a desire to restore native Egyptian sovereignty.
- [Of the Coming of Charmion; and of the Wrath of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-coming-of-charmion-and-of-the-wrath-of-sepa): The Egyptian conspiracy against Cleopatra's Greek throne is the central plot, with Charmion and Harmachis acting as patriots seeking to restore native rule.

## Religion and Mysticism

Ancient Egyptian religion, with its gods, rituals, prophecies, and belief in the afterlife, permeates the story, serving as both a source of spiritual guidance and a tool for manipulation and vengeance.

### Where it surfaces

- [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/author-s-note): The narrator is a priest of Isis who believes in the gods of Khem and the mysteries of the Osirian Faith, which shape his worldview.
- [Book I: The Preparation of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-i-the-preparation-of-harmachis): The chapter emphasizes the mysteries of Isis and the sacred training of Harmachis.
- [Of the Birth of Harmachis; The Prophecy of the Hathors; and the Slaying of the Innocent Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-birth-of-harmachis-the-prophecy-of-the-hathors-and-the-slaying-of-the-innocent-child): The prophecy is delivered through the Hathors, and the narrative is steeped in Egyptian religious imagery and divine intervention.
- [Of the Departure of Harmachis and of His Meeting with His Uncle Sepa, the High Priest of Annu El Ra; Of His Life at Annu, and of the Words of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-departure-of-harmachis-and-of-his-meeting-with-his-uncle-sepa-the-high-priest-of-annu-el-ra-of-his-life-at-annu-and-of-the-words-of-sepa): The chapter details Harmachis's initiation into the mysteries of the gods, including the worship of Apis and the secret knowledge of the temples.
- [V: Of the Return of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of the Celebration of the Mysteries; Of the Chant of Isis; and of the Warning of Amenemhat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-return-of-harmachis-to-abouthis-of-the-celebration-of-the-mysteries-of-the-chant-of-isis-and-of-the-warning-of-amenemhat): The chapter centers on the initiation into the mysteries of Isis, the sacred chants, and the spiritual preparation of Harmachis, emphasizing the mystical union with the divine.
- [VI: Of the Initiation of Harmachis; Of His Visions; Of His Passing to the City That Is in the Place of Death; and of the Declarations of Isis, the Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-initiation-of-harmachis-of-his-visions-of-his-passing-to-the-city-that-is-in-the-place-of-death-and-of-the-declarations-of-isis-the-messenger): The entire chapter is a mystical initiation, with Harmachis experiencing visions and a direct encounter with the goddess Isis, emphasizing the power of religious rites and divine communication.

## Jealousy and Revenge

Jealousy, particularly Charmion's unrequited love for Harmachis and her rivalry with Cleopatra, fuels acts of betrayal and a long-term quest for vengeance that shapes the plot's outcome.

### Where it surfaces

- [Of the Words and Jealousy of Charmion; Of the Laughter of Harmachis; Of the Making Ready for the Deed of Blood; and of the Message of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-words-and-jealousy-of-charmion-of-the-laughter-of-harmachis-of-the-making-ready-for-the-deed-of-blood-and-of-the-message-of-the-old-wife-atoua): Charmion's jealousy of Cleopatra and her bitter accusations against Harmachis drive the emotional conflict.
- [XV: Of the Feast of Cleopatra; Of the Melting of the Pearl; Of the Saying of Harmachis; and of Cleopatra’s Vow of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xv-of-the-feast-of-cleopatra-of-the-melting-of-the-pearl-of-the-saying-of-harmachis-and-of-cleopatra-s-vow-of-love): Harmachis's jealousy and desire for revenge are fueled by witnessing Cleopatra's affection for Antony and her betrayal of their own bond.
- [XVI: Of the Plan of Charmion; Of the Confession of Charmion; and of the Answer of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xvi-of-the-plan-of-charmion-of-the-confession-of-charmion-and-of-the-answer-of-harmachis): Charmion's jealousy of Harmachis's love for Cleopatra drives her to betray the plot, and Harmachis's desire for vengeance is a recurring torment.
- [Book III: The Vengeance of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-iii-the-vengeance-of-harmachis): Harmachis's personal vengeance against Cleopatra drives the chapter's plot.
- [III: Of the Life of Him Who Was Named the Learned Olympus, in the Tomb of the Harpers That Is by Tápé; Of His Counsel to Cleopatra; Of the Message of Charmion; and of the Passing of Olympus Down to Alexandria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-life-of-him-who-was-named-the-learned-olympus-in-the-tomb-of-the-harpers-that-is-by-t-p-of-his-counsel-to-cleopatra-of-the-message-of-charmion-and-of-the-passing-of-olympus-down-to-alexandria): Harmachis's counsel is motivated by vengeance for his father's death and his own betrayal, using his wisdom to destroy those who wronged him.
- [IV: Of the Meeting of Charmion with the Learned Olympus; Of Her Speech with Him; Of the Coming of Olympus Into the Presence of Cleopatra; and of the Commands of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-meeting-of-charmion-with-the-learned-olympus-of-her-speech-with-him-of-the-coming-of-olympus-into-the-presence-of-cleopatra-and-of-the-commands-of-cleopatra): Charmion's jealousy of Cleopatra drives her to plot the Queen's ruin, and Harmachis, though outwardly calm, is consumed by the desire for vengeance against Cleopatra and Rome.

## Honor and Shame

Harmachis's internal conflict is defined by his struggle between his duty to his royal heritage and his shameful surrender to passion, leading to a loss of honor that he seeks to redeem through vengeance.

### Where it surfaces

- [III: Of the Rebuke of Amenemhat; Of the Prayer of Harmachis; and of the Sign Given by the Holy Gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-rebuke-of-amenemhat-of-the-prayer-of-harmachis-and-of-the-sign-given-by-the-holy-gods): Amenemhat rebukes Harmachis for succumbing to taunts, stressing that a true servant of the gods must rise above personal pride and weakness.
- [Of the Ways of Charmion; and of the Crowning of Harmachis as the King of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-ways-of-charmion-and-of-the-crowning-of-harmachis-as-the-king-of-love): Harmachis's shame at being crowned 'King of Love' as a mockery, contrasting with his true destiny as Pharaoh.
- [VIII: Of the Awaking of Harmachis; Of the Sight of Death; Of the Coming of Cleopatra; and of Her Comfortable Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/viii-of-the-awaking-of-harmachis-of-the-sight-of-death-of-the-coming-of-cleopatra-and-of-her-comfortable-words): Harmachis is consumed by shame over his betrayal and the loss of his honor as a priest and patriot, struggling with his conscience.
- [Of the Imprisonment of Harmachis; Of the Scorn of Charmion; Of the Setting Free of Harmachis; and of the Coming of Quintus Dellius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ix-of-the-imprisonment-of-harmachis-of-the-scorn-of-charmion-of-the-setting-free-of-harmachis-and-of-the-coming-of-quintus-dellius): Harmachis feels deep shame for his fall and betrayal of his cause; Charmion's reproach underscores his loss of honor.
- [X: Of the Trouble of Cleopatra; Of Her Oath to Harmachis; and of the Telling by Harmachis to Cleopatra of the Secret of the Treasure That Lay Beneath the Mass of "Her"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/x-of-the-trouble-of-cleopatra-of-her-oath-to-harmachis-and-of-the-telling-by-harmachis-to-cleopatra-of-the-secret-of-the-treasure-that-lay-beneath-the-mass-of-her): Harmachis's oath and Cleopatra's sworn promise to defend Egypt and marry him; the shame of broken oaths looms.
- [XVI: Of the Plan of Charmion; Of the Confession of Charmion; and of the Answer of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xvi-of-the-plan-of-charmion-of-the-confession-of-charmion-and-of-the-answer-of-harmachis): Harmachis is consumed by shame for breaking his oaths and losing his honor, while Charmion's confession is an attempt to reclaim some moral ground.

## The Fall of Empires

The story depicts the decline of Ptolemaic Egypt and the rise of Rome, using the personal tragedies of Cleopatra and Antony to symbolize the end of an era and the collapse of a once-great civilization.

### Where it surfaces

- [Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/cleopatra): The account foreshadows the decline of Ptolemaic Egypt and the end of an era.
- [IV: Of the Meeting of Charmion with the Learned Olympus; Of Her Speech with Him; Of the Coming of Olympus Into the Presence of Cleopatra; and of the Commands of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-meeting-of-charmion-with-the-learned-olympus-of-her-speech-with-him-of-the-coming-of-olympus-into-the-presence-of-cleopatra-and-of-the-commands-of-cleopatra): The chapter depicts the collapse of Antony's cause and the impending fall of Egypt, as Harmachis reflects on the end of his ancient race and the rise of Roman power.
- [VI: Of the Workings of the Learned Olympus at Memphis; Of the Poisonings of Cleopatra; Of the Speech of Antony to His Captains; and of the Passing of Isis from the Land of Khem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-workings-of-the-learned-olympus-at-memphis-of-the-poisonings-of-cleopatra-of-the-speech-of-antony-to-his-captains-and-of-the-passing-of-isis-from-the-land-of-khem): The chapter depicts the imminent collapse of Antony and Cleopatra's rule, with Egypt's loyalty crumbling and Caesar's forces closing in.
- [IX: Of the Farewell of Charmion; Of the Death of Charmion; Of the Death of the Old Wife, Atoua; Of the Coming of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of His Confession in the Hall of Six-and-Thirty Pillars; and of the Declaring of the Doom of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ix-of-the-farewell-of-charmion-of-the-death-of-charmion-of-the-death-of-the-old-wife-atoua-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-abouthis-of-his-confession-in-the-hall-of-six-and-thirty-pillars-and-of-the-declaring-of-the-doom-of-harmachis): Cleopatra's death and Harmachis's confession mark the final collapse of Egyptian sovereignty.

HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/themes