The setting of Antony and Cleopatra is the ancient Roman world, between about 40 BC and 30 BC, and the action moves between Egypt, Rome, Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. Shakespeare uses these places to set two cultures against each other. In this page, you will find the time, place and mood of the play, with examples from each act. For the events themselves, read the plot summary.

The Time Setting

The play takes place during a turning point in Roman history. At this time, Julius Caesar has been murdered, so three men now share power. In particular, they are Mark Antony, Octavius Caesar and Lepidus, who together form the triumvirate. As the play goes on, however, the balance changes. Lepidus loses his place, Antony falls, and Octavius becomes the single ruler of the Roman world.

Shakespeare covers about ten years of events, but he compresses them into a fast story. For this reason, the audience seldom hears about the passing of time. Instead, news arrives quickly by messenger, and armies seem to cross the sea within a few scenes. This speed adds to the feeling that history is moving faster than the characters can control.

The Place Setting

Alexandria, Egypt

First, Alexandria is the home of Cleopatra, and it is the emotional centre of the play. Most of Act 1 takes place in her palace, and her monument becomes the setting of the final scenes. Above all, the Egyptian court is full of music, feasting, games and gossip. Furthermore, the language there is rich and poetic. In this world, time moves slowly, and pleasure matters more than duty. For these reasons, Antony feels free in Egypt, but Rome sees him as lost.

Rome

Rome is the centre of power and politics. For example, in Caesar’s house and in Lepidus’s house, the leaders meet to plan wars, settle quarrels and arrange alliances. Therefore, the scenes there are brisk and practical. In addition, the speech is plain and controlled, and feelings are held back. As a result, Rome feels disciplined and cold when compared with Egypt.

Messina and Misenum

Messina is Pompey’s base in Sicily, while Misenum is the place near Naples where the triumvirs meet him to make peace. At first, these scenes seem like ordinary political bargaining. Later, however, the feast on Pompey’s galley adds a more dangerous setting. The drinking and dancing on the ship hide the plot to murder the three rulers.

Athens

After their marriage, Antony and Octavia travel to Athens. There, Antony hears that Caesar has defeated Pompey and imprisoned Lepidus. Because of this news, the peace begins to break down. Athens is therefore a place of waiting and growing anger, and it marks the point where Antony turns back to Cleopatra.

Syria

In Act 3, a short scene takes place in Syria, where Ventidius has defeated the Parthians. Although the scene is brief, it reminds the audience that the empire is large and that wars are fought far from Rome and Egypt.

The Sea and Actium

The sea is the setting of the most important battle in the play. At Actium, off the coast of Greece, Antony chooses to fight at sea, although his advisers want a land battle. Cleopatra’s ships flee, and Antony follows her. Consequently, the sea becomes a symbol of his lost judgment, and the place where his fortunes change for ever.

The Monument

Later, in Acts 4 and 5, Cleopatra’s monument becomes a place of safety, mourning and death. Antony is lifted up to it as he dies, and Cleopatra dies there with Charmian and Iras. Because the monument stands between life and death, it fits the mood of the closing scenes.

The Social and Political Setting

Overall, the characters live in a world where power decides everything. Therefore, alliances depend on need, and marriage is a political tool. For example, Antony marries Octavia to keep the peace with her brother. Meanwhile, Caesar breaks his truce with Pompey when it no longer suits him. In this setting, honour and loyalty are rare, so characters such as Pompey, Enobarbus and Eros stand out. You can read more on the themes page.

The Setting Act by Act

In Act 1, the action moves from Alexandria to Rome and back again. Then, in Act 2, the focus shifts to Rome, Messina and Misenum, where the leaders make their peace. Next, Act 3 takes us from Syria to Athens and finally to the sea near Actium. After that, Act 4 returns to Alexandria and the camps around it, where Antony wins and then loses. Finally, Act 5 stays in Alexandria, in Caesar’s camp and in Cleopatra’s monument. In this way, the play begins and ends in Egypt, which shows where its heart lies.

The Mood and Atmosphere

The mood changes with the place. In Egypt, the atmosphere is warm, sensual and playful, although it often turns jealous or anxious. In Rome, the mood is serious, tense and calculating. On the battlefield, it becomes frightened and chaotic. Finally, in the monument, it turns quiet and solemn. These changes help the audience feel the pull between the two worlds.

Rome and Egypt Compared

• Rome: duty, discipline, politics, reason and cold speech
• Egypt: pleasure, passion, feasting, imagination and rich poetry
• Antony: a man pulled between the two and unable to belong to either

How the Setting Works on Stage

Shakespeare’s theatre had very little scenery. For this reason, he used words to place the audience in each scene. A character might mention the river, the barge or the sea, and the audience would imagine the rest. The play also has more than forty short scenes, so the action moves quickly from place to place. As a result, the structure itself shows the tension between Egypt and Rome. Read more on the structure page.

Exam Tips on Setting

Examiners often ask how the setting supports the themes. First, name the two main places and describe their mood. Then give one example from each place, such as the feast in Alexandria or the political meeting in Rome. Finally, explain how the contrast shapes Antony’s choice. This simple pattern gives a clear and complete answer.

Continue Reading

• Antony and Cleopatra Structure
• Background of the Play: Antony and Cleopatra
• Antony and Cleopatra Themes
• Antony and Cleopatra Study Guide and Essay Questions