Act 1 of Antony and Cleopatra introduces the two lovers in Egypt and shows how Rome pulls Antony away from them. In five scenes, Shakespeare sets up the central conflict between love and duty, presents Cleopatra’s moods and Caesar’s cold judgment, and ends with Antony leaving for Rome. This page gives a scene-by-scene summary, an analysis of the act and the key quotes to remember. For the whole story, read the plot summary.

Act 1 Summary by Scene

Scene 1: Alexandria, Cleopatra’s Palace

The play opens with two Roman soldiers, Philo and Demetrius. Philo complains that Antony, once a great general, now spends his time as a fool for love. Antony and Cleopatra then enter with their attendants. Then, Cleopatra asks how much Antony loves her, and he replies that a love that can be measured is a poor one. A messenger arrives from Rome, but Antony refuses to hear him. Next, Cleopatra teases him and says the news may come from his wife Fulvia or from the young Caesar. Antony declares that he would let the Roman empire fall before he left her. After the lovers leave, Demetrius expresses sorrow that Antony ignores Rome’s concerns.

Scene 2: Cleopatra’s Palace

Cleopatra’s attendants, Charmian and Iras, ask a soothsayer to tell their fortunes. After that, he tells Charmian that she will outlive her mistress, a hint of the ending. Then, Enobarbus joins them, and Antony arrives with news. His wife Fulvia and his brother fought against Caesar, and the Parthian army has captured parts of Roman Asia. Antony then learns that Fulvia has died. Later, he reflects on her death and decides that he must break free from the “Egyptian fetters” or lose himself completely. Enobarbus jokes that Cleopatra can die many times over small causes, so Antony’s departure will only make her pretend to die. He also reports that Sextus Pompey is growing powerful at sea.

Scene 3: Cleopatra’s Palace

Cleopatra plans to test Antony’s love. Charmian advises her to give way to him, but Cleopatra ignores the advice. When Antony tells her he must go, she accuses him of deceit and mocks his grief for Fulvia. Then, Antony explains that Rome needs him and that Fulvia has died. Next, he promises to stay loyal to her, and the two part with a speech that mixes teasing and tenderness. Cleopatra finally tells him that his honour calls him away and wishes the gods to go with him.

Scene 4: Rome, Caesar’s House

The setting moves to Rome. Octavius Caesar reads a report to Lepidus and complains that Antony fishes, drinks and wastes the night in revelry while Rome faces danger. Next, Lepidus defends Antony and says his faults are only small spots against his many virtues. After that, a messenger reports that Pompey is gaining strength and that the people are turning to him. Caesar remembers how Antony once suffered hunger and hardship with courage during a hard retreat, and he wishes Antony would return to that soldier’s life.

Scene 5: Alexandria, Cleopatra’s Palace

Cleopatra misses Antony badly. She asks for a drink that will put her to sleep until he returns, and she keeps asking where he is and what he is doing. After that, Alexas arrives with a pearl and a message of love from Antony. Soon, Cleopatra reflects on her younger days, which she calls her salad days, and she decides to send Antony a greeting every day.

Analysis of Act 1

The conflict between love and duty

Act 1 plants the main conflict early. In addition, Antony is torn between Egypt, where he feels free and loved, and Rome, where honour and politics demand his presence. He is aware of his own weakness, and he says he must break away before he loses himself. Yet the act ends with him choosing Rome only because Fulvia’s death and Pompey’s strength leave him no other choice. Also, his decision is not a victory over desire. This sets up the tension that continues to the end. Read more on the themes page.

Rome and Egypt as two worlds

Shakespeare shows Egypt through feasting, wit, mood swings and poetry, and he shows Rome through reports, rivalry and cold discussion. Furthermore, four of the five scenes take place in Egypt, which tells the audience where the emotional centre of the play lies. Caesar’s scene in Rome has a very different tone, with plain speech and political worry.

The characters introduced

Cleopatra appears changeable, proud and clever. She tests Antony, mocks him and then misses him deeply. Antony seems generous and passionate, but also uncertain. In addition, Enobarbus acts as a witty and honest observer, and Caesar appears serious and critical. Philo’s opening speech shows how Romans see the lovers before the audience sees them. For a full study, read the characters page.

Foreshadowing

The soothsayer’s prediction that Charmian will outlive her mistress hints at Cleopatra’s death. Fulvia’s death, Pompey’s rise and the Parthian threat all point to the political troubles that will trap Antony in the next acts.

Language and Style in Act 1

Shakespeare uses language to separate the two worlds. Antony and Cleopatra speak in large, poetic phrases full of images of empire, eternity and the elements. Roman characters such as Philo and Caesar use blunt, critical speech. Enobarbus adds dry humour, which makes the lovers seem more human. The short scenes also move quickly between places, so the audience feels the pull between Egypt and Rome in the structure of the act itself.

Key Quotes from Act 1

• “Let Rome in Tiber melt” (Antony, Scene 1): his love matters more than the empire.
• “There’s beggary in the love that can be reckoned” (Antony, Scene 1): true love has no limit.
• “The triple pillar of the world transformed into a strumpet’s fool” (Philo, Scene 1): the Roman judgment of Antony.
• “Eternity was in our lips and eyes” (Cleopatra, Scene 3): she remembers the joy of their love.

See all of them explained on the famous quotes and meanings page.

Practice Context Questions on Act 1

WAEC and NECO test this play through objective context questions, so try these short questions before you read the answers.

• Who says “The triple pillar of the world transformed into a strumpet’s fool”, and what does the line show? Answer: Philo speaks, and he shows the Roman view of Antony.
• In Scene 2, the soothsayer tells Charmian something about her future. What is it? Answer: She will outlive Cleopatra.
• Why does Antony decide to leave Egypt? Answer: Fulvia has died, and Pompey is growing strong.
• Which device is used in “Let Rome in Tiber melt”? Answer: It is hyperbole.

Continue Reading

• Act 2 Summary and Analysis
• Plot Summary of Antony and Cleopatra
• Characters and Character Analysis
• Study Guide for WAEC and NECO Practice