Antony and Cleopatra Act 3, Scene 3 - Aadya and Aahana

Act 3, Scene 3
Antony and
Cleopatra
Aadya Chakravorty and
Aahana Gupta
Group Presenters
Aadya Chakravorty William Shakespeare Aahana Gupta

The Agenda 01 A Brief Summary of the Chapter
02 Literary Devices: Diction, Figurative

Language, Imagery
03 Use of Writers’ Effect

Context, Background, and
Interpretation: A Comprehensive
Breakdown of the Chapter
In this scene, Cleopatra sends her eunuch, Alexas, to charm the messenger from
Antony who brings news about Octavia, Antony’s new wife. Cleopatra is curious and
insecure, demanding a detailed description of Octavia’s looks and demeanor. The
messenger’s exaggerated, unflattering portrayal makes Cleopatra feel secure of her
relationship with Antony.
This scene emphasizes Cleopatra’s controlling tendencies toward her relationship with
Antony and cunning use of her position of power while also highlighting the theme of
political maneuvering through hirarchial relationships. Shakespeare portrays
Cleopatra’s complexity, as both a ruler and a woman in love, navigating a volatile
political and personal landscape.
Additional Information
Point 1 Point 3
01 The scene highlights the rivalry 03 Cleopatra is a complex character,
between Cleopatra and Octavia, symbolizing female power and sensuality,
created without the two of them leading to diverse interpretations in
meeting reflecting the political literature and performance.
tensions which Cleopatra creates.
Point 2 Point 4
Cleopatra's obsession with her and The messenger's exaggerated
02 Octavia’s appearances symbolizes 04 description of Octavia provides humor,
broader themes of identity and contrasting with the serious themes of
self-worth in the context of power. jealousy and emotional turmoil.
Imagery
“Round, even to faultiness.” - Messenger describes Octavia’s face as
Example 1 extremely round when asked about it by Cleopatra, helping readers

visualise Octavia.
“”Dull of tongue, and dwarfish” - Cleopatra’s conclusion of Octavia’s
Example 2 voice and appearance, making readers imagine a more negative

verison of her in contrast to her angelic description given by Romans.
“”She is low-voiced.” - Messenger describes Octavia’s voice with a
Example 3 low pitch, which was considered unattractive in the era in which this
play has been set.
figurative language
“her forehead As low as she would wish it” - Similie which
Example 1 compares her low forehead to Octavia’s worst wish of it. High
foreheads were considered more attractive in that time period.
Allusion to King Herod of Jewry - The king responsible for the

Example 2 murder of children, and hence known as a scary character. This
allusion is used to scale the fear Cleopatra instills in her attendants.
Example 3
“Three in Egypt Cannot make better note.” - Hyperbole exaggerating
messenger’s observance skills by Cleopatra, stemming from his
affriming words of Octavia looking unattractive.
diction
“Thirty” - Shakespeare makes the messenger estimate an age well
Example 1 below Cleopatra’s (Cleopatra is 38 in the play) for Octavia
“She creeps” - This describes Octavia’s walk to Cleopatra. The word
Example 2 puts a negative implication on it which is shown to make Cleopatra

feel less insecure about Octavia’s being with Antony.
“creature” - Cleopatra calls Octavia a creature, which shows her
Example 3 thinking lowly and derogatory of her, and the tone in which this is
said is also skeptic. (See line 57)
Use of Writers’ Effect
In Act 3, Scene 3 of Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare’s writer's
effect shapes the reader’s perception of Cleopatra and the
dynamics between love and power. The tone reveals her
insecurities as she persistently questions the messenger about
Octavia’s appearance, contrasting her emotional intensity with the
messenger’s calm responses, which amplifies her vulnerability.
Additionally, Shakespeare employs irony and humor through the
messenger's exaggerated description of Octavia, portraying her as
dull with a "low forehead" and "shrill voice." This not only reassures
Cleopatra but also introduces a comic element, mocking the
superficiality of appearance in relationships. Cleopatra’s
manipulative nature is highlighted as she uses the messenger’s
words to reinforce her own superiority, illustrating her ability to
maintain emotional control. Overall, Shakespeare’s choices in
dialogue and imagery deepen the understanding of Cleopatra's
multifaceted character—her strength, wit, and vulnerability—along
with the complex politics of love and power.
Thank You for
Listening!
Any questions?

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Act 3, Scene 3

Aadya Chakravorty William Shakespeare Aahana Gupta

02 Literary Devices: Diction, Figurative

03 Use of Writers’ Effect

Example 1 extremely round when asked about it by Cleopatra, helping readers

“”Dull of tongue, and dwarfish” - Cleopatra’s conclusion of Octavia’s

Example 2 voice and appearance, making readers imagine a more negative

“”She is low-voiced.” - Messenger describes Octavia’s voice with a

Allusion to King Herod of Jewry - The king responsible for the

Example 1 below Cleopatra’s (Cleopatra is 38 in the play) for Octavia

“She creeps” - This describes Octavia’s walk to Cleopatra. The word

Example 2 puts a negative implication on it which is shown to make Cleopatra

“creature” - Cleopatra calls Octavia a creature, which shows her

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