In their conversations at the beginning and in his role throughout, Enobarbus seems to represent an ordinary reflection of something in Antony himself, as in a mirror. His humour in response to the announcement of Fulvia’s death, anticipate the jovial side of Antony that will manifest itself in the galley scene. Before the triumvirs meet, the diplomatic Lepidus tries to persuade Enobarbus to keep Antony calm. Enobarbus however refuses saying that he much prefers that Antony should speak his mind.
He reminds Antony and Caesar that there will be time enough to quarrel after they have disposed of Pompey.
To Antony’s criticize, “Thou art a soldier only. Speak no more” (II.2.111), he boldly replies, “That truth should be silent I had almost forgot”. He is established here as an honest figure who gets to the heart of things and is not afraid to speak his mind. “Sir, I never loved you much… (150 II.6.76)
His appreciation of Egypt and its queen, “the barge she sat in, like a burnished throne… (139, II.2.200) together with his ingenuity and humour, makes him perfect for the exotic description given to his peers from Caesar’s entourage. He is not left without tact when he tries to stop Pompey making remarks to Antony about Julius Caesar’s relations with Cleopatra.
He then tells Pompey that he does not like him much but is prepared to give him his due. Pompey acknowledges his “plainness” /II.6.78), his honesty in speaking. In a humorous exchange with Pompey’s lieutenant Menas, Enobarbus is loyal to Antony, but frankly says that “He will to his Egyptian dish again” (II.6.124) and predicts that the marriage to Octavia will prove a cause of friction between Caesar and Antony rather than a bond.
He joins in the merrymaking on bard Pompey’s galley, and mocks the hung-over Lepidus the morning after. “But he loves Caeser best. Yet he loves Antony. (175,III.2.16) He is established as a truthful, honourable, witty and worldly fellow who is clear-sighted in his political and personal judgements. “If I were bound to divine of this unity, I would not prophesy so.” (160,II.6.119) When it comes to the conflict, he unsuccessfully tries to persuade Cleopatra not to be present personally in Antony’s camp and he argues forcefully against the decision to fight by sea. He reports the flight of Cleopatra and after the naval disaster says that he will stay with Antony though it is against reason. His first thoughts of desertion, which he rejects, are prompted by Antony’s self-betrayal, partially acknowledged by Antony himself when he says, “I have fled myself” (III.11.7)
When Cleopatra asks him who is to blame, he tells her directly that nobody forced Antony to follow when she fled: he is to blame. In a series of asides, he comments on the folly of Antony’s personal challenge to Caesar, on his own folly on following a fool, “The wounded chance of Antony, though my reason sits in the wind against me”. (204,III.10.36-7) and makes sardonic comments on the response of first Cleopatra and then Antony in their dealings and treatment of Caesar’s messenger. In a soliloquy “Now he’ll outstare the lightning” (III.13.194-200) he sees through Antony’s bombastic rhetoric and comes to his decision to leave Antony.
As Antony addresses his servants as if for the last time, Enobarbus protests that he is “onion-eyed (IV.2.35). Antony’s reaction to his desertion, “O, my fortunes have Corrupted honest men!” (IV.2.35) and his decision to send his treasure to him confirm all that is said of Antony’s “bounty”. The guilt felt by Enobarbus and his subsequent depression and loss of will are clearly shown. “No honourable trust. I have done ill, of which I do accuse myself” (239.IV.35) But his death in mental torment and the consciousness of disgrace are proof of the fact that Antony’s “fortunes have/ Corrupted honest men” give a wider dimension to the tragedy of the protagonists.
