What is the significance of Act four scene eight?
Just like before in the play the audience thought that Anthony was down and out. Some of his men had deserted him “that has this morning left thee” and gone to join with his enemy. Even his best friend Enobarbus had left his side “call for Enobarbus, he shall not hear thee” “he is with Caesar” and all odds were against him for winning the war. An Act that began with a defeated Anthony it was expected that it would be his last fight and that he would die in the arms of Cleopatra. In a memorable scene before the great battle Cleopatra had helped Anthony put on his armour and had watched him go “forth gallantly”. Anthony had fought as her soldier and her lover, for him all that Rome and Egypt mean to him reunite as if to wish him good-bye before he dies.
However, against all odds he manages to defeat Caesar and “beat him back to his camp”. Anthony here uses very monosyllabic language, which reflects on newfound unity of self. This is a moment of triumph and glory for Anthony it is also a high point for the audience. Although this is supposed to be Anthony’s big moment, he is supposed to bask in glory, his first thoughts are of Cleopatra “Let the queen know of our gests”. He wants to let his “Queen” know of his achievements so that she is not to worry. At this point in the play Anthony would be played with great excitement. He has now almost reached enlightenment and is one with himself he is peaceful. He is no longer obsessed with Caesar and his youth like he was before “he calls me boy” this time he makes a joke about it “do something mingle with our younger brown”.
