The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra
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The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra
Introduction
Octavius Caesar (later renamed to Augustus Caesar, son of the murdered Julius Caesar), Antony, and Lepidus form the Roman triumvirate that rules the Western world. Lepidus leaves the triumvirate, and Caesar and Antony are left to rule the world. Antony, though married to Fluvia, lives in Alexandria, Egypt with his mistress Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. Fueled by a disgust at his lifestyle in Egypt and anger over the wars caused by Antonys relatives, Caesar calls Antony home to Rome. Antony agrees, but only after Fluvia dies of an illness. Once in Rome, Caesar and Antony try to make amends through the marriage of Antony to Caesars sister Octavia.
Antony soon deserts Octavia, however, and returns to live with Cleopatra. Caesar, enraged, vows to attack and regain control of Egypt from Antony and Cleopatra. Caesars army is more powerful and more skillful, and soon approaches defeat of Antony. Enobarbus, Antonys best friend, deserts him and joins Caesars army. However, Enobarbus becomes overcome with regret and remorse for leaving Antony, and kills himself near Caesars headquarters. Antony, facing defeat, asks Eros (another friend) to kill him. Eros cannot,