The opening scene of Antony and Cleopatra presents a vivid dramatic contrast between the Roman military, here represented by Philo and Demetrius, and Cleopatra’s court: she is accompanied by her women and attendants, among whose number are eunuchs with fans. At the centre of this scene, framed by the comments of the Roman soldiers, are Antony and Cleopatra themselves; we, the audience, are invited by Philo to observe them: we see them for ourselves, but only after we have heard Philo’s harsh indictment of Antony. We are thus invited to put Philo’s judgement of Antony to the test. From his words, it appears there could hardly be a greater contrast between what Antony once was and what Philo believes he has become. Let us examine Philo’s opening speech more closely. Listen to it again. |
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