Antony and Cleopatra | Act 2, Scene 4 | Summary

Summary

Lepidus suggests Maecenas and Agrippa go on their way; battle calls. Agrippa answers they're waiting for Antony to say goodbye to Octavia before they set out themselves. Maecenas adds they're likely to reach Mount Misena before Lepidus, and Lepidus agrees: "My purposes do draw me much about." The men wish each other success and part.

Analysis

In films a quick cut is an abrupt change to another scene. On stage short transitional scenes take the place of quick cuts. This brief scene, one of several that act as transitions or updates, introduces the possibility of ensuing battle with Pompey, despite the festivities aboard his yacht and the signed treaty. The scene also reinforces Antony's conflicts in love, politics, and battle. Lepidus's comment reinforces the sense of his "busy-ness" in doing "tasks" and bustling about.