Editing Antony and Cleopatra (section)

==== Betrayal ====

Betrayal is a recurring theme throughout the play. At one time or another, almost every character betrays their country, ethics, or a companion. However, certain characters waver between betrayal and loyalty. This struggle is most apparent in the actions of Cleopatra, Enobarbus, and most importantly Antony. Antony mends ties with his Roman roots and alliance with Caesar by entering into a marriage with Octavia, but he returns to Cleopatra. [[Diana Kleiner]] points out, "Anthony's perceived betrayal of Rome was greeted with public calls for war with Egypt".<ref>{{cite book|last=Kleiner|first=Diana E.E|title=Cleopatra and Rome|year=2005|url=https://archive.org/details/cleopatrarome00klei|url-access=limited|publisher=Harvard University Press|page=[https://archive.org/details/cleopatrarome00klei/page/n124 114]| isbn=9780674019058 }}</ref> Although he vows to remain loyal in his marriage, his impulses and unfaithfulness to his Roman roots are what ultimately lead to war. Cleopatra twice abandons Antony during battle and whether out of fear or political motives, she deceived Antony. When Thidias, Caesar's messenger, tells Cleopatra Caesar will show her mercy if she will relinquish Antony, she is quick to respond:

<blockquote><poem>
"Most kind messenger,
Say to great Caesar this in deputation:
I kiss his conqu'ring hand. Tell him I am prompt
To lay my crown at 's feet, and there to kneel."<ref name="Shakespeare"/> (III.13.75–79)
</poem></blockquote>

Shakespeare critic Sara Deats says Cleopatra's betrayal fell "on the successful fencing with Octavius that leaves her to be "noble to [herself]".<ref>{{cite book|last=Deats|first=Sara|title=Shakespeare Criticism: Antony and Cleopatra: New Critical Essays|year=2004|publisher=Routledge|location=New York|page=117}}</ref> However, she quickly reconciles with Antony, reaffirming her loyalty towards him and never truly submitting to Caesar.
Enobarbus, Antony's most devoted friend, betrays Antony when he deserts him in favour of Caesar. But he exclaims, "I fight against thee! / No: I will go seek some ditch wherein to die"<ref name="Shakespeare" /> (IV. 6. 38–39). Although he abandoned Antony, critic Kent Cartwright claims Enobarbus' death "uncovers his greater love" for him considering it was caused by the guilt for what he had done to his friend, thus adding to the confusion of the characters' loyalty and betrayal that previous critics have also discovered.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cartwright|first=Kent|title=Shakespearean Tragedy and Its Double: The Rhythms of Audience Response|year=2010|publisher=Penn State Press|location=University Park}}</ref> Even though loyalty is central to secure alliances, Shakespeare is making a point with the theme of betrayal by exposing how people in power cannot be trusted, no matter how honest their word may seem. The characters' loyalty and validity of promises are constantly called into question. The perpetual swaying between alliances strengthens the ambiguity and uncertainty amid the characters' loyalty and disloyalty.