Act 3, Scene 5 Summary

Enobarbus and Eros meet in Antony's house. Eros explains that Caesar has fought Pompey, and afterwards denied Lepidus any part of the credit for their victory; he has since arrested Lepidus under suspicion that he communicated with Pompey during the wars, and has condemned him to death. Antony is furious that Lepidus ordered the murder of Pompey.

Act 3, Scene 5 Analysis

The conversation between Eros and Enobarbus advances the action of the play, and gives the sense that events are running out of control, that the net of circumstances is drawing in on the isolated figure of Antony. The murder of Pompey and arrest of Lepidus show that integrity and honor are not natural principles within the new Roman political culture. Caesar has taken his opportunity to destroy his enemy, and reclaim the navy. The marriage to Octavia appears at this point...