In Antony & Cleopatra, Shakespeare divides the ancient world into two halves: Rome and Egypt. He also divides the conflict in Antony in two: duty versus love. While Antony and Cleopatra’s passion for each other is genuine, there are others who definitely influence their behavior. Antony’s behavior is influenced in part by his wife, someone who knows that if her husband and brother, Octavius, war it would seem “As if all the world should cleave” (III.iv.31). Indeed, Antony’s losses in the battle of Actium are described as the loss of “half the bulk o’ th’ world” (III.xi.64).
Antony’s pride is injured by his treatment from Octavius. Octavius is all Roman duty while Antony is pure pagan sensualist. In the opening Act we see that Octavius chides Antony’s behavior like that of an errant boy: “...’tis to be chid-/As we rate boys who, being mature in knowledge,/Pawn their experience to their present pleasure,/An so rebel to judgment” (I.iv.30-33). Antony may not like such comments, but his behavior is impulsive. He shows disregard for his wife, falls for Cleopatra’s seductive wiles, and turns and follows her in the midst of battle.
Octavius’ influence on Antony is great. He does not understand that Octavius will not budge with respect to his duty to rule the entire world. He becomes myopic where Octavius retains perfect vision. Octavius’ ability to be rational is akin to Antony’s irrational behavior. He causes Antony to succumb further to Cleopatra’s wiles, while he understands this behavior puts Pompey at an advantage: “Let his shames quickly/drive him to Rome/’Tis time we twain/Did show ourselves I’ th’ field, and to that end/Assemble immediate council. Pompey/Thrives in our idleness” (I.iv.73-76). Because he shames Antony, Octavius’ actions have a great influence on his desire to remain with Cleopatra.
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