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All for Love by John Dryden Summary

 Act One

Serapion describes foreboding omens (of storms, whirlwinds, and the flooding of the Nile) of Egypt's impending doom. Alms, Cleopatra, eunuch, dismisses Serapion, claims and is more concemed with Cleopatra, relationship with Antony. He sees that Cleopatra dotes on Antony and worries that Antony will not continue seeing Cleopatra. Thus, Serapions hosts a festival to celebrate Antonys honor. 

Ventidius, a Roman general, comes to aide Antony in Alexandria. Ventidius disagrees with Antony's relationship with Cleopatra and offers to give Antony troops if he leaves her. Although Antony is insulted by Ventidius's opinions regarding Cleopatra (and refuses to hear anything negative about her), Antony agrees. 

Act Two 

Cleopatra mourns about her situation without Antony. Charmlon, Cleopatra, lady in waiting, attempts to set up a meeting between Cleopatra and Antony, but she is deemed unsuccessful. Cleopatra thus sends Alexas to try to win back Antony using gifts (jewels including a bracelet). Alexas suggests that Cleopatra should tie the bracelet onto Antony's wrist. In the subsequent meeting between Cleopatra and Antony, Ventidius appear and tries M proclaim how Cleopatra is not Antony, rightful partner and would betray him for her own safety. However, Cleopatra wins this argument by demonstrating a letter showing that she refused Egypt and Syria from Octavius. Antony is overjoyed by Cleopatra, decision and proclaims his love for her. 

Act Three 

Dolabella, Antony's friend, appears after Antony, success In battle. He was previous, banished for his love for Cleopatra, but he returns with a warrn welcoming by Antony. Dolabella offers a gift that will bring peace between Antony and Octavius The gift Is °ctn., Octavius's sister, and Antony, two daughters. Antony and Octavia reunite, and Alexas's attempts to meddle for the sake of Cleopatra are dismissed. Cleopatra appears and confronts Octavia. Cleopatra and Octavia argue and Cleopatra loses the argument. 

Act Four 

Antony Is planning to leave and if he tells Cleopatra himself he might change his mind so he asks Dolabella to tell Cleopatra. Ventidius hears that Antony is leaving and he wonders if he should pursue Cleopatra again but decides that he will use this Information to split Antony and Cleopatra further apart. Ventidius and Octavia see Dolabella taking Cleopatra, hand. Ventidius wants to use this information to make the distance between Cleopatra and Antony bigger. Antony gets mad when he hears this information. This makes Oda,. mad and the leaves for good. When Dolabella and Cleopatra try to explain themselves Antony does not believe them and becomes more isolated than he was before. 

Act Five 

Cleopatra attempts to commit suicide and the Egyptian naval fleet switch sides to the Romans. Antony and Ventidus meet up and prepare to fight. Alexas, Cleopatra's messenger, comes and informs Antony that Cleopatra is dead. Antony then tells Ventidus to end his life, but Ventidus refuses and kills himself. With Ventidus dead, Antony then tried and failed to commit suicide. Cleopatra then comes in and sees the dying Antony, and living on the verge of death. Cleopatra then kills herself. Serapion delivers their eulogy. 


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