Discussion Question #3

[Madison]

Let's talk about Octavia. Is she just a pawn in her brother's attempt to bring Antony to heel? Did she marry Antony because she wanted to or because she had no choice? Is Caesar really upset by Antony's treatment of her or is there some other reason.

[Linda R,]

I think Octavia acts like a pawn. The way Caesar thrusts the marriage upon Antony after Fulvia's death seems like she is the symbol of his loyalty to Rome.

In the Heston version of the play, he directs Octavia to act cold and distant to Antony and that's what has him hurry back to Cleopatra.

[Madison]

Hmm. I haven't seen the Heston version. Interesting acting choice.