What elements of discord do you find in the first two acts of Anthony and Cleopatra?
             In the first two acts of Antony and Cleopatra we are presented with the opposing cultures of mysterious, frivolous Egypt and ruthless, imperial Rome. Civil War has broken out, and there is discord both within the triumvirate and opposing camps. The intensity of Antony and Cleopatra's love causes disharmony. A political marriage for Antony in Rome compounds the situation.
             The play opens interrupting Philo and Demetrius mid-conversation and we are made aware of discord within Antony's own camp. Philo's remark 'Nay, but this dotage of our general's O'erflows the measure' indicate that Antony's adoration of Cleopatra is regarded as inappropriate and undignified. The use of imagery conveys the extent of their disgust; the once great warrior 'is become the bellows and the fan To cool a gypsy's lust'. They have seen 'The triple pillar of the world transformed Into a strumpet's fool'. As their conversation resumes at the end of scene one, it is clear that disapproval of Antony's conduct has spread to Rome:
             That he approves the common liar, who
             Antony's intoxication with Cleopatra is such that he has neglected his triumvirate responsibilities. His indifference towards affairs of Rome is apparent as he dismisses a Roman messenger in scene one. In bouts of flippancy his true motives are revealed:
             Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch
             His subsequent, unavoidable discussion with the messenger in scene two demonstrates that he is aware of his diminished reputation:
             Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue:
             Name Cleopatra as she is called in Rome;
             Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase, and taunt my faults
             With such full license as both truth and malice
             Discord between the cultures of Egypt and Rome is a theme that runs through the play...