Act 2 Scene 2

Symbolism
Marriage is used as a symbol, it represents the theme of duty as Antony only marries Octavia to build an alliance with Caesar

In terms of the scenes structure itself, there appears to be 2 mini scenes within the scene, the first being one revolving around the triumvirs as the marriage between Antony and Octavia is suggested and the other is about Enobarbus' experience in Egypt.

The use of Enobarbus' recollection after the discussion of Octavia's marriage allow for a dynamic to be built between them. The beauty of Cleopatra is described in a way that makes Octavia's seem pale by comparison.

Character Development
Antony and Caesar have a breakdown in their relationship as Antony neglected to aid Caesar when he needed it, because of this, Caesar starts the scene angry at Antony. When Agrippa offers the idea of marriage between Antony and Octavia, Caesar's attitude towards Antony changes shortly after as the build a new alliance.

When Enobarbus recalls how Cleopatra and Antony first met, this could act as a character development as the audience is able to see how Antony first fell for her.

Analysis
The conflicting ideas of both love/lust and duty are present during the scene as Agrippa suggests a marriage between Antony and Octavia in order to build an alliance between Caesar and Antony in order to strengthen their relationship. They all agree to this however after doing so, Enobarbus recalls how Cleopatra enchanted Antony as they first met. This could imply that marriage is being used as a symbol for duty and not actually for love, while actual love is something deterring Antony from duty, as previously mentioned by Caesar.

In Enobarbus' recollection of Cleopatra meeting Antony, he discussed her physical beauty. In contrast with the previous discussion about Octavia, it seems that Octavia is reduced to nothing as immediately after arranging her marriage the attention is back on Cleopatra.