Antony and Cleopatra: the theme of nature Nature, described as mysterious and secretive, is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Cleopatra, the ill-fated queen of Egypt, is both mysterious and secretive, and her emotional power goes far beyond the great force of nature. Whether described positively or negatively, both nature and Cleopatra are described as “great natural forces.” Throughout the first act, the two are compared and contrasted by various characters in the play. The first act, set in Alexandria, Egypt, sets the stage for the play and introduces most of the actors. The second scene introduces one of the main themes of the work, Nature. In this vulgar and innuendo-filled scene, two close friends of Cleopatra and one of Antony discuss her and Antony's life. Charmian, one of Cleopatra's best friends, Alexas, one of Cleopatra's servants (as well as the liaison between her and Antony), Ahenobarbus, one of Antony's trusted lieutenants, as well as a fortune teller are all present and discuss their fortunes. During this discussion, the soothsayer states, “In Nature's infinite book of secrecy / I may read a little” (I.ii.10-11). The fortune teller explains to the others that there is little she can do outside of not only her powers, but also what nature allows her to do. One of the first references to nature and the mystery that revolves around it, this quote simply demonstrates how little power people have over something as big as nature. Nature and the elements that surround it are simply a mystery to the people of Rome. In his discussion with his lieutenant commander, Ahenobarbus refers to Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt and Antony's future lover, as a great natural force who is above the powers of nature. In the second scene of the first act, Antonio states: "She is cunning beyond the thought of man" (I.ii.145). This statement is then followed by that of Enobarbus on Cleopatra: “…her passions are made of nothing but the subtlest part of pure love. We cannot call it / winds and waters sighs and tears; they are storms and storms bigger than the almanacs can report. This cannot be cunning in her; if so, it makes a spectacle of both rain and Jupiter” (I.ii.146-151). In this quote, Ahenobarbus shows great respect and admiration towards Cleopatra. Not only does he defend her from Antony's claims, but he also holds her in such high esteem that he compares her to Jupiter, the ruler of the gods responsible for rain, thunder, and lightning..