JAMB - Literature In English (2025 - No. 94)

From the novel; Antony & Cleopatra
From the novel; Antony & Cleopatra
From the novel; Antony & Cleopatra

This question is based on ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.

Enobarbus:

I am alone the villain of the earth, And feel I am so most.

O Antony, Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid

My better service, when my turpitude Thou dost so crown with gold!

What emotion primarily drives Enobarbus in this speech?

Pride
Gratitude
Revenge
Guilt

Explanation

In this scene from William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, Enobarbus is overwhelmed by remorse after deserting Antony to join Caesar. When Antony responds to this betrayal not with anger, but by sending Enobarbus's remaining possessions after him along with extra "bounty" (gifts), Enobarbus is struck by his own "turpitude" (wickedness). He views himself as the "villain of the earth" because he betrayed a leader who remained generous and loyal to him even in defeat.

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