Antony and Cleopatra Lesson Plan

Why doesn't Ventidius pursue the retreating Parthian soldiers?

Ventidius has achieved great success on the battlefield, but doesn’t want acclaim for it - he doesn't want to attract attention in his boss’s absence. Students may want to take a look at his dialogue for Ventidius's perspective on the dangers of being too successful a subordinate:

“Who does i' the wars more than his captain can

Becomes his captain's captain: and ambition,

The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss,

Than gain which darkens him.

I could do more to do Antonius good,

But 'twould offend him; and in his offence

Should my performance perish.”

Ambition is dangerous, Ventidius says. Better to...