The Omens
In the opening scene of the play, Serapion and another priest of Isis discuss the fact that there have been a number of natural events that seem to portend an ominous future for Egypt. They describe whirlwinds, the flooding of the Nile, and the washing ashore of many sea creatures in vivid detail. These are images that fascinate and terrify them, in that they seem to prophesy the fall of the empire.
Cleopatra and Octavia
In an emotional climax in the middle of the play, Octavia, Antony's wife, and Cleopatra, his mistress, meet one another in person. The stage direction says that "Octavia bears up to her," and then, "Their Trains come up on either side." This is an evocative image of two powerful women in competition facing each other without flinching, daring one another to try them.
Cleopatra's snake
At the end, Cleopatra does not kill herself with conventional poison, or a sword, but with poisonous snakes, which Iras and Charmion bring to her at her request. This method of suicide is emblematic of Cleopatra's being Egyptian, as well as has a theatrical element to it that is fitting for her dramatic and passionate personality.
Alexas bound
At the very end of the play, Serapion and the priests enter with Alexas bound. While Alexas is not exactly the antagonist of the play, he is responsible for a great deal of the tragedy, and is punished at the end for his meddling. The image of him bound at the end represents the fact that he will have to face the consequences of his manipulative ways.
