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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What has Antony's fleet done at Alexandria?

2. What is an appropriate synonym for "appointment" as used in line 8 of Act 4, Scene 10?

3. What happens to Cleopatra after Antony's death, in Act 4, Scene 15?

4. With whom has Antony's most recent deserter been discovered in Act 4, Scene 5?

5. From next to where does Antony go to discover the outcome of the sea-battle at Alexandria?

Short Essay Questions

1. What characterizes the reactions of those present in Act 4, Scene 1, to the news of Antony's death?

2. In what way is Antony's disposition towards the battle at Alexandria changed on the second day?

3. Why does Cleopatra tell Mardian to inform Antony that she has died?

4. What is meant by Charmian's statement that "The soul and body rive not more in parting / Than greatness going off"?

5. What does Enobarbus reveal about Caesar in Act 4, Scene 6?

6. What does Antony mean by saying that his men have "shown all Hectors" and why is this significant?

7. What is revealed by Antony's immediate blame of Cleopatra for the surrender of his fleet?

8. Why does Caesar insist upon being still with his land forces on the second day of Battle at Alexandria?

9. For what reason does Caesar seek to preserve the life of Cleopatra after hearing that Antony has died?

10. What is indicated by Cleopatra's refusal to come down to Antony in Act 4, Scene 15?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the third act of the play, the fortunes of the two sides of the external conflict are reversed by the machinations of free will. Examine in a thoroughly-developed analytical essay this reversal of fortune. How had the fortunes of Antony and his companions been positively progressing throughout the first few acts of the play? In what way do they regress in the second half? How is this affected in the third act of the play? What particular actions, and of whom, are responsible for the inception of the downfall of the triumvir Antony and in what do they consist?

Essay Topic 2

The primary element to the vibrancy of any of Shakespeare's plays, particularly those that are historically based, is the richness of the characters' portrayal. As such, comprehending the roles of even the most minor characters can be crucial to appreciation of the play as a whole. In the case of Antony and Cleopatra, every character revolves around fidelity to some other, more powerful individual. Analyze in an insightful essay all of the characters who are fundamentally attached to Antony, excluding Enobarbus. What is common among the various characters attached to Antony? How does this reflect upon Antony himself? What sort of relationship is there between each character and Antony? Upon what is the relationship founded? Is there any sort of reciprocity present?

Essay Topic 3

In a variety of scenes and a variety of manners, the play constantly exposes the inherent dangers of political success and failure. Analyze this exposition as it occurs throughout the play in a well-organized essay. In what scenes is political danger a dominant theme? How are the dangers of politics portrayed? Which characters provide insight on the dangers of the political machinations of the play and how are they exposed? What is the significance of the inherent dangers of politics to the tragic nature of the play?

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