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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. Whose of Caesar's does Antony insist alone is worthy of trust?

2. To whose "prepared nails" does Antony refer?

3. Upon what does Antony say he will look in line 9 of Act 4's tenth scene?

4. Where does Cleopatra go in Act 4, Scene 13?

5. Who accompanies Antony in Act 4, Scene 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What purpose does Act 4, Scene 3 serve, with its interlude of unnamed, minor characters?

2. How does Antony behave towards his servants before the battle at Alexandria?

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

4. How does Cleopatra comport herself towards Antony in Act 4, Scene 4?

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

6. How does the news of Cleopatra's death affect Antony's actions?

7. How does Caesar gain an advantage by holding his land forces still?

8. How does the course of the battle change in Act 4, Scene 10?

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

10. What effect on Antony's disposition does the desertion by Enobarbus have?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 3, Scenes 10 through 13, Antony is unveiled as being shamed and enraged to the point of violence by that shame. Having fled battle, shown himself to appear a coward, and having his woman enticed by a servant of his enemy, Antony is overcome with emotional discord. By formulating an insightful essay, examine the inherent relationship between shame, anger, and violence, as it is portrayed in Antony and Cleopatra. In what scenes does the relationship become evident? How does it become evident? What motivates Antony, or any other characters for whom you can find examples, to feelings of shame? How is this shame related to anger and/or violence?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the play, there is a regularly occurring but never explicitly mentioned theme of tyrannical rule. Tyranny, in the modern conception, is defined as the rule of any authoritative figure or body for the sake of his or their own good, without consideration of those who are ruled. In a thoughtful essay, analyze the presence of this theme in all of the powerful rulers throughout the play. How do they rule for their own good? In what way does this rule affect those who are ruled, be it positive or negative? In what scenes or actions do the various rulers evince tyrannical tendencies?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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