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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. Who enters the stage bleeding in Act 4, Scene 7?

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

3. Upon what does one of the soldiers place his hope of the battle on foot in Act 4, Scene 3?

4. Whose "case of that huge spirit now is cold" as said by Cleopatra?

5. Who brings news to Antony that Cleopatra is not dead?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What attitude grips Antony and his soldiers in Act 4, Scene 7?

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

4. Why does Enobarbus say he will seek out a ditch in which he may die?

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

6. What does Antony say will happen to Cleopatra if she does not vanish after his fleet has betrayed him?

7. What is revealed about the Roman attitude towards death in Act 4, Scene 14?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Throughout Antony and Cleopatra's stormy relationship in the play, it is shown that their love is always a hair's-breadth away from becoming hate, and vice-versa. In a well-developed analytical essay, examine the nature of Antony and Cleopatra's relationship insofar as it alternates from one extreme to another. What propels the characters to launch from one condition to another? How is hate assuaged and love incited? In what way are the two conditions similarly portrayed?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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