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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 brings news to Antony that Cleopatra is not dead?

2. Who accompanies Cleopatra to her destination in Act 4, Scene 13?

3. Who goes to make Caesar's will regarding Antony known to the troops?

4. Who is speaking in Act 4, Scene 11?

5. What is the Greek name for "holy Phoebus" to whom Antony refers?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How has the battle gone so far, in Act 4, Scene 7?

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

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

6. What does the sudden music expose within the soldiers of Antony before the battle at Alexandria?

7. What characterizes Enobarbus' speech which he calls upon the moon to witness?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Though not an antagonist in the traditional sense of the word, Cleopatra acts as a catalyst for the internal conflict that contributes to Mark Antony's disintegration. This makes Cleopatra a somewhat unique character in literature. Compose an analytical essay that examines the peculiarities of her character, including how they affect Antony, but focusing principally on Cleopatra. What characterizes her personality? What traits does she habitually evince in the play? What are her motivations throughout the play? Does her behavior, by the final act, change from how she comports herself in the play's first act?

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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