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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. With whom does Caesar exchange speech in Act 4, Scene 1?

2. To whom does the triumphant victor in the first scene of Act 3 speak?

3. What of Cleopatra's does Antony say repays him for the loss at Actium?

4. To whom does Enobarbus attribute all the fault of the defeat in battle at Actium?

5. With what does Caesar reward his army in the beginning of Act 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. Under what condition would Caesar grant lands in Sicily to Mark Antony?

2. What does the sight of Thyreus kissing Cleopatra's hand provoke in Mark Antony?

3. Why is it suggested by Agrippa that Mark Antony be married to Octavia?

4. In what way does Antony compose himself in Act 4, Scene 2?

5. How does Menas propose to make Pompey the ruler of the world?

6. What does Caesar imply by his directions regarding giving the soldiers a feast the night before the battle at Alexandria?

7. What characterizes the reports that the messenger gives to Cleopatra of Octavia?

8. Why does Octavius Caesar lament the absence of Mark Antony?

9. How does Cleopatra expose her true self in Act 3, Scene 13?

10. What characterizes the manner with which Cleopatra reacts to Antony's decisions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

As Antony's rival, Octavius Caesar plays a vital role in the tragic story of Antony and Cleopatra. As the story's external antagonist, he helps to propel the action of the story. In a thoughtful essay, analyze the character of Caesar, being sure to contrast him with Mark Antony but nonetheless retaining focus on Caesar himself. What are his principal traits as a character? What are his motivations? How does he treat other characters in the story? What worldview does Caesar represent? How does Caesar correspond to a changing world dynamic?

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