Antony and Cleopatra: Act I and II Questions

1. **Act I Scene 1**: The play opens with Philo and Demetrius discussing Antony's infatuation with Cleopatra and how it has affected his duties as a triumvir. 2. **Act I Scene 2**: Cleopatra learns of Antony's marriage to Octavia and is furious. She decides to send her servant Charmian to Rome to spy on Antony and Octavia. 3. **Act I Scene 3**: Antony receives news that his wife Fulvia has died and that Pompey is threatening to take control of Rome. He decides to return to Rome to deal with the situation. 4. **Act II Scene 1**: Pompey learns that Antony has left Egypt for Rome and fears that Antony and Caesar will unite against him. 5. **Act II Scene 2**: Enobarbus describes Cleopatra's barge to Agrippa and Maecenas. 6. **Act II Scene 3**: Antony and Octavia are married in Rome. 7. **Act II Scene 4**: Antony receives news that his wife Fulvia's estate has been seized by Caesar. He decides to return to Egypt. 8. **Act II Scene 5**: Cleopatra is angry with Antony for marrying Octavia and decides to test his love for her. 9. Act II Scene 6: Antony returns to Egypt and is reconciled with Cleopatra.

What is the speaker's opinion of the general's behavior?

The speaker believes that the general's behavior is excessive and irrational.

How does Antony's captain's heart change?

Antony's captain's heart loses its courage and becomes subservient to someone unworthy.

What does Cleopatra want to know about Antony's love?

Cleopatra wants to know the extent or magnitude of Antony's love.

How does Antony respond to Cleopatra's question about love?

Antony believes it is impossible to measure or quantify true love.

What does Cleopatra suggest they do if Antony truly loves her?

Cleopatra suggests that they search for a new heaven and a new Earth.

What news does the messenger bring to Antony?

The messenger brings news from Rome to Antony.

How does Antony feel about receiving news from Rome?

Antony is annoyed or displeased by the news from Rome.

Why does Cleopatra think Fulvia might be angry?

Cleopatra thinks Fulvia might be angry because she suspects that Julius Caesar has sent demands or commands to Antony.

How does Cleopatra feel about Antony blushing?

Cleopatra feels embarrassed or ashamed when Antony blushes.

What does Antony suggest they do instead of discussing serious matters?

Antony suggests that they enjoy themselves and have fun instead of having serious conversations.

Who enters in Act 1, Scene 2?

ENOBARBUS, LAMPRIUS, a SOOTHSAYER, Rannius, LUCILLIUS, CHARMIAN, IRAS, MARDIAN the eunuch, and ALEXAS.

What does Charmian ask Alexas?

Charmian asks Alexas where the fortuneteller is.

Who does Charmian give her hand to?

Charmian gives her hand to the fortuneteller.

What does the fortuneteller say about Charmian's future?

The fortuneteller says that Charmian's beauty will be even greater in the future.

How does Charmian interpret the fortuneteller's words?

Charmian interprets the fortuneteller's words as meaning that she will get fat.

What does Alexas tell Charmian?

Alexas tells Charmian to be attentive and not to make fun of the fortuneteller's predictions.

What does the fortuneteller predict about Charmian's love life?

The fortuneteller predicts that Charmian will love more than she is loved.

What does Iras say about Charmian's future?

Iras says that Charmian will start using makeup when she is old.

What does Charmian say in response to Iras?

Charmian says that she hopes she never gets wrinkles.

What does Alexas tell Charmian?

Alexas tells Charmian to quiet down and not to joke about the fortuneteller's predictions.

How does Charmian feel about her current fortune?

Charmian expresses a desire for excellent fortune and prefers a long life over figs.

What does the Soothsayer predict about Charmian's future?

The Soothsayer predicts that Charmian will outlive the lady she serves.

How does Charmian react to the Soothsayer's prediction?

Charmian is delighted by the prediction and loves the idea of a long life.

How many children does Charmian ask the Soothsayer about?

Charmian asks how many boys and girls she will have.

What is the Soothsayer's response to Charmian's question about children?

The Soothsayer playfully responds that if every wish Charmian has comes true, she would have a million boys and girls.

How does Charmian react to the Soothsayer's response?

Charmian dismisses the Soothsayer, calling them a fool and forgiving them for being a witch.

Who does Alexas suggest knows Charmian's wishes?

Alexas suggests that Charmian's sheets are privy to her wishes.

Who does Charmian ask Alexas to tell her fortune?

Charmian asks Alexas to tell Iras's fortune.

How does Charmian feel about her own fortune compared to Iras's?

Charmian wonders if she is an inch of fortune better than Iras.

Where does Iras joke about finding an inch of fortune?

Iras jokes that she wouldn't find an inch of fortune in her husband's nose.

What are Enobarbus and Charmian's responses when Cleopatra asks if her lord was here?

Enobarbus says "No, lady" and Charmian says "No, madam".

What did Cleopatra observe about her lord's mood before mentioning Enobarbus?

Cleopatra observed that he was in a good mood

Who does Cleopatra instruct Enobarbus to seek and bring to her?

Cleopatra instructs Enobarbus to seek her lord (Antony)

Where is Alexas?

Alexas is present and at Cleopatra's service.

Who enters the scene with a messenger and attendants?

Mark Antony enters with a messenger and attendants.

Who was the first to come into the field during the war?

Fulvia, Mark Antony's wife, was the first to come into the field.

Who did Fulvia fight against in the war?

Fulvia fought against Mark Antony's brother Lucius.

Who joined forces against Caesar in the war?

Fulvia and Lucius joined forces against Caesar.

Where did the war take place initially?

The war took place in Italy.

What did Labienus, with his Parthian force, do in Asia?

Labienus extended Asia from Euphrates and his conquered from Syria to Lydia and to Ionia.

Where did Fulvia die?

Fulvia died in Sicyon.

What does the Second Messenger give to Mark Antony?

The Second Messenger gives a letter to Mark Antony.

What does Mark Antony explain about wanting?

Mark Antony says what goes it what you wish for again

What Mark Antony’s laziness causes according to him?

Mark Antony's time he has wasted has caused ten thousand more problems than the one’s he even knows about.

Who does Mark Antony want to speak to?

Mark Antony wants to speak to Domitius Enobarbus.

What is Domitius Enobarbus' response to Mark Antony's request to speak?

Domitius Enobarbus asks Mark Antony what he would like

Why does Domitius Enobarbus say it's a pity to cast women away?

Domitius Enobarbus says it's a pity to cast women away because between you will make them suffer and when you leave it is like they die internally

What does Cleopatra do upon hearing even the slightest noise of this?

Cleopatra dies instantly upon hearing the slightest noise of this.

How many times has Domitius Enobarbus seen Cleopatra die?

Domitius Enobarbus has seen Cleopatra die twenty times.

What does Mark Antony think about Cleopatra's ability to die quickly?

Mark Antony thinks that Cleopatra is very cunning with her pretence

Why does Domitius Enobarbus describe Fulvia's feelings as greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report?

Domitius Enobarbus describes Fulvia's feelings as greater storms and tempests because they are intense and overpowering, beyond what can be measured or predicted by almanacs.

How does Mark Antony feel about seeing Fulvia?

Mark Antony wishes he had never seen Fulvia.

According to Domitius Enobarbus, what makes Fulvia a wonderful piece of work?

According to Domitius Enobarbus, Fulvia is a wonderful piece of work because her presence and influence would have been highly valued and admired.

How does Mark Antony react to the news of Fulvia's death?

Mark Antony informs Domitius Enobarbus that Fulvia is dead.

How does Domitius Enobarbus advise Mark Antony to respond to Fulvia's death?

Domitius Enobarbus advises Mark Antony to give thanks to the gods for taking away Fulvia, as it signifies the opportunity for new beginnings and fresh experiences.

Why does Domitius Enobarbus suggest that Mark Antony should be grateful for Fulvia's death?

Domitius Enobarbus suggests that Mark Antony should be grateful for Fulvia's death because it opens up the possibility for new relationships and opportunities.

What does Mark Antony realize about his absence and its impact on the state?

Mark Antony realizes that his absence from the state will have a negative impact on the business and affairs that he has initiated.

According to Domitius Enobarbus, what is Cleopatra's business that depends on Mark Antony's presence?

According to Domitius Enobarbus, Cleopatra's business depends on Mark Antony's presence, especially in matters that require his authority and influence.

Why does Mark Antony want to inform the queen and seek her permission to leave?

Mark Antony wants to inform the queen and seek her permission to leave because there are urgent matters that require his attention and presence.

What are some of the reasons why Mark Antony feels the need to leave Rome?

Mark Antony feels the need to leave Rome because the death of Fulvia and letters from his friends in Rome, as well as the challenges from Sextus Pompeius, require his immediate attention and action.

Where does Cleopatra want to find Antony?

Cleopatra wants to find Antony in order to see where he is and who he is with.

What does Cleopatra want Charmian to do if she finds Antony sad?

Cleopatra wants Charmian to say that she is dancing if Antony is sad.

According to Charmian, what is the best way for Cleopatra to hold Antony's love?

Charmian believes that Cleopatra should give Antony his way in everything and not cross him.

How does Cleopatra respond to Charmian's advice?

Cleopatra thinks that Charmian's advice is foolish and will only lead to her losing Antony

What does Cleopatra think of Antony's vows to her?

Cleopatra believes that Antony's vows are worthless and that he is being false to her, just as the godscwere false to Fulvia.

What does Cleopatra wish Antony would do?

Cleopatra wishes that Antony would say goodbye and leave, instead of finding excuses to stay.

How does Cleopatra describe herself and her relationship with Egypt?

Cleopatra wishes she had Antony's perspective so she could understand and feel the heart of Egypt.

Why does Antony say he must leave Cleopatra?

Antony explains that the current political situation in Italy requires his services.

What news does Cleopatra suspect Antony has?

Cleopatra believes that Antony has good news based on the look in his eye.

How does Antony respond to Cleopatra's accusation of being false?

Antony is surprised by Cleopatra's accusation and asks her what is the matter.

Who does Octavius Caesar refer to as the queen of Ptolemy?

Cleopatra

According to Octavius Caesar, what does Antony fill his vacancy with?

pleasure

What does Octavius Caesar compare Antony's faults to?

spots of the heaven

Who brings news to Octavius Caesar?

Messenger

According to Lepidus, what is Pompey strong at?

sea

Who does Octavius Caesar instruct to leave their lascivious wassails?

sea

What does Octavius Caesar accuse Antony of eating?

strange flesh

According to Octavius Caesar, who thrives in their idleness?

Pompey

What does Octavius Caesar suggest they do immediately?

Go to Pompey

What does Cleopatra want Charmian to give her?

Cleopatra wants Charmian to give her mandragora, a type of sleeping potion.

Why does Cleopatra want to sleep?

Cleopatra wants to sleep because she is missing Antony, who is away.

What is Charmian's response when Cleopatra accuses herself of thinking too much about Antony?

Charmian disagrees with Cleopatra's accusation and reassures her that it is not bad to think about Antony.

What does Cleopatra ask Mardian?

Cleopatra asks Mardian if he has any affections (feelings or emotions).

How does Mardian, who is a castrated male servant, respond to Cleopatra's question about his affections?

Mardian says that he does have affections, but only in thought and not in sexual action. He mentions Venus and Mars as an example.

Why is Mardian castrated?

He is castrated to that he cannot in anyway advance sexually towards the queen or the ladies he serves.

Where does Cleopatra ask Charmian to imagine Antony being?

Cleopatra asks Charmian to imagine where Antony might be standing, sitting, walking, or riding his horse.

What is Cleopatra's description of Antony?

Cleopatra describes Antony as the demi-Atlas of the earth, the arm and protector of men. She mentions that he is speaking and murmuring about her.

Who enters from Octavius Caesar?

Alexas enters from Octavius Caesar and greets Cleopatra as the sovereign of Egypt.

How does Cleopatra describe Mark Antony to Alexas?

Cleopatra compares Alexas to Mark Antony, saying that Antony's greatness has somehow influenced Alexas. She asks how Antony is doing.

How does Alexas describe Antony's mood when he last saw him?

Alexas says that Antony was neither sad nor happy, but somewhere in between.

What are the deeds that Pompey believes the gods should assist?

The deeds of honest men.

What do the ignorant often beg for, but the wise powers deny for their own good?

They often beg for things that may harm them.

According to Pompey, where is Mark Antony currently?

Mark Antony is currently in Egypt, sitting at dinner.

Whose lip does Pompey want to be softened by Cleopatra's charms and love?

Pompey wants Cleopatra to keep on loving Antony so that he will forget his roles and duties and he can attack whilst the general is away.

Who does Varrius say is expected to arrive in Rome soon?

Mark Antony is expected to arrive in Rome soon.

What is Pompey's opinion about Mark Antony's soldiers compared to others?

Pompey believes that Mark Antony's soldiers is twice as good as others.

According to Menas, why may Caesar and Antony not greet each other well?

Menas believes that Antony's wife raised an army up against Caesar.

According to Pompey, what does it depend on for them to use their strongest army?

It only stands on their lives to use their strongest armies.