LESSON NOTE ON LITERATURE-IN-ENGLISH SSS3 1ST TERM
CLASS: SSS3 First Term
Based on 2026-2030 WAEC/NECO/JAMB approved harmonised reading texts
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WEEK 1: ———————————————————– page2 a. Revision of Last Term’s Work b. i. Introduction to William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra ii. Setting and Plot Summary of William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra WEEK 2-4: ———————————————————– page9 WEEK 5: ———————————————————– page23 WEEK 6: ———————————————————– page25 WEEK 7: ———————————————————– page32 WEEK 8 – 9: ——————————————————- page33 WEEK 10: ———————————————————– page35 WEEK 11: ———————————————————– page38 ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS ON EVALUATIONS REFERENCE MATERIAL |
WEEK ONE
ANTHONY AND CLEOPATRA BY WILLIAMS SHAKESPEARE
CONTENT
• Revision of Last Term Work
• About the Playwright, William Shakespeare
• Background to the Play Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare
• Setting and Plot Summary of William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT – WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
William Shakespeare’s father was a glove maker, and the famous playwright himself received only a basic education at a grammar school. In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway but left his family around 1590 to pursue a career in London as an actor and playwright. His success was swift, and he quickly became one of the era’s most popular playwrights. Shakespeare was also a part-owner of the renowned Globe Theatre, and in 1603, his acting company was renamed the King’s Men under the patronage of King James I. He eventually retired to his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon as a wealthy and well-respected figure in 1613 and passed away three years later.
BACKGROUND TO ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
The Roman Republic was in decline during the late 1st century BCE. Following the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, a new political arrangement, the second triumvirate, was formed to share power among three men: Lepidus, Octavius Caesar (Caesar’s adopted son), and Mark Antony. Lepidus, being the weakest, was quickly sidelined, leaving Antony and Octavius to amass power and head toward a civil war.
Antony’s sphere of influence was in the east and Egypt, where he was with Cleopatra. Conversely, Octavius’s power was centralized in Rome. The conflict culminated in a decisive battle near Actium in 33 BCE, where Antony and Cleopatra’s forces were defeated. Shortly after, Octavius took complete control of Rome and established a new form of government, the Principate, which is widely recognized as the start of the Roman Empire.
Shakespeare uses these historical facts as a foundation for his tragedy, but he crafts a creative and original story from these real-world events.
SETTING OF THE PLAY
The setting of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra is a key element of the play’s expansive scope. The action rapidly shifts between various geographical locations, primarily Rome and Egypt, but also including places like Athens and Messina.
This fast-paced alternation between distant locales, which moves with the speed of a modern film, was quite innovative and was even criticized in Shakespeare’s time as being difficult to perform on stage. However, with modern technology and theatrical techniques, these quick scene changes are now much more achievable.
The broad scope of the setting serves to enhance the grandeur of the play and its protagonists. The action is not confined to a single stage or kingdom; it spans a vast empire. This emphasizes that Antony and Cleopatra are not just individuals but god-like figures whose actions have global consequences, shaping the future of a crumbling republic and the rise of a new empire.
PLOT SUMMARY OF ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
A Roman soldier in Egypt expresses concern that his general, Antony, has become infatuated with Cleopatra and is neglecting his duties. When Cleopatra and Antony enter, she tests the depth of his love, to which he replies that it’s immeasurable. A messenger arrives from Rome, but Antony, now indifferent to his Roman responsibilities, dismisses him. Following their departure, a soldier points out Antony’s disrespect toward the young Octavius, the sender of the message.
In Egypt, some of Cleopatra’s servants seek out a soothsayer, who foretells that two of them will outlive Cleopatra. Cleopatra then enters, looking for Antony. When he appears, she becomes irritated and leaves. Soon after, a messenger arrives to inform Antony that his wife, Fulvia, has declared war on Octavius, and that Antony has lost territory in Asia Minor. The messenger suggests these misfortunes occurred while Antony was preoccupied with Cleopatra in Egypt. A second messenger brings the news of Fulvia’s death.
Acknowledging his responsibilities, Antony states he must “break off” his “Egyptian fetters” and return to Rome. He decides to deal with Sextus Pompey, a mutual rival who has been growing in power. He instructs his advisor, Enobarbus, to make the necessary arrangements for their departure. Meanwhile, Cleopatra sends her servant, Alexas, to find Antony, with instructions to manipulate Antony’s feelings by acting cheerful if he appears sad, and vice versa.
When Antony tells Cleopatra he must leave,…Download the full lesson note here
EVALUATION 1
1. What historical period serves as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s play? A. The Roman Empire’s early years B. The decline of the Roman Republic C. The reign of Julius Caesar D. The Byzantine Empire
2. Which three men formed the second triumvirate? A. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Octavius B. Lepidus, Octavius Caesar, and Mark Antony C. Mark Antony, Octavius Caesar, and Sextus Pompey D. Lepidus, Julius Caesar, and Octavius Caesar
3. What major political event followed the assassination of Julius Caesar? A. The start of the Roman Empire B. A civil war between Antony and Octavius C. The formation of the second triumvirate D. The establishment of the Principate
4. Where was Mark Antony’s sphere of influence? A. Rome and Italy B. Egypt and the East C. Greece and Athens D. Parthia and Asia Minor
5. Where was Octavius Caesar’s power centralized? A. Egypt B. Athens C. Rome D. Messina
6. What was the outcome of the battle near Actium? A. Antony’s forces defeated Octavius’s. B. The second triumvirate was solidified. C. Antony and Cleopatra’s forces were defeated. D. The Roman Republic was restored.
7. The battle of Actium took place in which year? A. 44 BCE B. 33 BCE C. 27 BCE D. 1 BCE
8. The establishment of the Principate is widely recognized as the start of what? A. The second triumvirate B. The Roman Empire C. The Roman Republic D. A new civil war
9. The play’s setting is described as shifting rapidly between which two primary locations? A. Athens and Messina B. Parthia and Rome C. Rome and Egypt D. Alexandria and Actium
10. What was a criticism of the play’s rapid scene changes in Shakespeare’s time? A. It was too confusing for the audience. B. It was too innovative for the stage. C. It was considered difficult to perform. D. It made the play too short.
11. What is the significance of the play’s broad geographical scope? A. It highlights the limited power of Antony and Cleopatra. B. It emphasizes that the characters’ actions have global consequences. C. It shows the playwright’s lack of focus. D. It was a common feature of plays in Shakespeare’s time.
12. A Roman soldier in Egypt expresses concern that Antony is neglecting his duties due to his infatuation with whom? A. Octavia B. Fulvia C. Cleopatra D. Charmian
13. What news does the first messenger bring to Antony in Egypt? A. That his wife, Fulvia, has died. B. That his wife, Fulvia, has declared war on Octavius. C. That he has gained territory in Asia Minor. D. That Octavius wants to form an alliance.
14. What does Antony decide to do after learning of his wife Fulvia’s death? A. To declare war on Octavius. B. To marry Cleopatra immediately. C. To break off his “Egyptian fetters” and return to Rome. D. To surrender to Sextus Pompey.
15. Why does Octavius want Antony to return to Rome? A. To help combat the growing threat of Pompey. B. To ridicule him for his lifestyle. C. To convince him to leave Cleopatra. D. To defeat him in a duel.
16. What is the name of Octavius’s sister whom Antony marries to create a stronger alliance? A. Fulvia B. Octavia C. Charmian D. Iras
17. Who advises Antony to return to Egypt, warning that he will always be inferior to Octavius in Rome? A. Enobarbus B. Octavia C. A soothsayer D. Eros
18. What does Antony do in a moment of poor judgment during the naval battle against Octavius near Actium? A. He challenges Octavius to a duel. B. He abandons his forces to follow Cleopatra’s fleeing ships. C. He surrenders to Octavius. D. He kills one of his generals.
19. Who does Octavius send to bribe Cleopatra into betraying Antony? A. Enobarbus B. Proculeius C. Thidias D. Dolabella
20. After Antony’s final defeat, what does Cleopatra pretend to do to provoke Antony? A. Join Octavius’s side. B. Flee to another kingdom. C. Kill herself. D. Surrender to Octavius
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