1. AS English Literature Unit One – Drama Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare

2. Assessment Objectives identify and examine a range of methods employed by Shakespeare e.g. language (including imagery), tone, form and structure, exploring how these methods shape meaning (AO2); and demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence the contexts in which Shakespeare’s drama was written and received (AO4)

3. The Coursework You will research the contextual aspects of the play listed below You will prepare a 1500 word essay discussing Antony and Cleopatra in terms of a stated context that you choose. You will be able to do two drafts

4. Possible Contexts Literary –What is Tragedy? –Aristotle’s Poetics and his views on the structure of Tragedy –Shakespeare’s adaptation of Aristotle’s Structure of Tragedy –The Tragic Hero –Shakespeare’s Roman Plays

5. Historical –The real Antony and Cleopatra –The real Octavius Caesar / Emperor Augustus –Ancient Rome and Egypt Possible Contexts

6. Historical –Elizabeth I –James I –Christian IV of Denmark –Changing ideas of honour –Attitudes to women –Attitudes to what is a hero Possible Contexts

7. Today –How do our C21st views of the play, its characters and the issues it discusses affect our appreciation of the play? –Do we see the play differently to other audiences throughout the centuries?

8. Possible Contexts Biographical –Shakespeare’s life and how his life and experiences may have shaped his writing of the play

9. Possible Contexts Theatrical –Shakespeare’s life and how his life and experiences may have shaped his writing of the play –The Globe –How might Shakespeare’s writing of the play been affected by the theatre of the C17th?

10. Possible Contexts Critical –How have critics responded to Antony and Cleopatra over the years? –How has the play been interpreted by different directors (stage and film)? –What are your own views based on what you have studied and, crucially, what you think yourself?