Quiz questions
Antony and Cleopatra
William Shakespeare
Reading comprehension quiz questions for Antony and Cleopatra — use them as a reading-check starter, a self-study tool, or a quick assessment. Answers are included below each question.
In Shakespeare's *Antony and Cleopatra*, what method does Cleopatra use to end her life rather than face imprisonment in Rome? A) She drinks poison provided by a servant B) She lets an asp (a venomous snake) bite her C) She stabs herself with a dagger D) She jumps from the tower of the monument **Correct Answer: B** — Cleopatra allows an asp to bite her, famously placing the snake against her breast, opting for death over the shame of being displayed in Rome as Octavius Caesar's prisoner.
ap_lit · aqa · ib_lang_lit · common_core
In Shakespeare's *Antony and Cleopatra*, what is the cause of Cleopatra's death at the end of the play? A) She is killed by Octavius Caesar's soldiers B) She stabs herself with a dagger C) She allows an asp (venomous snake) to bite her D) She drinks poison given to her by Charmian **Correct Answer: C** *Explanation:* Cleopatra decides to end her life by pressing an asp — a venomous Egyptian cobra — against her breast (and arm) instead of being taken to Rome as a captive to be displayed in Octavius Caesar's triumph. This choice symbolizes her final assertion of dignity, love, and power.
ap_lit · aqa · ib_lang_lit · common_core
In Shakespeare's *Antony and Cleopatra*, what method does Cleopatra use to end her life instead of facing capture in Rome? A) She poisons herself with a goblet of wine B) She allows an asp (venomous snake) to bite her C) She stabs herself with a dagger D) She drowns herself in the Nile **Correct Answer: B) She allows an asp (venomous snake) to bite her**
ap_lit · aqa · ib_lang_lit · gcse
These quiz questions are part of Storgy's free teacher toolkit for Antony and Cleopatra. For a full study guide with chapter summaries, characters, themes, and key quotes, visit the Antony and Cleopatra study guide. To browse quiz questions for other works, return to the Quiz Questions hub.