Antony and Cleopatra Lesson Plan

How are messengers treated in the play so far?

Students may note that a lot of the plot developments in this play come via messengers, who report important events that occur offstage to the powerful figures they serve. Students should pay attention to how each messenger is received, as this gives us information about the central characters, their values, and how they wield their power over others. For example, in the play's very first scene, Antony ignores important ambassadors in order to go party, which lays the groundwork for one of the central elements of Antony's character: his tendency to blow off his responsibilities and ignore warnings when he's having fun.

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