Prose Set Text Group 2 (2025–26): Plutarch, Antony 76–86 — OCR A-Level Greek

Plutarch's Life of Antony, chapters 76–86, covers the final days of Mark Antony after his defeat at Actium, including his abandonment by Cleopatra, the failed negotiations with Octavian, the false report of Cleopatra's death, Antony's suicide, and Cleopatra's own death by asp bite. This set text is studied for OCR A-Level Greek, focusing on Plutarch's moralising historiography, dramatic narrative techniques, and the portrayal of Antony's tragic downfall.

The set text covers the final chapters of Plutarch's Life of Antony, from his defeat at Actium (31 BC) to his suicide and Cleopatra's death (30 BC). This is a rich passage for study because it combines historical narrative with Plutarch's moral and literary aims. Plutarch, a Greek biographer writing in the Roman Empire, seeks to reveal character through actions, and these chapters are a masterpiece of tragic storytelling, showing Antony's complete psychological collapse and Cleopatra's calculated end.

The passage is significant for OCR A-Level Greek because it requires students to translate and analyse Plutarch's Greek prose, which is sophisticated and full of rhetorical devices. Students must understand the historical context (the Roman civil wars, the rivalry between Octavian and Antony) and Plutarch's philosophical outlook (influenced by Stoicism and Platonism). The text also raises themes of love, power, betrayal, and death, making it accessible for literary criticism.

In the wider syllabus, this set text is part of the 'Prose Set Text Group 2' and is examined through translation, comprehension, and essay questions. Students are expected to comment on Plutarch's style, narrative technique, and characterisation, and to evaluate his reliability as a historian. The passage also connects to other Greek literature studied, such as tragedy, as Plutarch deliberately evokes tragic conventions.

• →Plutarch's biographical method: he focuses on character (ethos) rather than historical events, using anecdotes and moral judgements.
• →The theme of passion vs. reason: Antony's downfall is caused by his erotic love for Cleopatra, which overrides his rational judgement.
• →Dramatic irony and tragic structure: the false report of Cleopatra's death is a classic peripeteia (reversal), leading to Antony's suicide.
• →Cleopatra's characterisation: she is portrayed as cunning, theatrical, and regal, but also as a destructive influence on Antony.
• →The role of fortune (tyche) and fate: Plutarch suggests that Antony's downfall was partly due to external forces beyond his control.

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text
• Identify, analyse and evaluate literary techniques
• Analyse characterisation and strength of argument
• Demonstrate understanding of social, cultural and historical contexts
• Use appropriate technical terms in English to describe literary features
• Select relevant information from the set text and English translation to support arguments
• Present information in a clear, concise and coherent manner in an essay

• 💡Read the prescribed English translation of Plutarch, Antony 56–75 and 87 to understand the broader context
• 💡Ensure familiarity with the literary context of the work
• 💡Use appropriate technical terminology when discussing literary techniques
• 💡Structure essays to draw upon both the Greek set text and the wider English translation
• 💡When writing essays, always quote the Greek text (or give line references) to support your points. This shows close reading and earns marks for evidence.
• 💡Use technical terms like 'pathos', 'peripeteia', 'anagnorisis' (if applicable) to demonstrate literary awareness, but ensure you explain them clearly.
• 💡For translation questions, pay attention to particles like 'men... de...' and 'gar' – they often signal contrasts or explanations that are crucial for meaning.

• Misconception: Plutarch's account is completely accurate history. Correction: Plutarch wrote moral biography, not modern history; he often prioritises dramatic effect and moral lessons over factual precision, and he used sources that may be biased.
• Misconception: Cleopatra killed herself with a snake bite, and this is certain. Correction: Plutarch himself expresses doubt, saying the truth is unknown; some sources suggest poison. Students should note Plutarch's uncertainty.
• Misconception: Antony was a noble hero who was betrayed by Cleopatra. Correction: Plutarch shows Antony as a flawed man whose own choices, especially his infatuation, led to his ruin; Cleopatra is not simply a villain but a complex figure.

1. 1Week 1: Read the entire set text in translation to get the gist. Then work through the Greek text line by line, translating each sentence and noting vocabulary and grammar. Focus on chapters 76–80.
2. 2Week 2: Analyse the literary and thematic aspects: create a table of key themes (love, power, death) and find quotes. Practice essay questions on characterisation and Plutarch's methods. Review past paper questions.
3. 3Week 3: Consolidate by re-translating without notes, and do timed essays. Use active recall to memorise key quotes and Greek phrases. Finally, do a mock exam under timed conditions.

• 📋Translation: A passage from the set text is given, and you must translate it into English. Practice by translating every sentence and checking against a commentary.
• 📋Comprehension questions: Short questions testing understanding of content, e.g., 'Why did Antony think Cleopatra was dead?' (Answer: because she sent a messenger to tell him so).
• 📋Essay questions: Often ask you to discuss Plutarch's portrayal of a character or theme, e.g., 'How does Plutarch make Antony's death dramatic?' You must use evidence and show literary analysis.
• 📋Grammar questions: Sometimes you are asked to identify and explain a grammatical construction, e.g., 'Explain the use of the genitive absolute in line X.'