Question

Read the given excerpt and answer the questions briefly.

ANTONY: If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle : I remember The first time ever Caesar put it on; 'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent, That day he overcame the Nervii : Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through: See what a rent the envious Casca made: Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd; And as he pluck'd his cursed steel away,

1. How does Antony use visual imagery to make his point about the assassination of Caesar?    (1)
2. What is the significance of the mantle that Antony refers to in his speech?   (1)
3. Identify the tone of Antony's statement when he says, "If you have tears, prepare to shed them now".   (1)
4. What does Antony's reference to the Nervii suggest about Caesar's military prowess?   (1)

Answer 1

1. Antony uses vivid and evocative descriptions of the wounds inflicted on Caesar by his assassins to stir his audience's emotions and create a sense of horror and outrage.
2. The mantle represents Caesar's power and authority and symbolises the leader's ability to inspire loyalty and devotion in his followers.
3. Emotive and urgent [as he seeks to move his audience to tears and to evoke a sense of shared grief and loss]
4. Antony's reference to the Nervii, whom Caesar defeated in battle, highlights Caesar's skill as a military leader and his ability to conquer even the most formidable enemies.