Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

ANTONY - These many, then, shall die; their names are prick'd. OCTAVIUS - Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus? LEPIDUS - I do consent OCTAVIUS - Prick him down, Antony.

1. How does Antony describe Lepidus? (Recalling & Understanding)
2. Where does this scene take place? Name the two new characters introduced in this scene. How does this short and rather unpleasant scene contrast with the earlier scene of mob fury? (Recalling)
3. What condition? condition does Lepidus lay down soon after this extract? Does Antony agree to this How does he show his consent?
4. What instructions does Antony give to Lepidus? What does Antony intend to do? (Recalling & Understanding)
5. What does this reveal about Antony's character? (Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Antony describes Lepidus as a ‘slight unmeritable man’ who is fit only to be sent on errands. He considers him weak, insignificant and unworthy of sharing power with Octavius and himself.
2. The scene takes place in a house in Rome. The two new characters introduced are Octavius and Lepidus. Unlike the uncontrolled violence of the mob in the earlier scene, this scene shows cold and deliberate political violence, as the three rulers calmly prepare a list of people who must die.
3. Lepidus agrees to the death of his own brother on the condition that Publius, Antony’s sister’s son, should also be killed. Antony agrees immediately and marks Publius’ name for death.
4. Antony tells Lepidus to go to Caesar’s house and bring Caesar’s will. Antony intends to examine the will and reduce some of the money and property that Caesar had left to the Roman people.
5. This reveals Antony as ruthless, calculating and politically ambitious. He is willing to sacrifice even his own relative and alter Caesar’s will for political and financial advantage.