Question

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

ANTONY - This was the most unkindest cut of all; For when the noble Caesar saw him stab, ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms Quite vanquish'd him, then burst his mighty heart;

1. Which was the unkindest cut of all? Who have already stabbed Caesar? Where? When? (Recalling)
2. Why was it referred to as 'the unkindest cut of all'? What was the reaction in Caesar's body to this cut? What does it show about Caesars's relationship with the person who gave him this cut? (Understanding & Analysis)
3. Where did Caesar fall? What was ironical about his fall? (Recalling & Analysis)
4. What is spoken about the vesture of Caesar by Antony in his speech? What was so special about it? What was its significance in history? (Recalling & Analysis)
5. How did the mob react? What did Antony want to achieve through his speech? How far was he successful? (Understanding & Analysis)

Answer 1

1. The ‘most unkindest cut of all’ was the wound given by Brutus. Before him, conspirators such as Casca and Cassius had already stabbed Caesar at the Capitol on the Ides of March.
2. Brutus’ wound was called the ‘most unkindest cut’ because Brutus was Caesar’s trusted and beloved friend. Antony says that when Caesar saw Brutus stab him, the pain of ingratitude was stronger than the physical wounds, and his ‘mighty heart’ broke. This shows how deeply Caesar loved and trusted Brutus.
3. Caesar fell at the base of Pompey’s statue. This was ironical because Caesar had defeated Pompey and his supporters, yet he finally died beneath Pompey’s statue, staining it with his blood.
4. Antony shows the citizens Caesar’s mantle and reminds them that Caesar first wore it on the day he defeated the Nervii. He points out the holes made in it by the conspirators’ weapons. The mantle is significant because it recalls Caesar’s military glory and makes his violent death more moving to the citizens.
5. The mob becomes deeply emotional, angry and eager for revenge against the conspirators. Antony’s aim was to create sympathy for Caesar and turn the citizens against Brutus and the other conspirators. He succeeds completely, as the crowd becomes violent and calls for revenge.