Question

Read the following extract from Julius Caesar [Act III Scene 1] and answer the questions that follow:

Antony: Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanc'd Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome, No Rome of safety for Octavius yet; Hie hence and tell him so. Yet, stay awhile; Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corpse Into the marketplace: there shall I try. In my oration, how the people take The cruel issue of these bloody men; According to which, thou shalt discourse To young Octavius of the state of things. Lend me your hand.

1. What instructions does Antony give the servant? (Recall)
2. Why does Antony say 'Rome is dangerous'? Whom is it not safe for? Why? (Understanding, Recall and Analysis)
3. Mention any three predictions that Antony makes when he is left alone with Julius Caesar's dead body. (Recall)
4. What was Brutus' and Cassius' opinion of Antony? Whose assessment about Antony was correct? Justify your answer. (Recall, Analysis and Evaluation)
5. What aspects of Antony's character are revealed in Act III and Act IV? (Evaluate)

Answer 1

1. Antony tells Octavius’ servant to go back quickly and inform Octavius about Caesar’s murder and the dangerous situation in Rome. He then changes his mind and asks the servant to wait until Antony has taken Caesar’s body to the marketplace and spoken to the people.
2. Antony says Rome is dangerous because Caesar has been murdered and the city is in a state of political unrest. It is not safe for Octavius because he is Caesar’s heir and may also become a target in the disturbed situation.
3. Antony predicts that:
   • Civil war and bloodshed will spread throughout Italy.
   • Violence and destruction will become common.
   • Caesar’s spirit will return seeking revenge, with Ate by his side.
4. Brutus considers Antony harmless and believes that, once Caesar is dead, Antony will be powerless. Cassius, however, considers Antony dangerous and wants him killed along with Caesar. Cassius’ assessment proves correct because Antony later turns the Roman people against the conspirators through his funeral speech and becomes a powerful opponent.
5. In Act III, Antony is shown as loyal, intelligent, courageous and highly persuasive. He hides his true feelings before the conspirators and cleverly uses Caesar’s funeral to turn the crowd against them. In Act IV, he appears practical, politically ambitious and ruthless, as he joins Octavius and Lepidus in preparing a list of people who must die.