Question

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

ANTONY – O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.

1. After having said those words, what does Antony wish for? Why does he make such a wish? (Recalling & Analysis)
2. While responding to Antony's speech what reason does Brutus give for not granting Antony's wish? How does he justify to Antony the reason for murdering Caesar? (Recalling & Understanding)
3. How does Brutus try to convince Antony that they have no ill will towards him? What does Antony do to extend his hand of friendship towards the conspirators? What is Antony's ulterior motive in doing so? Is Antony really a 'coward' who stands on such slippery grounds? (Understanding & Analysis)
4. What does Antony compare Caesar and the conspirators with? How does Antony win the confidence of the conspirators? (Recalling & Understanding)
5. What request does Antony make? Who objects to his request? Was the person who objected sound in his judgement of Antony? How? (Recalling & Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. Antony wishes that the conspirators would kill him beside Caesar if they intend to kill him at all. He makes this wish because he considers no time more suitable for death than the hour of Caesar’s death and no place more honourable than beside Caesar.
2. Brutus tells Antony not to ask for death because the conspirators have no intention of harming him. He justifies Caesar’s murder by saying that they acted out of pity for the ‘general wrong of Rome’ and killed Caesar for the welfare and freedom of the country.
3. Brutus assures Antony that their swords have ‘leaden points’ for him and that they receive him with brotherly love. Antony shakes hands with each conspirator to appear friendly. His real motive is to gain their confidence and later take revenge for Caesar. He is not a coward; he is being cautious, clever and diplomatic in a dangerous situation.
4. Antony compares Caesar to a brave ‘hart’ or deer and the conspirators to hunters who have surrounded and killed him. He wins their confidence by shaking hands with them and saying that he will be their friend if they explain why Caesar was dangerous.
5. Antony requests permission to take Caesar’s body to the marketplace and speak at his funeral. Cassius objects because he fears Antony may influence the people. Cassius’ judgement is correct, as Antony later uses his funeral speech to turn the Roman crowd against the conspirators.