Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Brutus's primary justification for killing Caesar?
What is Brutus's primary justification for killing Caesar?
- He believed Caesar was ambitious. (correct)
- He feared for his own safety.
- He was jealous of Caesar's power.
- He wanted to take Caesar's position.
What does Brutus ask the assembly to do before he speaks?
What does Brutus ask the assembly to do before he speaks?
- To remain silent and listen. (correct)
- To cheer him as a leader.
- To leave if they do not agree.
- To raise their hands for questions.
How does Brutus characterize his love for Caesar in relation to his actions?
How does Brutus characterize his love for Caesar in relation to his actions?
- It was greater than his love for Rome.
- It did not influence his decision to kill him. (correct)
- It was overshadowed by his hatred of tyranny.
- He was forced to choose between them.
What question does Brutus pose to the crowd to gauge their feelings about freedom?
What question does Brutus pose to the crowd to gauge their feelings about freedom?
What does Brutus imply about his actions towards Caesar in relation to the concept of honor?
What does Brutus imply about his actions towards Caesar in relation to the concept of honor?
How does Brutus respond to anyone who might feel offended by his actions?
How does Brutus respond to anyone who might feel offended by his actions?
What does Brutus identify as the consequences of Caesar's ambition?
What does Brutus identify as the consequences of Caesar's ambition?
What is the response of the citizens after Brutus finishes speaking?
What is the response of the citizens after Brutus finishes speaking?
What does Antony mean when he says, 'they that have done this deed are honourable'?
What does Antony mean when he says, 'they that have done this deed are honourable'?
What emotional transition occurs among the citizens after Antony's speech?
What emotional transition occurs among the citizens after Antony's speech?
How does Antony present Caesar's wounds to the crowd?
How does Antony present Caesar's wounds to the crowd?
What is the significance of Caesar's mantle in Antony's speech?
What is the significance of Caesar's mantle in Antony's speech?
Which of the following best describes the citizens' reaction to Antony's portrayal of Caesar's will?
Which of the following best describes the citizens' reaction to Antony's portrayal of Caesar's will?
What does Antony mean by saying, 'As you know me all, a plain blunt man'?
What does Antony mean by saying, 'As you know me all, a plain blunt man'?
What does the phrase 'the most unkindest cut of all' refer to?
What does the phrase 'the most unkindest cut of all' refer to?
What do the citizens plan to do after Antony speaks about vengeance?
What do the citizens plan to do after Antony speaks about vengeance?
Why does Antony emphasize that he is not an orator like Brutus?
Why does Antony emphasize that he is not an orator like Brutus?
What key element does Antony use to sway the citizens' emotions?
What key element does Antony use to sway the citizens' emotions?
What request does Brutus make to the citizens regarding Antony's speech?
What request does Brutus make to the citizens regarding Antony's speech?
How does Antony initially describe his intention in relation to Caesar?
How does Antony initially describe his intention in relation to Caesar?
What character trait does Antony emphasize about Brutus throughout his speech?
What character trait does Antony emphasize about Brutus throughout his speech?
How does Antony react to the notion of presenting a will to the citizens?
How does Antony react to the notion of presenting a will to the citizens?
What significant contrast does Antony make with respect to Caesar's ambition?
What significant contrast does Antony make with respect to Caesar's ambition?
What reaction does Antony anticipate from the citizens regarding Caesar's will?
What reaction does Antony anticipate from the citizens regarding Caesar's will?
Which rhetorical device does Antony employ when he repeatedly states, 'Brutus is an honourable man'?
Which rhetorical device does Antony employ when he repeatedly states, 'Brutus is an honourable man'?
What ultimately shifts the citizens' perception about Caesar after Antony's speech?
What ultimately shifts the citizens' perception about Caesar after Antony's speech?
How does Antony's speech change the atmosphere among the citizens?
How does Antony's speech change the atmosphere among the citizens?
What does Antony imply about the relationship between his grief and the citizens' understanding?
What does Antony imply about the relationship between his grief and the citizens' understanding?
Which of the following statements from the speech serves as a turning point for the citizens' emotions?
Which of the following statements from the speech serves as a turning point for the citizens' emotions?
What effect does the line, 'O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts,' have in the context of Antony's speech?
What effect does the line, 'O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts,' have in the context of Antony's speech?
How does Antony portray the concept of public mourning for Caesar?
How does Antony portray the concept of public mourning for Caesar?
What aspect of Caesar’s character does Antony highlight to counter Brutus's claims?
What aspect of Caesar’s character does Antony highlight to counter Brutus's claims?
What underlying message does Antony convey by stating, 'Bear with me; my heart is in the coffin there with Caesar'?
What underlying message does Antony convey by stating, 'Bear with me; my heart is in the coffin there with Caesar'?
How does Brutus announce his intentions towards those who might disagree with his actions?
How does Brutus announce his intentions towards those who might disagree with his actions?
What reasoning does Brutus provide to reconcile his love for Caesar with his decision to kill him?
What reasoning does Brutus provide to reconcile his love for Caesar with his decision to kill him?
What emotional state does Brutus expect from his listeners as he speaks about Caesar's death?
What emotional state does Brutus expect from his listeners as he speaks about Caesar's death?
How does Brutus frame Caesar's ambition in his speech?
How does Brutus frame Caesar's ambition in his speech?
What rhetorical strategy does Brutus employ to invoke a sense of duty to Rome among his listeners?
What rhetorical strategy does Brutus employ to invoke a sense of duty to Rome among his listeners?
What does Brutus mean when he states, 'I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus'?
What does Brutus mean when he states, 'I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus'?
How does Brutus appeal to the citizens' identity as Romans during his speech?
How does Brutus appeal to the citizens' identity as Romans during his speech?
What underlying theme does Brutus's speech reveal about leadership and sacrifice?
What underlying theme does Brutus's speech reveal about leadership and sacrifice?
What does Antony imply about the effects of Caesar's death on Rome?
What does Antony imply about the effects of Caesar's death on Rome?
How does Antony's description of Caesar's will influence the crowd's emotions?
How does Antony's description of Caesar's will influence the crowd's emotions?
What is the significance of Caesar’s vesture during Antony's speech?
What is the significance of Caesar’s vesture during Antony's speech?
Why does Antony call himself a 'plain blunt man' in his speech?
Why does Antony call himself a 'plain blunt man' in his speech?
What role does the imagery of blood play in Antony's depiction of Caesar’s assassination?
What role does the imagery of blood play in Antony's depiction of Caesar’s assassination?
What rhetorical strategy does Antony use when he mentions Brutus’s honor?
What rhetorical strategy does Antony use when he mentions Brutus’s honor?
How does Antony's perception of treachery differ from the citizens’ reaction?
How does Antony's perception of treachery differ from the citizens’ reaction?
In what way does Antony use Caesar's legacy to appeal to the citizens?
In what way does Antony use Caesar's legacy to appeal to the citizens?
What does Antony mean by ‘mischief, thou art afoot’ at the end of the speech?
What does Antony mean by ‘mischief, thou art afoot’ at the end of the speech?
What transformative effect does Antony's speech have on the citizens’ attitudes?
What transformative effect does Antony's speech have on the citizens’ attitudes?
What does Brutus wish for in relation to the citizens' mourning of Caesar?
What does Brutus wish for in relation to the citizens' mourning of Caesar?
How does Antony position himself in relation to the citizens when beginning his speech?
How does Antony position himself in relation to the citizens when beginning his speech?
What does Antony imply about the effects of Caesar's actions on the citizens in his speech?
What does Antony imply about the effects of Caesar's actions on the citizens in his speech?
What rhetorical strategy does Antony employ to question Brutus's claim of Caesar's ambition?
What rhetorical strategy does Antony employ to question Brutus's claim of Caesar's ambition?
What effect does Antony's emotional demeanor have on the citizens as he speaks?
What effect does Antony's emotional demeanor have on the citizens as he speaks?
In what way does Antony utilize Caesar's will to incite the citizens?
In what way does Antony utilize Caesar's will to incite the citizens?
How does Antony characterize the relationship between Caesar and the common people?
How does Antony characterize the relationship between Caesar and the common people?
What warning does Antony offer regarding the knowledge of Caesar's will?
What warning does Antony offer regarding the knowledge of Caesar's will?
What is the significance of Antony stating, 'O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts'?
What is the significance of Antony stating, 'O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts'?
How does Antony's reference to the kingly crown serve a purpose in his speech?
How does Antony's reference to the kingly crown serve a purpose in his speech?
What reaction does Antony anticipate from the citizens as he prepares to read Caesar's will?
What reaction does Antony anticipate from the citizens as he prepares to read Caesar's will?
What rhetorical question does Antony pose to challenge the citizens' resolve to mourn Caesar?
What rhetorical question does Antony pose to challenge the citizens' resolve to mourn Caesar?
What does the phrase 'the most unkindest cut of all' refer to according to Antony?
What does the phrase 'the most unkindest cut of all' refer to according to Antony?
What role does the concept of honor play in both speeches by Brutus and Antony?
What role does the concept of honor play in both speeches by Brutus and Antony?
Study Notes
Brutus addresses the citizens
- Brutus tells the citizens that he loved Caesar no less than they did
- He claims he loved Rome more than Caesar, and therefore had to kill him
- He believes Caesar was ambitious and therefore deserved death
- Brutus asks the citizens if anyone is so "base" they would be a bondman, or so "rude" they would not be a Roman, or so "vile" that they would not love their country
- Brutus claims he has offended no one, and that he did no more to Caesar than they would do to him.
- Brutus states Caesar's death was recorded in the Capitol and his worthy achievements are not diminished by his crimes
- Brutus leaves to return to his house, telling the people to stay and listen to Antony
Antony speaks
- Antony thanks the people for their respect towards Brutus
- Antony reminds the citizens that Caesar was his friend, who was faithful and just
- Antony states that Brutus claims Caesar was ambitious, but then questions if bringing captives home to Rome or weeping for the poor are signs of ambition
- Antony reminds the citizens that Caesar refused a crown on multiple occasions and therefore wasn’t ambitious
- Antony states that is not trying to disprove Brutus but to speak the truth as he knows it
- Antony is overcome with grief for Caesar and leaves to return to him
Antony reveals Caesar’s will
- Antony reveals Caesar's will which leaves every Roman citizen 75 drachmas. He also leaves them access to his walks, arbours, and orchards
- Antony's words incite the citizens to rage and they vow revenge on the conspirators
Antony's final speech
- Antony claims that if he were to incite the citizens to mutiny, he would be wronging Brutus and Cassius
- He decides to wrong the dead instead of wronging those honourable men
- Antony shows the citizens Caesar’s wounds and asks them to speak for him
- He implies that if he were Brutus, and Brutus were him, Brutus would have easily incited the citizens to riot
The citizens
- The citizens are initially swayed by Brutus’s words
- Antony’s speech and the reveal of the will causes them to grow angry at the conspirators
- The citizens vow revenge on the conspirators, and plan to burn their houses
- The citizens leave with Caesar’s body to burn it at the holy place
Antony’s final words
- Antony believes he has successfully manipulated the citizens
- He learns that Octavius is already in Rome and plans to meet with him.
- He considers the fact that Brutus and Cassius may have fled, and believes the citizens are already on their side
- He intends to continue to use the citizens' rage against the conspirators
Brutus Addresses the Citizens
- Brutus gives a speech to the Roman citizens, persuading them that Caesar's assassination was for the good of Rome
- Brutus claims that he loved Caesar, but loved Rome more, implying that Caesar's ambition threatened the Republic
- He asks if anyone would be a slave, or not a Roman, to which the citizens respond with "None, Brutus, none"
- Brutus states that Caesar's death has been recorded in the Capitol, acknowledging that Caesar's acts of valor are recognized but that his ambition led to his demise
Antony Enters the Forum
- Antony appears in the Forum alongside Caesar's body, delivering an oration that begins as a respectful tribute to Caesar
- Antony acknowledges that Caesar was his friend and contrasts Brutus's claim of ambition with Caesar's acts of generosity
- He details Caesar's actions that contradict the notion of ambition: rescuing captives, weeping for the poor, thrice refusing the crown
- Antony emphasizes that Caesar was loved by the people, and asks why they are not mourning him, suggesting their judgment has been corrupted
Antony's Speech Turns the Tide
- Antony reveals to the citizens that Caesar's will leaves them each seventy-five drachmas and access to public spaces
- His disclosure of Caesar's generosity, juxtaposed with the previous discussion of ambition, provokes the citizens' anger against the conspirators
- Antony skillfully guides their emotions by first eliciting pity with his display of Caesar's wounded mantle and then igniting their rage toward the assassins
- As the citizens demand revenge, Antony claims that the conspirators were honorable men, allowing for the possibility of a just resolution through reason
The People Are Incited
- Antony exploits the citizens' passion, acknowledging Caesar's love for the people despite his "poor, dumb mouths"
- He further fuels their fury by suggesting that he, were he Brutus, would have incited the stones of Rome to mutiny
- The citizens' outrage culminates in a desire to burn Brutus's house and seek out the conspirators
- Antony uses the crowd's thirst for revenge to his advantage, reminding them of Caesar's will and reaffirming the citizens' inherent desire for justice, cleverly manipulating their passions to advance his own agenda
Octavius's Arrival Brings a New Dynamic
- Octavius, Caesar's heir, arrives in Rome, aligning himself with Antony, forming a potential alliance for future power
- Octavius's sudden arrival, combined with Antony's manipulation of the citizens, marks a shift towards a potential clash with Brutus and Cassius
- The play foreshadows future conflicts and intrigue, hinting at the emergence of a new political order arising from the ashes of Caesar's rule
Brutus and Cassius's Fleeing
- Brutus and Cassius flee Rome, likely in fear of the citizens' fury and potential retaliation
- Their hasty escape suggests an awareness of the popular anger and a sense of vulnerability in the face of Antony's powerful oratory and the citizens' growing animosity
- The play leaves the characters, and its potential conflict, in a state of flux, setting the stage for the forthcoming fight for power and the rise of a new Roman order
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