Act+III,+Scene+i+(163-end)

//ACT III , //** SCENE I  (163-end)

Summary: **

The scene begins with Antony questioning those who killed Caesar. He asks the men what else they will do to other people and wonders whether others who have achieved glory, like Caesar, will die at their hands.

At this point, the audience can sense that Antony is hysterical and can no longer live with the fact that Caesar died and the men that killed him are forever tarnished. Brutus intends to persaude Antony by stating that he has only seen himself and his men being viewed as murders. He also says Antony has to wait to see that they have always loved Caesar right up until they killed him.

Once Antony settles down a bit, he realizes his credibility with these men has worsened. Instead of blaming these men for his death, he simple praises Caesar and states that Caesar wouldn’t want him to befriend those who have killed him. Antony decides he will make peace with Brutus and his men as long as they some how prove Caesar was dangerous.

His one last request is to take Caesar’s body to the market place for a proper funeral but Cassius thinks this is not wise for the towns people may be distraut.

Because of Antony’s idea, Brutus thinks it is best to speak himself about the reasoning for Caesar’s death so that the townspeople understand their actions. Brutus asks Antony to carry Caesar’s body and allows him to speak at the town as long as he does not blame Brutus and his men.

Once alone, Antony pity’s the men who have shed Caesar’s blood and tells Octoavian’s servants that he will use his speech to test the townspeople feelings about Caesar’s death. He asks the servant’s to tell Octavius to wait to come to Rome until the after effects of Caesar’s death prove to not be dangerous to him.

**Quotes:**

(Discussion in which Antony and the conspirators partake, concerning the reason why Caeser was killed.) Lines 239-247 Antony: 239-247 “Therefore I took your hands, buy was indeed Swayed from the point by looking down at Caeser Friends am I with you all and love you all Upon this hope that you may give me reasons Why and wherin Caeser was dangerous.”

Brutus: “Or else this were a savage spectacle Our reasons are so full of good regard That you were, Antony son of Caeser You should be satisfied”

(Exclaiming how he loved Caeser and how ashamed Caeser must be of him, because he shook the bloody hands of the conspirators.) Lines 213-218 Antony: That I did love thee, Ceaser, O, ‘tis true If then thy spirit look upon us now Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death To see thy Antony making his peace, Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes- Most noble!-in the presence of thy corpse?

(Discussion in which Cassius persuades Brutus to not permit Antony to talk at the funeral. However, Brutus allows Antony to speak after he does.) Lines 255-267 Cassius: “You know not what you do, do not consent That Antony speak at his funeral.”

Brutus: “By your pardon, I will myself into the pulpit first And show the reason of Caeser’s death What Antony shall speak I will protest He speaks by leave and by permission And that we are connected, Caeser shall Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies It shall advantage more than do us wrong”

(Orders given by Antony to Octavius’ servant to tell Octavius what has happened, and Antony explains how he will expose the conspirators.) Lines 313-324 Antony: “Post back with speed and tell him what hath chanced 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 I should try, In my oration, how the people take The cruel issue of these bloody men According to the which thou shalt discourse To young Octavius of the state of things"

Literary Analysis:

When Antony takes the hands of Brutus and the conspiriters, it is symbolic of Antony feeling he should partially trust these men.

Antony knows if he does not stay on their sides, he could be in danger. At the same time, Antony is torn into two and unsure whether he should disrespect Caesar and associate himself with those who have killed him.

Overall, Antony is uncertain of himself and his emotions may reflect the emotions of the people of Rome once they realize that Caesar was murdered and they no longer have a leader

This scene foreshadows the events that may happen in Rome once the Romans realize what has happened to Caesar. Antony asks Octavius's servants to warn him to not come to Rome until Antony is sure it is safe. This means that Antony may know that Rome will soon become dangerous because he will create some of the chaos himself by convincing the townspe ople that Caesar's death was wrong.

It is also foreshadowing when Antony is alone and speaking to Caesars body. He considers the body and feels that it will seek revenge from the "butchers who have killed it."

Also, Cassius, who was not supportive of Antony speaking at the funeral, seems to be the wisest conspirator.

He seems to be the one who is taking the situation rational, and does not want to boast about Caesar's death. He knows that once told about the murder, the Romans will be easily judgemental and could be pursuaded by Antony during this time of instability.

Pictures:

The conspirators killing Caesar.

Brutus speaking about Caesar's death. Antony and Brutus having a discussion about the moralities of Caesar's death.

Brutus and Cassius talking about whether Antony should speak at Caesar's funeral.

Brutus carrying the body of Caesar down the steps for everyone to see.

Analysis Questions:

1. Why is it that Antony feels that Caesar's death was wrong but still agrees not to blame Brutus and his men when speaking at the town?

2. Do you think it was smart for Antony to ask the servants to advise Octavius to not come to Rome yet? Why do you believe this way?

3. Why do you think Brutus decides it's best to inform the townspeople about Caesar's death?

4. Do you feel that Antony will stick by Brutus and his men in days to come after speaking to the townspeople?

5. What do you think will be the reactions of the townspeople when Brutus and Antony speak?

6. What will happen to Antony when he confronts the conspirators about the fact that he spoke about what Brutus asked him not to?

7. Do you think that Brutus will gain or lose power because of killing Caesar?

8. Do you think that the complications that will result after Caesar death will cause Brutus to have to kill again?

9. Why are the Roman people so easily persuaded during both Brutus and Antony's speeches?