Preview

The Dynamic Character Of Antony In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
748 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
The Dynamic Character Of Antony In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
Antony was a helper and friend to Caesar. He provided moral support and love towards him. Because of his actions, when Caesar died, he had great passion and wanted to take over to show his commitment to Caesar. Antony expressed the conspirators as noble, but changed his thoughts after they killed his leader. Antony was a dynamic character through the death of Caesar and changed his outlook and relationships with the conspirators as it changes from acknowledgement to hate.
Antony follows Caesar's orders with obedience and views him as a fatherly figure as he says, "When Caesar says "do this" it is performed," (1.2.12-13). This confirms Antony's obedience and respect to Caesar. This demonstrates his respect; whatever Caesar orders, Antony does it immediately. His dedication illustrates his steadfast relationship with Caesar and when the downfall of Caesar comes, he suffers. After the death of Caesar, he states, "And Caesar's spirit, ranging for …show more content…
Antony then changes the mind of the plebeians as they say, "Traitors, villains!" (3.2.213). This introduces Antony's power to change the minds of many.After Brutus explains the reason for killing Caesar, the plebeians accept the reason and praise Brutus for it but Antony's speech revolts them against the conspirators which reveals his strength and leadership. The plebeians see the fault in the conspirators that they did not see which supports Antony as a potential leader. When fighting in the battle, Antony talks to Octavius stating, "I am in their bosoms, and I know wherefore they do it," (5.1.7-8). This confirms Antony's knowledge of the conspirators and uses it to his advantage. His statement reveals his strategies in warfare, which leads him to victory and death of his enemies. His leadership emphasizes his change in attitude and actions as he yearns for
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar Betrayal Quotes
    • 862 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Julius Caesar Betrayal Quotes

    After the assassination of Caesar, Brutus explains his reasons for committing such an act. Antony deceives Brutus into believing that Antony understood their reasons and would join them as an ally. By becoming a supposed ally, Antony gains the advantage of trust, as Brutus trusts him to speak at Caesar’s funeral. At Caesar’s funeral, Antony goes against Brutus’ trust, and reveals Caesar’s will, and incites the plebeians to come to the conclusion that Caesar had been a good man, and that Brutus was in the wrong. Antony reveals his true intentions when he says to himself, “Mischief thou art afoot; / Take thou what course thou wilt” (III. iii. 275-276). Antony had taken advantage of the trust bestowed upon him by pulling off a brilliant act on his part, that effectively persuaded Brutus. Not only that, Antony also takes advantage of the trust that the plebeians had given him. His ulterior motives are revealed when he criticizes Lepidus’ ability to stand besides them and asks, “Is it fit, / The threefold world divided, he should stand / One of the three to share it?” (IV. i. 15-17). This shows how Antony has no intention of fulfilling his promise made to the plebeians to uphold Caesar’s will. Instead, he wants to gain power for himself, and gets rid of Brutus and the other conspirators to get his way. He had acted as a perfect friend/ally to the plebeians as he acted to Brutus, and he also took advantage of them as well.…

    • 862 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Rhetorical Devices Used In Julius Caesar
    • 538 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Rhetorical Devices Used In Julius Caesar

    Antony said he would not speak poorly about any of the conspirators, but he found away around it by using repetition (III,ii,84-96). He would question the characteristics of Caesar given from the conspirators to the people. Once he started to get the plebeians to think, he decides to show Julius’s stab wounds through his cloak. Antony tells them how he remembers the first time Caesar wore that cloak. Now, as he tells the story behind it, he has the people’s pity. With the people’s pity, they will beg to hear anything else about the great Caesar. Antony states that he has Caesar’s will with all the items Caesar gave to the great people, but he does not feel it is right to share the words written. The commoners beg until they hear it. Antony can now explain how the conspirators made even more of a mistake (III,ii,241-244;249-254).…

    • 538 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    How Does Julius Caesar Use Rhetoric
    • 902 Words
    • 4 Pages

    How Does Julius Caesar Use Rhetoric

    The play called Julius Caesar is about the great Roman leader and his rise to power and fall from power. In the play, a character named Antony was a deeply loyal follower of Julius Caesar and when Julius is betrayed by his companions, Antony cowardly took to their side, as to be allowed to talk at Caesar’s funeral. At the funeral, however, he gives a speech that turns the crowd against the conspirators. Antony’s strategies in the funeral speech proved effective and a good use of rhetorics.…

    • 902 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar's Funeral Mark Antony Rhetorical Devices
    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Julius Caesar's Funeral Mark Antony Rhetorical Devices

    In his speech during Caesar's funeral, Mark Antony tries to persuade the Plebeians that what the conspirators did to Caesar was not acceptable and something must be done, and this creates a critical and disappointed tone. During the beginning of Antony’s speech, he established his main ideas, and showed that he was different from Brutus. In fact, his first line, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”(3.2.82) tells a lot. Antony uses the word “friends” first, and this differs from Brutus because he said “Romans” first. This shows what Antony thinks is most important, which is friendship.…

    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Brutus Obey And Command In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
    • 418 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Brutus Obey And Command In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

    Niccolo Machiavelli once stated,“He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.” This seems simple, but some don’t understand, including most in the play Julius Caesar. Mark Antony, one of the few who understands how to command, is a loyal friend who is gifted with the ability to use rhetorics, and is able to appeal to people’s hearts. While Brutus uses force and facts, Antony is able to lift others up while conspiring against them. It is a skill that comes into play later in the tragedy when Caesar is killed Antony takes it into his own hands to get even with the conspirators. By being able to command respect Antony is able to turn the throng of citizens against Cassius, Brutus, and the others. This is why Mark Antony…

    • 418 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Mark Antony's Use of Rhetorical Appeals
    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Mark Antony's Use of Rhetorical Appeals

    Initially, Antony uses Ethos to establish himself as a trusted and loyal figure to gain respect and trust of the plebeians. To gain the citizens’ attention, Antony begins Caesar’s funeral speech by reassuring them that he only “[came] to bury Caesar, not [to praise] him” (3.2.83). By only intending to bury Caesar, Antony convinces the audience to listen to his words because they are spoken with bitterness toward Caesar. With Antony in agreement with their newly instilled anger, the plebeians begin to trust Antony’s words even though his bitterness was not…

    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Mark Antony Rhetorical Analysis
    • 613 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Mark Antony Rhetorical Analysis

    Mark Antony deftly speaks to his audience in a way that requires them to challenge their preconceived characterizations of Brutus and Cassius. He intentionally expresses the deliberate opposite of what he genuinely wishes and excessively compliments the people to the point that they forget their own seemingly unwavering convictions. His finesse and dexterity in bending words and minds ultimately works to his favor. Antony accomplishes his initial goal to convince the Roman people to revenge Caesar’s demise. This achievement in and of itself exhibits…

    • 613 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Antony's Speech In The Tragedy Of Julius Caesar
    • 565 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Antony's Speech In The Tragedy Of Julius Caesar

    “Et tu Brute?” words came out Caesar’s mouth like a slap to the face. Brutus knew in his heart right then and there that things were going to go down hill. As soon as Antony heard what had happened at the capital, he knew that what he said in his speech would be to his advantage. The play written by early english playwright, William Shakespeare, is about the tragic death of Julius Caesar. It takes place in Rome, and tells the historical story of how Caesar was brutally murdered, and the terrible fate of the conspirators who killed him. At Caesar’s funeral, Antony presents a speech to the crowd, as well did Brutus. Antony, though, had the most effective speech, by using important literary techniques, such as pathos, ethos, and strategic word choice, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.”…

    • 565 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    How Does Antony Use Ethos Pathos Logos In Julius Caesar
    • 449 Words
    • 2 Pages

    How Does Antony Use Ethos Pathos Logos In Julius Caesar

    After Caesar dies, all the conspirators try to figure out what to do with Antony, but he pleads that he is on their side, and he will do as they say to stay alive. This can be observed when he says “I know not, gentlemen, what you intend… I do beseech you, if you bear me hard, Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke, Fulfill your pleasure.” (Shakespeare 3.1.167). It initially sounds like he is pleading to them and using pathos to convince them, but after he’s completed his small speech he is, in fact, using logos by saying that is they spare him, he will be on their side. If they do not believe him, they can kill him, but what help will that do? Then they would have no one to testify that their actions were justified but them, and then the plebeians would not like their answer…

    • 449 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Brutus In Julius Caesar Mark Antony Quotes
    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Brutus In Julius Caesar Mark Antony Quotes

    Antony, being a dear friend of Caesar’s, realizes that the other conspirators, unlike Brutus, kill Caesar due to envy…

    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Mark Antony Research Paper
    • 279 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Mark Antony Research Paper

    During Julius Caesar’s rule Antony was his second-in-command. Antony began to hear many rumors of a plot to kill Julius Caesar but couldn’t to warn him in time. After Caesar's assassination Antony fled Rome dressed like a slave in fear of being killed by Caesar's supporters but later returned to Rome.…

    • 279 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Honor And Betrayal In Julius Caesar
    • 604 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Honor And Betrayal In Julius Caesar

    Antony betrayed Brutus and Cassius by saying he was on their side then turned Rome against them mainly because Caesar’s death. “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not praise him, the evil that men are evil”. Antony is telling Rome that the killing of Caesar was wrong and the people were wrong for doing it. Antony stands up for Caesar to protect his honor and to prove to the city of…

    • 604 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ethos In Julius Caesar
    • 582 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Ethos In Julius Caesar

    He says to them, “You are not wood, you are not stones, but men” (3.2.143). The statement appeals to the humanity of the crowd and elevates them to the same platform as Antony. Consequently, Antony now has power over the plebeians because he compels the people to think that they have importance as Roman citizens. Antony also uses pathos in this statement: “My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar” (3.2.107). Since pathos exists as the backbone to persuasion, Antony displays his intense emotion and initiates the crowd’s anger toward Brutus and the other conspirators. Antony also dramatically pauses to weep before the crowd, allowing them to recognize his vulnerability and demonstrating the success of his manipulation because the crowd’s resentment toward Brutus only intensifies. Through this, Antony manipulates the Romans further by revealing his own humanity: his mourning for Caesar makes him seem more empathetic and grants him a way to relate to the people in the loss of their beloved leader. With Antony’s masterful exploitation of the people’s emotions, they rally in his favor indicating that, since Brutus does not stir the crowd for any reason, Antony has a more superior…

    • 582 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Rhetorical Analysis
    • 611 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Rhetorical Analysis

    The rhetorical device Antony took hold of throughout his persuasive argument is verbal irony. The use of verbal irony in his speech is so strong that it borders on sarcasm. "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears/I come to bury Ceasar, not to praise him." (3.2.81-82) says Antony when introducing himself to the crowd. The use of verbal irony is exemplified in this quote with the use of “Friend” He addresses the plebeians as "Friends" with the purpose of persuading them into believing that they were equal, and that he just wanted to say farewell Caesar, even though there is a clear distinction between Antony and the Plebeians. As his speech develops, Antony begins to plant the seed of doubt and anger in the Plebeians’ hearts towards the conspirators. "The noble Brutus/ hath told you Caesar was ambitious,/If it were so, it was a grievous fault, /And grievously hath Caesar answered it,/ Here, under the leave of Brutus and the rest-/ For Brutus is an honorable man,/ So are they all are honorable men" (2.3.84-91) Antony starts off his speech agreeing to not demize the conspirators. However, it is clear to the reader that Antony does everything in his power to show they were not honorable men without saying they were dishonest.…

    • 611 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar
    • 506 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Julius Caesar

    •Antony is looked upon as an irresponsible kid who likes to attend plays and go out at night. He was Caesar's loyal assistant. That Antony loved Caesar there is no doubt. There is, however, ample evidence that Antony was the "sleek-headed man" of whom Caesar warns in Act I. His oration at Caesar's funeral was more than an attempt to avenge Caesar's death. It was a power grab. Antony speaks of Caesar's will. During the civil war that follows, he changes the will. Antony ruthlessly orders the murder of hundreds of citizens.…

    • 506 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics