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Julius Caesar - Mark Antony

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Julius Caesar - Mark Antony
Mark Antony It is human nature to change one's personality to fit the situation. People behave differently when speaking to a dignitary that when talking to a friend. Over time one can change due to a loss or gain of power, sometimes for the better or worse. In Julius Caesar, for example, Mark Antony goes through several changes. Mark Antony loved Julius Caesar, yet when he passed away Mark Antony swears vengeance, and ultimately is corrupted by the power of running a country. At the beginning of the play Antony is harmless and extremely loyal to Julius Caesar. Mark Antony is about to run a race, but "When Caesar says ‘Do this,' it is performed." It is almost as if Mark Antony is only a puppet to Julius Caesar. He is being respectful of his leader, yet it seems as if he is fearful of him. While Caesar does not realize Mark Antony's potential, Brutus underestimates him. Brutus refers to Rome as a body and Caesar as the head, yet "To cut the head off and then hack the limbs" would be killing Mark Antony. If the head of something was shot, there is no need to try to shoot the heart. Julius Caesar is concerned about his well-being, for good reason. Casca has been speaking in low tones and Caesar would "Have men about me that are fat" because he feels that they can be trusted easier. Caesar trusts Mark Antony as his closest confidant due to the fact that they have been like brothers all their lives. A conspiracy is planned, Caesar is killed, and Mark Antony becomes a skillful, planning, and vengeful manipulator. When Caesar dies Mark Antony has "Fled to his house amazed" because one of his closest friends has been killed. The conspirators have judged Antony to be a coward, and therefore do not respect him. He sends his servant to see if it is safe to speak with the conspirators. When they finally meet, he shook everyone's hand, "but was indeed swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar." By seeing the corpse of his friend, he has been
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