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To properly dissect Antony's speech it is necessary to read
the whole play. An understanding of who the characters are, and
what they stand for gives one a perspective on the motives of
each one. When I just read the speech, I thought Antony was irreproachable,
but in the context of the whole play, that is not the case. I
still think Antony has more integrity and honour than Brutus
does, because one of the most important traits in a true friend
is loyalty. Brutus lacked this quality. He allowed himself to
be swayed by a conniving Cassius, believing everything that he
was told. His friend, Julius Caesar had not even committed a
crime. Antony, while not perfect, but who is in this play, manipulates
for an important position, but once in the clear he gains revenge.
He becomes partial ruler of Rome called the triumvirate. In an
ironic twist of fate, the great Mark Antony would be upstaged,
and succumb to a grandnephew of Julius Caesar, Octavius. He later
defeats Antony, and becomes sole ruler. Octavius, better known
as Augustus, becomes one of Rome's greatest rulers, while presiding
over forty-one years of peace and prosperity. Although, the plot
does not turn out as the conspirators envisioned, it does turn
out well for the Roman Republic. |
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