Mark Antony: Not Plain, Not Blunt, But Cunningly Charismatic
In contrast to Mark Antony's self-proclaimed identity as a 'plain, blunt, man,' I strongly disagree. Throughout the play, in scenes after Caesar's death, Antony reveals a completely different side of his character. In Act 3, scenes 1 & 2, as well as Act 4, scene 1, Antony cunningly displays his sly and devious nature. He demonstrates his ability to manipulate others, particularly the Roman citizens, by using his emotions to achieve his desired outcomes- albeit to a certain degree.
Mark Antony possesses remarkable verbal skill, able to effectively convey his point without explicitly stating it. Additionally, he displays unwavering commitment towards Caesar, exemplifying qualities of loyalty and love when he learns of Caesar's assassination in act 3 scene 1:
'O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs
, spoils,
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.'
Antony expresses his sadness at witnessing the diminished state of Caesar, a once powerful figure who controlled the world's power, glory, and triumphs, reduced to a lifeless body. Further evidence of Antony's loyalty is evident when he offers the conspirators his life while their hands are still stained with blood:
' If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar's death's hour, nor no instrument
Of half worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world...
Now, at this moment and in this place, while your purple hands emanate a foul odor and smoke, carry out your desire to kill me. Let me live for a thousand years if I am not showing absolute loyalty to my master. Antony is essentially saying that if the conspirators intend to assassinate him, this is th
ideal time and situation for him to die – alongside his master, by the same means, and at the hands of the same men. This demonstrates his unwavering loyalty.
However, despite feeling saddened by Caesar's death, he remains unaffected in his thoughts.
He demonstrates his cunning nature when he reveals it. This occurs after he hears Brutus explain the justifications for killing Caesar. He expresses complete understanding and agreement with their reasoning. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that Caesar was his dear friend and superior, whom he deeply misses. He requests the opportunity to speak at the funeral, solely as a friend. Initially, Cassius hesitates, but due to Brutus's immense naivety, he assures Cassius that Antony can speak on the condition that he remains on stage while delivering his speech. Additionally, Brutus informs Cassius that he himself will speak first, presenting the crowd with the motives behind Caesar's assassination. He proclaims, 'I will take the pulpit beforehand and justify our decision to kill Caesar. Whatever Antony may say, I will emphasize that he speaks with our permission and does not defame us.' Essentially, Brutus aims for Antony to speak under his terms and present the situation in a positive light for the audience. Furthermore, in his same speech, foolishly he grants Mark Antony permission to display Caesar's body before the Roman citizens. He states: 'Mark Antony, you shall take possession of Caesar's body. Do not blame us in your speech but instead praise Caesar with all your might. Make it known that you speak with our consent.'Otherwise, you will not have any control over his funeral. What Brutus fails to understand, however, is that by permitting Mark Antony to
bring Caesar's body to the pulpit, he is providing Antony with another tool to stir up the crowd and gain their support. The following significant segment of the play that reveals much about Antony is his soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1, lines 254-275: 'Oh! Please forgive me, you wounded piece of land, for appearing humble and kind to these murderers.
Thou art the remnants of the most noble man ever to have lived in the flow of time...
Antony is seeking forgiveness from Caesar, acknowledging his previous actions of associating with the conspirators and failing to oppose them. He praises Caesar as the most outstanding individual to have ever existed. Furthermore, he asserts that those who caused Caesar's death will face consequences and that he will initiate a civil war that will encompass the entirety of Italy. Antony predicts a future filled with bloodshed, devastation, and gruesome sights, where even mothers will find satisfaction in witnessing their infants being torn apart due to the brutality of war. In this desolate state, merciless acts will be so commonplace that they will suffocate everyone involved.
Antony predicts that Caesar's spirit will seek revenge and command devastation alongside destruction, leading to plundering slaughter and the release of chaos into Italy. This ensuing civil war will be so horrifying that the deceased will anguish for proper burial. Antony passionately believes in and genuinely speaks these words from his heart. While we are certain of this, the true motive behind his desires remains unanswered. While Antony certainly held tremendous respect and admiration for Caesar, it is unclear whether this is the sole reason for his eagerness to initiate war. It is plausible
that he also seeks personal power through the conflict. The exact combination of these factors remains uncertain.
The soliloquy reveals a lot about the individual's personality and contradicts his previous statements of being a "plain, blunt" person. It showcases his intense and devoted nature, which is completely contrary to his self-description. He discusses the prospect of civil war, which contradicts his earlier claims of supporting Brutus and Cassius. Additionally, he mentions horrific and violent scenes, including dismembered infants. This depiction of his character contradicts any notion of being "blunt" or "plain".
In the funeral scene of act 3 scene 2, Antony's character is revealed. Brutus speaks to the crowd, justifying Caesar's assassination and providing reasons for it. However, his mistake lies in speaking first and not staying to hear Antony's response. Furthermore, Brutus relies heavily on rhetorical questions to make his point, which proves ineffective as the audience has already learned the truth. Consequently, they misunderstand Brutus and mistakenly call for him to become the next king, as seen in act 3 scene 2: "Live, Brutus! live! live!..."
Bring him back to his house with a victorious feeling...
Give him a statue honoring his ancestors...
Let him become Caesar...
Caesar's better parts will be crowned in Brutus. However, Antony delivers his speech with perfect precision. He relies on his tears to convey his message, avoiding the use of complex rhetorical questions. The only time we see him using such questions is during his funeral speech in act 3 scene 2. Antony weeps and requests a brief moment from the crowd due to his overwhelming sorrow. The crowd responds with sympathy and pity. Antony clarifies that he is not accusing
the 'noble' Brutus of being deceitful, but merely presenting facts that contradict Brutus' claims.
He refutes Brutus' claim that Caesar had ambitions of becoming king by pointing out that Caesar was actually wearing an old battle robe, which is not something someone about to be crowned king would wear. The crowd doesn't have a response to this. They are unaware that the robe is old and simply believe it because Antony has told them. He also reminds the crowd that any riches Caesar obtained from other countries were given to the empire and not kept for himself. The crowd, being naive, believes this as well, even though they have no knowledge of it. Antony has informed them.
In the speech, Antony unveils Caesar's body and proceeds to identify each wound inflicted upon him, including the largest one - the wound to his heart. He attributes this wound to Brutus, although he admits uncertainty. Despite this uncertainty, the crowd believes him for the third time. Antony refers to this particular wound as the 'most unkindest cut of all,' emphasizing its cruelty rather than any perceived lack of vocabulary. He further undermines Brutus by contradicting his earlier statements, inciting the crowd's anger towards the conspirators. Antony then tests the success of his speech by announcing Caesar's will, eliciting an immediate response from the crowd and proving his manipulation has worked. He then digresses to discourage mutiny within the crowd, highlighting his own simplicity and straightforwardness. Eventually, Antony returns to mention the will, suggesting that it is fortunate that the crowd does not know they are Caesar's heirs.He states: "'Tis advantageous that you remain unaware of being his rightful heirs."
Upon hearing this, they demand the will. Initially, Antony refuses to display it and asks: "Will you please have patience? Will you remain for a while?" The crowd impatiently responds: "The will! The testament!" Antony then questions whether they are compelling him to present it. Naturally, they affirm, and he consents. Naturally, it was merely another rhetorical query similar to those used by Brutus, as he anticipated their affirmative response. He proceeds to test the crowd's compliance once more by asking if he may descend from the pulpit and if they will step back to permit him to retrieve the will. This test arises from Brutus's instruction not to leave the pulpit. The crowd immediately agrees and replies: "Descend."
You are permitted to depart...
Antony descends from the pulpit and retrieves the will, but before reading it, he urges the people to shed tears. He then discloses the contents of the will, claiming that each person has been left seventy-five drachmas. However, it is uncertain if this is the genuine will or yet another example of Antony's deceitfulness. The citizens react furiously, demanding revenge and expressing their desire to eliminate traitors. While attempting to calm them down, Antony subtly instills the idea of mutiny in their minds. He advises against violence and bloodshed but repeatedly mentions mutiny, provoking an even fiercer response from the crowd who declare their intent to rebel.
We will set fire to the house of Brutus. The people proceed to take action by igniting torches and running through the streets, waving them.
In Act 4 scene 1, Antony contradicts his previous statements to the citizens regarding the will. He discusses with Octavius and Lepidus the
idea of forming an alliance to avenge Caesar's murderers. After Lepidus exits, Antony questions Octavius about whether he is willing to share the power and wealth of the empire with three men, including Lepidus. Antony questions Lepidus' worthiness and suggests that they should keep everything for themselves. This directly contradicts Antony's earlier claims about distributing Caesar's wealth to the people of Rome. This manipulation of the will shows Antony's deceitful nature and causes doubt about his self-portrayal.This also contributes to our understanding of Antony's motives in his soliloquy, suggesting that he prioritizes power over his emotions of love and admiration towards Caesar.
In my opinion, Mark Antony is the most cunning and deceitful character in the play until act 4 scene 1. Despite denying these traits, he unintentionally reveals them even more prominently. I strongly disagree with Antony's self-description as a 'plain, blunt man,' as I have consistently asserted in this essay. Moreover, there is ample evidence to support my assertions.
