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RESEARCH PROJECT ENGLISH

ON THE TOPI C
PURSUAING POWER OF MARK ANTONY

PRESENTED BY ---BHANU PRATAP
B.A.LLB, FIRST YEAR
2
ND
SEMESTER
ROLL NO.-921
SUBJECT TEACHER--- SIR PRATUSH KAUSHIK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1. INTRODUCTION
a. Aim of the researcher
b. Research methodology
c. hypothesis
2. AIM OF THE RESEARCHER


3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

4. HYPOTHESIS


5. CHAPTERISATION
1. INTRODUCTION
2. CHARACTERISTIC OF MARK ANTONY SPEECH
3. ELEMENT OF RETORIC
4. CONCLUSION




1. Introduction
The Roman politician and general Mark Antony (8330 B.C.) was an ally of Julius Caesar and the main
rival of his successor Octavian (later Augustus). With those two men he was integral to Romes transition
from republic to empire. His romantic and political alliance with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra was his
ultimate undoing, and centuries later provided inspiration for artists from Shakespeare to Cecil B. DeMille.
Marcus Antonius was born in Rome in 83 B.C., the son of an ineffective praetor (military commander) and
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grandson of a noted consul and orator, both of whom shared his given name. After a largely misspent youth,
he was sent east as a cavalry officer, where he won important victories in Palestine and Egypt. In 54 B.C. he
went to Gaul to join his mothers cousin Julius Caesar as a staff officer. In 49 B.C. he was elected a tribune
and served as a staunch defender of Caesar against his rivals in the Senate.During Caesars first yearlong
dictatorship, Antony was his second-in-command. By 48 B.C. he was in Greece, supporting Caesars left
wing at the Battle of Pharsalus. A year later, Antonys violent expulsion from the Senate by anti-Caesar
factions gave Caesars legion a rallying point as they crossed the Rubicon River, igniting the Republican
Civil War. When Caesar assumed his fifth and final consulship in 44 B.C., Antony was his co-consul.
As the Ides of
March approached, Antony heard rumors of a plot against Caesar but was unable to warn him in time.
Antony fled Rome dressed as a slave but soon returned to protect his friends legacy from the senators who
had conspired against him. He took charge of Caesars will and papers and gave a stirring eulogy for the
fallen leader.In his will Caesar had bequeathed his wealth and title to his posthumously adopted son
Octavian. Antony was reluctant to hand his old friends legacy to a 17-year-old, and quickly became a rival
to the future emperor. In 43 B.C. their armies first clashed. Antony was driven back at Mutina and Forum
Gallorum, but had proved a formidable enough leader that Octavian preferred to ally with him.Along with
their lesser rival Lepidus, Octavian and Antony formed the Second Triumvirate, splitting Romes provinces
between them: Octavian would rule the West, Antony the East and Lepidus Africa. Within a year, Antony
defeated Caesars assassins Brutus and Antonius at Phillipi, eliminating the two remaining leaders of the
Republican cause in a battle that established his reputation as a general.In 41 B.C. Antony began an affair
with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra who had been Caesars lover in the last years of his life. The queen gave
birth to twins, Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene, but Antony was forced to return to Rome to deal with
the aftermath of his wife and brother-in-laws failed rebellion against Octavian. The Senate pushed for
conciliation between the triumvirs, pressing the recently widowed Antony to marry Octavians sister Octavia
Minor In 37 B.C. the Triumvirate was renewed. Antony returned to Cleopatra and fathered a son, Ptolemy
Philadelphus. The lovers grew more public in their relationship, participating in deification ceremonies
where they took the roles of the Greco-Egyptian gods Dionysus-Osiris and Venus-Isis. More provocatively,
they paraded their three children and Caesarion (Cleopatras son by Julius Ceasar) in costumes as legitimate
royal heirs, flaunting Roman laws refusal to acknowledge marriage with outsiders. Politically, Antony grew
more and more entwined with the Egyptian kingdom, having turned to Cleopatra for help following his
failed expedition against the Parthians in 36 B.C.Meanwhile Octavian grew in strength, eliminating Lepidus
from the triumvirate on a pretext of rebellion. In 32 B.C. Antony divorced Octavia. In retaliation, Octavian
declared war, not on Antony but on Cleopatra. The fighting occurred in western Greece, where Antony had
superior numbers but fell time and again to the brilliant naval attacks of Octavians general Agrippa. After
their combined forces were defeated at Actium, Antony and Cleopatras remaining ships made a desperate
flight back to Egypt, pursued by Agrippa and Octaviann.As Octavian entered Alexandria, both Antony and
Cleopatra resolved to commit suicide. Antony, thinking his lover already dead, stabbed himself with a sword
but was then brought to die in Cleopatras arms. Cleopatra was captured but managed to kill herself via a
poisonous snakebite. After Antonys death his honors were all revoked, his statues removed. Cicero,
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Antonys great rival in the senate, decreed that no one in the dead generals family would ever bear the name
Mark Antony again. Octavian was now emperor in all but name. Three years later he was granted a new
honorific, Augustus , and ruled Rome for the next four decades. Mark Antony was a great Roman leader. He
was a general for Julius Caesar and one of his closest friends. He thought that Cleopatra was partially
responsible for Caesars death and wanted to meet with her. She ignored his summons twice. The third time
she came to him on a boat dressed as the Goddess Venus. Mark Antony was charmed by Cleopatra, and they
created a military partnership in 41 B.C. Cleopatra captured Mark Antonys heart, just as she had Julius
Caesars. He followed her to Alexandria and took her as his mistress. Cleopatra married Mark Antony in 37
B.C. Their marriage was not only for love. It was also a marriage of politics. Cleopatra was wealthy, and
Mark Antony had power to protect her from an invasion by Rome.While Antony was in Egypt with
Cleopatra, his enemies began to invade Roman provinces. In Rome, Fulvia, Antonys wife, hoped to get
Antony to leave Cleopatra by attacking in his name against Octavius, his ally. Antony returned to Fulvia, but
she soon died. He entered into a new alliance with Octavius by marrying Octavius sister, Octavia. Cleopatra
heard about his new wife only weeks after having given birth to his twin children. She began to focus on
making alliances and trade agreements for Egypt. She became wealthier. She used the money to build ships
and make her army bigger to prepare for war. When Antonys army was failing, she gave some of her
armys supplies to him. In 37 B.C., Antony sailed to meet with Cleopatra in Alexandria, married her and
publicly declared her children as his. But by leaving his wife in Rome, he lost his alliance with Octavius.
Antony gave pieces of the empire to both Cleopatra and her three children by him, as well as Caesarion, her
son by Julius Caesar. Some of this property was not even ruled by the Romans at that time. This was
Antonys way of declaring that he would soon be taking over the entire empire, as well as these other pieces
of land. This caused Octavius to feel threatened. Octavius declared war on Cleopatra and Antony. When it
was clear to Antony that he was losing the war, he sent word to Cleopatras ship and they left the battle site
and sailed towards the open ocean. Antonys ships soon followed. Octavius made everyone believe that
Cleopatra had left Antony and his ships to die, and that Antony had followed her because he was lovesick.
Antony, trying to make up for his humiliation of the loss, went to try to work out an agreement with
Octavius. Cleopatra locked herself and her treasures into a temple she had built for her burial tomb to hide
from Octavius men. Rumors spread that Cleopatra was dead.

When Mark Antony thought that Cleopatra was
dead, he committed suicide by throwing himself on his sword. Once Antony was dead, Cleopatra knew that
the Romans would take over Egypt and either have her killed or made into a slave. In order to save herself
from the Romans, Cleopatra then killed herself by purposely getting bitten by a cobra, a royal symbol, in the
year of 30 B.C. She died at the age of 39, in her tomb with all her treasures. She had ruled Egypt for 22
years, and was considered their greatest queen. She was the last of the Ptolemies to rule. It also meant the
end of Greek influence in Egypt. He was homonymous and therefore eldest son of Marcus Antonius
Creticus (praetor 74 BC), grandson of the great Marcus Antonius Orator (consul 99 BC, censor 97-6 BC)
who had been murdered and decapitated in the Marian Terror of winter 87-6 BC.
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His mother Julia was a daughter of Lucius Caesar (consul 90 BC, censor 89 BC), another Marian victim
murdered with Antonius Orator. His father died in 71 BC during his command against Mediterranean piracy,
and Julia remarried to Publius Cornelius Lentulus (Sura) (consul 71 BC), an eminent patrician politician and
co-leader of the infamous Conspiracy of Catiline named after the latter. He had two younger brothers, Gaius
(praetor 44 BC, born c.84 BC) and Lucius (quaestor 50 BC, consul 41 BC, born 81 BC or earlier). The
incompatibility of their birth dates with an eldest brother born in 83 BC indicates that the tradition making
Antony 53 BC at his death was the false one.According to authorities like Plutarch, he spent his youth
wandering the streets of Rome with his brothers and friends, most notably Gaius Scribonius Curio (the later
tribune 50 BC), with whom he is said to have had a long-term homosexual liaison, and whose wife Fulvia he
took as his own a year or so after Curio's death in 49 BC. Plutarch writes that before Antony reached 20
years of age, he was already indebted to the sum of 250 talents.[3] (About $5 million in today's money.)[4]
After this period of recklessness, Antony fled to Greece to escape his creditors and to study rhetoric. After a
short time spent in attendance on the philosophers at Athens, he was summoned by Aulus Gabinius,
proconsul of Syria, to take part in the campaigns against Aristobulus II in Judea, and in support of King
Ptolemy XII Auletes in Egypt. In the ensuing campaign, he demonstrated his talents as a cavalry commander
and distinguished himself for his vigour and bravery. Antony's life was a mixture of astounding military
valour along with equally astounding debauchery. In a similar vein, Plutarch noted that while his generosity
helped raise him to the heights of power, he was equally hindered by his countless faults.[5 Antony was
defeated by Octavian at the naval Battle of Actium, in a brief land battle at Alexandria. He & his lover
Cleopatra committed suicide shortly thereafter. His career & defeat are significant in Rome's transformation
from Republic to Empire Mark Antony (in Latin, Marcus Antonius) came from a distinguished Roman
family. His grandfather had been one of Rome's leading public speakers, and his father, Marcus Antonius
Creticus, had died in a military expedition against pirates when Antony was young.As a young man from a
distinguished family, Antony received an appropriate education. His studies focused on skills that would be
useful to him later in politics, such as the art of public speaking and the ability to think about a question or
situation objectively and from many angles. All his life, however, he was known for mixing such activities
with a love of less serious pleasures. At an early age he became known for the personality traits he showed
later as an adult: he was brave, loyal to friends, athletic, and attractive, but he was also reckless, occasionally
lazy, fond of drinking and carousing, and involved in love affairs.Antony received his first overseas
experience in the eastern portion of the Roman Empire, when, during 57 to 55 B.C.E. , he served with the
Roman governor of Syria, which was a province (territory) of Rome. From there he went to serve with
Caesar (10044 B.C.E. ) in Gaul (a region of Europe that included what is now modern-day France, as well
as parts of modern-day Germany, Belgium, and Italy). Caesar conquered Gaul for Rome, and Antony
assisted him in suppressing local rebellion against the Romans. In 50 B.C.E. , after returning to Rome,
Antony was elected a tribune, an office that represented the people's interests. Tribunes were expected to
stand up for the rights of individuals and for those who were not members of the highest classes of Roman
society. By contrast, the Senate, Rome's primary governing and advisory body, was composed primarily of
members from a small hereditary aristocracy (political upper class).
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Antony came into the office at a critical time. Caesar's command in Gaul was coming to an end, and a group
in the Senate was set on bringing Caesar to trial for what they saw as his misuse of his power. Caesar
depended upon the tribunes to look after his interests in Rome, and Antony did so when he vetoed a decree
that required Caesar and the men he commanded to lay down their arms. However, when the Senate gave its
officers special powers to "preserve the state," Antony felt that the measure would be used against him and
he fled to Caesar. By doing so, he gave Caesar the opportunity to assert his power, because he could claim
he was defending the people's representativesthe tribunesagainst the power of the Senate.A series of
civil wars followed that pitted Caesar and the armies and politicians loyal to him against the forces of
Pompey (10648 B.C.E. ), the leader of the Senate faction. Under Caesar, Antony was given several
important military assignments and distinguished himself. After Caesar defeated Pompey, Antony returned
to Italy as Caesar's second in command. In 45 B.C.E. Caesar designated him as consul (a one-year position
that was one of the most powerful in Roman government) for 44 B.C.E.

1. a. aim of the researcher
The aim of the researcher is to find details about the history of mark antony,speech given by him how it is
rhetoric and how useful it is in the field of English.

1. B. research methodology
The researcher has used the doctrinal method for his research project. This doctrinal method includes books,
library books, journals, books and online researches.

1. C. hypothesis
The hypothesis of the researcher is to research and conlude the speech of mark antony in drama julieus
ceaser.


2.Characteristic of mark antony speech
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The play tells what happened in Rome in 44 BC : Caesar proclaimed himself emperor, but he is killed by
conspirators, and there is a subsequent war between the political leaders : Brutus, Cassius, Mark Antony and
Octavius. This particular scene takes place in the Forum. The conspirators, Brutus and Cassius, speak to the
crowd, to announce Caesar's death and justify their crime. Antony, who tells the speech, was not involved in
the murder, but he claimed allegiance to the murderers, anyway he remains loyal to Caesar.While the crowd
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is on Brutus's side, throughout his speech, Antony manages to convince the crowd that Caesar is not to
blame, contrary to Brutus, for he betrayed his adoptive father and emperor. He ends up getting a lot of
respect from the people.My presentation is aimed at showing how Shakespeare succeeds in writing a
spectacular political speech, inserted in a play.Well I would bring out five movements in this speech, cause
it is strictly composed : An exordium (introduction for a discourse) which seeks to attract attention. As
Brutus justified himself saying that Caesar was ambitious, Antony develops an argumentation which goes
against his affirmation. A pathetic part, in the middle of which Antony stops talking to cry and touches the
people.The clever trick of the testament, which lights the fire in the crowd.Finally the conclusion, a real
twist, and the significant descent of Antony from the pulpit.
The exordium is very classic. Antony tries to
establish a link, to appear trustworthy. So he begins with an apostrophe to the crowd he calls them friends.
Then he pleases them : he does not intend to praise Caesar. He moves on to a saying, that's important
because it reduces Caesar at the commons' level, and it calms the people down.Then starts the
argumentation. Antony implies directly that what Brutus said is doubtful. He makes a pun on grievous and
grievously to create ambivalence or Brutus is an honourable man the phrase that is repeated several times
throughout the text, it is the most outstanding figure of speech. The crime is legitimate since Brutus is an
honourable man. This is the logical thread of the text. But Antony will spark doubt in people's minds, the
sentence becomes more and more sarcastic, and then the murder will not seem legitimate any more.
To justify his point of view and rehabilitate Caesar, Antony gives three proofs of Caesar's moderate
ambition :Caesar payed ransoms he was patriot and generous
Caesar wept for poor people he had compassion for his people
Caesar refused the crown he had humbleness. There is an epanadiplosis showing a distance between
Caesar and the monarchy. This is important because the monarchy is absolutely out of the question in Rome.
Rhetorical questions to make people think. He was in fact the perfect leader !
Antony repeats the sarcastic sentence, it becomes more and more antiphrastic thanks to the word sure.
Then he opposes Brutus's statements to what he knows, he means facts. He is to be trust cause he knows
the truth, and convinces the crowd rationally.And then begins the pathetic part. Antony reminds the crowd
that they appreciated Caesar and implies that they would naturally mourn for him, he tugs at the heartstrings.
Then he personifies the judgement and calls it with much emphasis. This personification gives to his speech
the power of transcendence.In the following verse, Antony uses a metaphor to embellish his sadness : his
heart in the coffin with Caesar. His elegiac tone aims to touch his audience. Antony carries the acting so far
that he stops his speech to cry. It perfectly illustrates the dimension of action that an effective speech
includes.We can see that the citizens react according to Antony's expectations.nostalgic moment. He
presents Caesar as a victim of ingratitude ; the hyperbole and none so poor stresses it. Antony then
hypothesizes to raise the crowd against the conspirators. The repetition of the word "wrong" is like a
stubborn charge against the conspirators. His decisions to wrong himself and the people seem completely
antiphrastic, they are obviously ironic and sarcastic. The crowd now knows his views and agrees, but he has
to ally himself with them definitely. Now he raised their pity he uses the ultimate trick : the testament. You
know when your read the passage that he is brandishing it at people's sight. Thanks to it, he arouses people's
curiosity, without saying what the testament says : he makes a digression made of raw images, to make a
strong impression. The figure of speech he uses is called hypotyposis. At the same time, he deifies Caesar,
he makes his apotheosis, and shines through this new symbol. After citizens have demanded the will,
Antony stirs their curiosity by a preterition : he pretends not to reveal the testament, but he does reveal it and
emphasizes it. His purpose is to revolt the audience, therefore his speech is more rhythmic, incantational and
it ends with an onomatopoeia and an exclamation. He is increasingly interrupted by the crowd. Now that he
lit the fire in the crowd, he puts an end to the logical thread of the honourable men with a last sarcasm. He
looks like a master of ceremonies who reserves an exclusive surprise to a cheering crowd. But it contrasts
with the violent image of the daggers.Antony now knows that the crowd is on his side, so he turns the
situation. He accepts the request from the crowd, and his new status of guardian of truth gives him an
absolute legitimacy. We can notice he is close to people, as the apostrophes indicate.Finally, very
symbolically, he descends from the pulpit to mingle with his people. He appears trustful and accessible
To summarise, the speech of Antony is remarkable for its effectiveness and the variety of devices. Indeed,
Antony combines rational and emotional speech, diction and action. He is a great actor, appears sad, violent
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or sarcastic. He can communicate with the crowd very well. His speech has a lot of rhythm, there changes
that make it thrilling. He controls the repetition and thus leads the crowd to his idea : the conspirators are
traitors and tyrants. But he never says it clearly. In fact he has to attract the sympathy of the crowd also to
anticipate the struggle for power that is just beginning. In fact, this speech is very beautiful and substantial
from a stylistic point of view, but it also reveals an impressive political strategy and a remarkable talent for
communication, which were veracious according to history. It is a masterpiece of manipulation and
populism. n Antony's funeral oration, he makes an agreement with Brutus not to place blame on the
conspirators. However, he manages to turn the mob against the conspirators.
Antony persuades the people of Rome to follow him and Caesar instead of Brutus. Brutus is a respectable
man and is himself honourable, but most importantly he has mastered the art of rhetoric. Antony states in his
speech that "[Brutus] Hath told you Caesar was ambitious", and then Antony retorts with "I thrice presented
him [Caesar] a kingly crown which he did thrice refuse." By doing that, Antony carefully rebuts Brutus'
statement that Caesar was ambitious and starts turning the crowd against the conspirators.Throughout his
speech Antony calls the conspirators honorable men. He then says, "You [the crowd] all did love him once,
not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?" This question goes against Brutus by
questioning his speech when he betrayed Caesar. Now the crowd is starting to turn against the conspirators
and follow Antony then teases the crowd with Caesar's will, which they beg him to read, but he refuses.
Antony tells the crowd to "have patience" and expresses his feeling that he will "wrong the honourable men
whose daggers have stabbed Caesar" if he is to read the will. The crowd yells out "they were traitors" and
have at this time completely turned against the conspirators and are inflamed about Caesar's death.To refute
Brutus' claim that Caesar was a heartless tyrant Antony recounts "how dearly he Caesa loved him Next,
Antony humbles himself as "no orator, as Brutus is" hinting that Brutus used trickery in his speech to
deceive the crowd. After that Antony deals his final blow by revealing to the crowd Caesar's will, in which
"To every Roman citizen he gives, to every several man seventy-five drachmas" as well as land. He then
asks the crowd, "Here was a Caesar, when comes such another which questions the conspirators' ability to
lead. Finally, Antony releases the crowd and utters, "Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou
what course thou wilt." After this the crowd riots and searches out the traitors in an attempt to kill
them.Even though in his speech Antony never directly calls the conspirators traitors, he is able to call them
"honourable" in a sarcastic manner that the crowd is able to understand. He starts out by citing that Caesar
had thrice refused the crown, which refutes the conspirators' main cause for killing Caesar. He reminds them
of Caesar's kindness and love for all, humanizing Caesar as innocent. Next he teases them with the will until
they demand he read it, and he reveals Caesar's 'gift' to the citizens. Finally, Mark Antony leaves them with
the question, was there ever a greater one than Caesar?, which infuriates the crowd. He then turns and
weeps.Antony uses the "Ceremonial" mode of persuasion in order to convince his audience that Caesar is
worthy of honour and praise. Antony must use "pathos" in order to appeal to the emotion of the audience.
He must understand the disposition of the audience in order to successfully persuade his audience that
Caesar truly was not an ambitious manAntony'performance on the bully pulpit should come as no surprise. It
is obvious from his Act III, sc. i meeting with the conspirators that he means something different in nearly
everything he says. He even subtly mocks the senators with his lines "My credit now stands on such slippery
ground/That one of two bad ways you must conceit me/Either a coward or a flatterer." Antony is the picture
of disingenuous. Brutus, ignoring the more sensible misgivings of Cassius, takes Antony at his word. We,
however, know what's in store when Antony in private utters, "O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of
earth/That I am meek and gentle with these butchers Brutus is clearly overmatched at Caesar's funeral, both
by Antony's duplicity and oration. Brutus gives a reasoned prose speech that convinces the crowd Caesar
had to die. Then, for reasons that remain questionable even taking naivet into account, Brutus not only
yields to Antony but leaves the Forum altogether. Antony will expend 137 lines of blank verse before he's
done, using rhetoric and calculated histrionics to incite the crowd into a mob frenzy. All quite masterful for a
man who denies any ability to "stir men's blood," as he puts it.in the speech that follows, Antony merely sets
the table for dissent. He progressively hits upon the notes of ambition and honourablein a cadence that soon
calls both terms into question. Antony's prime weapons at the beginning are his conspicuous ambiguity
regarding Caesar If it were so it was a grievous fault and Brutus Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
rhetorical questions Did this in Caesar seem ambitious and feigned intent I speak not to disprove what
Brutus spoke"). More chilling, however, is Antony's cynical epilogue to the funeral speech
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departs:womischief, thou As Antony exemplifies, the art of persuasion is not far removed in Julius
Caesar from the craft of manipulation.Brutus justifies the assas sination of Julius Caesar by accu sing him of
being over ambitious. However, after this, he does a fo olish thing of giving Antony the privilege of
speaking at Caesar 's funeral. He feels that Antony 's speech would boost his image. The tables turn when
Antony 's speech undermines the conspirators even while it appears deferential to them. He manages to turn
the mob against the conspirators. Antony uses many rhetorical questions to persuade the people to go against
the conspirators and support him and Caesar 's goals. He damns the murderers although it appears that he
was paying respect. He proved his skill as a rhetorician as well as a politician. He points out various facts
which quite clearly portray the fact that Caesar was wrongly accu sed of being over-ambitious. Caesar
brought many captives home, wept at the sorrow of the poor and thrice declined the crown to the kingdom
offered by Antony. This entire speech won over the crowd and turned them against the conspirators. When
Antony delivered this speech, his words melted with those of Caesar 's to rouse the masses against the
injustice of the
scends to the pulpit and the crowd falls silent. He delivers an earnest, honest, and simple speech. Brutus tellS
the people tO hear him for his cause. First, he says that the people should trust his honor, which they know
to be true. He asks if anyone can say they loved Caesar more than he did. No one can. Brutus says he rose
against Caesar not Brutus a because he didn't love him, but because he loved Rome more n because Ceasar
was ambitious. If Caesar were still living they would all be slaves therefore he says that he had to die for his
ambition. To have let him live would be to submit to slavery. Brutus asks whether anyone doesn't love
Rome and freedom, and of course the answer is no. So obviously Caesar had to die. And then, Antony
shows up with Caesar's body. Brutus introduces Antony to the crowd and closes his speech by restating that
he slew his best friend for Rome's sake and that he will turn the same dagger on himself if his country ever
needs his death. Everyone is so happy with Brutus that there are some calls to give him a statue among his
ancestors ,to take him to his house with shouts and clamors and to make him the new Caesar but tells the
crowd to listen to the speck of Mark Antony who is going to talk about Ceasars glories and achievements
with his and other conspirators permission and then Brutus departs politely himself.Antony takes over, with
the famous speech beginning: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not
to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones; so let it be with
Caesar."The crowd is happy with THe speech delivered by brutus..The crowd is as good as sold there, but
Antony manages 2 stealthily bring it around to the opinion that Caesar has been killed wrongfully. He begins
by insisting that Brutus and the other murderers are honorable, but then proceeds to slowly undermine the
statement by pointing out how their chief gripe against Caesar, his ambition, could not be true. Antony gives
examples of how Caesar loved his people, bringing in money to the country, weeping with the poor, and
even refusing the crown three times. Clearly, he suggests, Caesar wasn't ambitious at all, but was devoted
and loving to his citizens.Antony is very diplomatic n a tactful person.He is getting them to clamor to hear
Caesar's will by insisting that they shouldn't hear it because if thet hear it they will not be able to stop
demselves from crying. He descends to read them the private document but gets sidetracked by mourning
over Caesar's body. Again Antony insists Brutus is honorable, but then points out the wounds Brutus made
in his friend's bloody body. Antony repeats this pattern over n over, until all are became violent and were in
agreement to burn and slay Brutus and the other conspirators.They all become violent n ready to go n kill
brutus n the other conspirators that they forget about Caesar's will. Antony has to remind them that they
wanted to hear it. After the mob gets 2 know the news that Caesar left them some nice gardens and 75
drachmas each, they decide to burn them all in the holy place and burn down the murderers houses with the
same fire.As the mob sets off to carry out the mutiny Antony delights that his plan has worked Mark Antony,
in the play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, was a brave, intelligent, pleasure-loving, and cunning man. He was
loyal to his friend, Caesar, whom he considered a true friend. He looked at life as a game in which he had a
signified part to play, and played that part with excellent refinement and skill.
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Antony was devoted and preferred to be dependent upon Julius Caesar since he rather have enjoyed life than
to claim the highest position in the government. He wanted the crown to be given to Caesar so that all
conflicts could be avoided. However, this additional power contributed to the conspirator's motive to
assassinate him. Antony was distraught with Caesar's death and sought revenge first by speaking to the
crowd in his speech. He showed how clever and cunning he could be when he convinced the crowd at
Caesar's funeral ceremony to side with him and not with the murderers. The people became excited and
rowdy when he teased them about the will, waving it in the air and pretending as if he was not going to read
it. Reverse psychology is used when he first pretends to respect the conspirators calling them honorable
men, and then slowly proving that they are not. He speaks out against them because he wanted power for
himself, and unlike Brutus, he is politically ambitious and so believes that if he can take control while the
state is in turmoil, he will remain in power. He was alone in making this oration, yet he was confidant in
himself and courageous. Rome began to collapse once Caesar was killed, and Antony was left without
anyone to trust. He did not want to side with the conspirators whom he valued slightly. However, he felt his
duty was to carry on Caesar's reign and clear his name. Therefore he joined the Second Triumvirate and
became a great leader.

Antony was looked down upon by all the conspirators except for Brutus. They wanted
to kill Antony as well as Caesar because they feared that he would become as powerful as him and possibly
a dictator. Brutus persuaded the others not to add to the assassination by saying, "And for Mark Antony,
think not of him: for he can do no more than Caesar's arm when Caesar's head is off". Brutus underestimated
Antony and perceived him as a person who didn't always take life seriously, couldn't have a serious nature
and therefore, not a thinker. Brutus continued to argue with Cassius who did not believe him. "Alas, good
Cassius, do not think of him. If he love Caesar, all that he can do is to himself -- take thought and die for
Caesar. And that were much he should, for he is given to sports, to wildness, and much company . Brutus
judged him as being frivolous, and simply liking sport and partying, with a reputation for womanizing.
Unfortunately for Brutus and the conspirators he was respected by Caesar and so simply couldn't be
ignored. Caesar respected Antony, and his way of life. He defended him when he said, "See! Antony, that
revels (makes merry) long a-nights, is notwithstanding (however) up. Good morrow, Antony" . Caesar did
not think Antony to be a threat to anyone. Antony's character was slow to emerge, and it wasn't until he was
forced to show his true potential, could he really be judged. He was a character with many hidden traits until
he was forced to show his true character while defending Caesar after his death. He was misunderstood by
all, and his true leadership qualities were underestimated. Once he became a leader of Rome, his true
character was uncovered character of Mark Antony from Shakespeares play Julius Caesar may be viewed
as simply the confident and devoted supporter of Julius Caesar. On the contrary, Antony presents the
qualities of a shrewd flatterer, a ruthless tyrant, as well as a loyal follower. Antonys characteristics will
change as the play progresses. He will begin using flattery to get what he wants, but he will eventually
depend on his powerful relentlessness. Furthermore, Antony uses these various attributes to make him
successful. Throughout the play, Antony uses flattering to achieve his goals. Following the assassination of
Caesar, Antony quickly grasps that he must deal with Brutus, and he has the shrewdness to take advantage
of Brutuss gullibility. Antony has his servant say, Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest (III i 126).
From this point, it is clear that Antony intends to flatter Brutus and to work upon those personal qualities of
Brutus which represent his fundamental weaknesses. Antony then comes to the Capitol where he further
flatters the conspirators by shaking their hands and saying, Friends am I with you all, and love you all...
(III i 220). This act symbolizes that Antony has made a new friendship with the conspirators, but in reality,
he is plotting to seek revenge so he can take over Rome. Antony is also able to flatter the vast angry crowd
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in order to get his way. He is first able to get the crowd to feel sorry for him. This feeling is evident when
the second plebeian says, Poor soul, his eyes are red as fire with weeping. Antony is then able to turn the
people in the crowd against Brutus by teasing them with Caesars will. Antony says, And being men,
hearing the will of Caesar, it will inflame you, it will make you mad. This blandishment provokes an
immediate response of the crowd demandin





3.elements of retoric
The play, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, is an interpretation of the last days of Caesar, his murder,
and the aftermath. The part Im interested is the beginning of Antonys funerary speech and the rhetorical
devices used in it. Antonys speech takes place near the end of the third act. It is appealing to the rhetorical
devices found in primarily in pathos.Pathos is one of three main rhetorical devices. The others being ethos
and logos. Ethos is the ability of a speaker to gain agreement based upon his reputation, Logos is based on
logic and pathos is based on emotional pleas. Antonys argument against Brutus was so convincing that
Antony made the people burn down Brutus and Cassius houses and chase them out of Rome. I will
summarize the speech and then show you how Shakespeare spices it up through the use of pathos based
rhetorical devices.When Antony begins his speech, he addresses the citizens as friends and then asks them to
listen. After that he implies that he respects Caesar but does not love him. Antony then begins his argument
against Brutus, the man who killed Caesar. As he begins his attack, Antony plainly states what his problem
with Brutus is. He then poses several questions about Caesar that he proceeds to answer. The first two are
about Caesars ambition and the last one is aimed at the audience.What cause with hold you then to mourn
for him? is Antonys first rhetorical question. He immediately answers and then gives the crowd time to
talk,He then begins again, But yesterday the word of Caesar might have stood against the world; now lies
he there. And none so poor to do him reverence.He tops this section off by producing Caesars will that he
says he found in his closet. But he refuses to read it to the clamoring crowd. Then he picks up Caesars
cloak and shows the crows where Brutus stabbed Caesar. He goes on about how Brutus did the actual gory
deed. He holds the crowd back as they begin to discuss pillaging Brutuss home. He does this by reading
them Caesars will. The crowd will not be stopped now, and out of anger they burn Caesars body and using
the fire brands from his pyre, they burn down the houses of Brutus and his friends.The scene closes when
Antonys servant comes and tells Antony that Octavius has arrived and Brutus and Cassius were chased
through the gates of Rome in fear of their lives.Lets look at how Shakespeare brings out the emotion of the
first part of this scene. Ethos, logos and pathos are three persuasion tools used by Shakespeare in Mark
Antonys funeral oration over Caesars body. Ethos is appeal based on the character of the speaker, Logos is
appeal based on logic or reason and Pathos is appeal based on emotion. Antony uses these elements to turn
the .Roman crowd against the conspirators with a highly convincing speech. These three persuasion tools
and structure and diction are the key elements of the effectiveness of Mark Antonys famous speech.The
most convincing use of ethos in Antonys speech is in the first line of the speech; Friends, Romans,
countrymen, lend me your ears! This shows that Mark Antony is trying to get in to the Roman crowds
hearts with his status as a trustworthy man. He uses rhetorical irony throughout the speech constantly
questioning the ethos of Brutus. Brutus uses ethos heavily in his speech, he was considered very honorable a
by the Romans, and basically anything that came out of his mouth had to be correct. Mark Antony targets
the questionable character of Brutus several times saying: And Brutus is an honorable man. Antony then
sums his speech up by using I speak not to disprove what Brutus poke.This line once again outlines the
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irony used by Antony and this is where the trustworthy character of Mark Antony persuades the crowd to
turn on the crowd, without Antony actually saying that what the conspirators did was the wrong thing.
Logos can be facts that are used to persuade someone. Mark Antony uses a lot of facts throughout the course
of his speech. One of the key facts in his initial speech is; When that the poor have cried,Caesar hath wept.
To use this is very logical by Mark Antony since most of the people that he is trying to persuade arent the
richest bunch of folk in Rome. So when he uses poor as the type of people that Caesar cried for, the crowd
thinks that it is wrong to brutally murder someone who cared so much for them that he even wept. The
second time that Antony uses logos is not in his first speech but later when he is reading the will of Caesar.
He says To every Roman citizen he gives, to every several man, seventy-five drachmas. This line carries
the power to make the Roman citizens sorrowful about Caesars death. The logos by Antony shows that
Caesar cared so much about his people that not only did he cry for them and also that he left money in the
will for public. This heavily influences the change of mind in the crowd.Pathos is the most cleverly used
element by Mark Antony. He uses a small amount in his first speech saying that He was my friend, faithful
and just to me. This shows that Caesar was a man who is trustworthy and unjust to kill. As usual he implies
this discreetly, by using the word just. Antony then points out the stabs in Caesar, he points out stabs of
Casca and Cassius, not bringing much attention to them. Then he brings attention to Brutuss stab, he then
says This was the most unkindest cut of them all. He then gets angry himself, and so does the crowd. He
then shouts Whilst bloody treason flourishs over us. The dint of pity. These are gracious drops. He sums
his point up by rhetorical irony, saying that the work that the conspirators have done is honourable.The
structure and diction used by Shakespeare gives us a good idea in how Antony would have been thinking
when he made his speech. Structure-wise, similar topics or ideas are grouped and separated just like
paragraphs. He stops to hear the crowd and sees if they understand what he is talking about, and then
continues to his next argument to further persuade the crowd to go against the conspirators. He then
concludes his set of speeches saying Here was a Caesar! When comes such another! The way the speeches
are set out almost like an essay. Diction is the choice of words to fit in a context. Throughout the speech
Mark Antony provides words that fit just what he means. The choices of words show how Mark Antony
would have been feeling at the time. Words such as interred and the constant rhetorical irony give us
insights into the emotions of Antony. Evaluating the Rhetoric of Mark Antony in Shakespeares Julius
CaesarIn Shakespeares Julius Caesar, Cassius and Brutus, along with other statesmen, conspire to murder
Caesar. Following the murder, Brutus delivers a strong oration to his fellow Roman citizens explaining that
he and his fellow statesmen assassinated Caesar because he was overly ambitious. Following Brutuss
oration, Mark Antony delivers a rebuttal that exemplifies a mastery of rhetorical principles and succeeds in
persuading his countrymen that Caesar did not deserve to die. Mark Antony employs a variety of rhetorical
principles in his speech. Like the Sophists, Antony works from exdoxa, or commonly held beliefs. Mark
Antony uses events that citizens witnessed as support for his position. He states:Caesar hath brought many
captives home to Rome,Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:When that the poor have cried, Caesar
hath wept: Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice
presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition. Through using these specific
events to support his position, Mark Antony advances his case significantly. Members of the audience recall
these occurrences. Through helping his audience remember Caesars lack of ambitious behavior on these
precise occasions, Antony is more likely to convince his audience that Caesar is not ambitious at all.Antony
also employs kairos, or correct timing, in his speech. He allows Brutus to speak before him, which gives him
the opportunity to rebut Brutuss argument. Antonys entire argument hinges on providing examples to
contradicting Brutuss initial claim that Caesar was ambitious. The content of Antonys speech lends itself to
refuting an initial argument. Through choosing to speak after Brutus, Antony is able to use Brutuss words
against him. For example, he continually injects the phrase Brutus says he was ambitious; / And Brutus is
an honourable man, into his speech (3.2.84-85). Furthermore, using Antonys rebuttal, the citizens decide
that Caesars assassination was not to protect Rome from an overly ambitious ruler and they do not give
Brutus a chance to deny this. Had Antony spoken first, the citizens would have been more likely to allow
Brutus a chance to refute Antonys arguments. The timing of Antonys speech is crucial to his persuasive
power.One can also find all three of Aristotles appeals in Antonys speech. Most prominently, Antony
appeals to logic. He clearly presents solid evidence against Brutuss claims in order to establish Caesars
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innocence. He creates a logical chain connecting Julius Caesars behavior to his lack of excessive ambition.
Then from Caesars acts to the vile nature of his assassins. According to Antonys argument, because Caesar
committed acts that were obviously not ambitious, Brutuss claim that he was overly ambitious is false.
Therefore, Caesars assassins were wrong for murdering him. Because Antony uses a logical argument, he
better leads the citizens of Rome to a truthful conclusion.n addition to using logic, Antony also appeals to
the emotional aspects of his audience in a way that Brutus does not. The final words that Antony utters in
the first section of his speech are: O judgement! thou art fled to brutish beasts, / And men have lost their
reason. Bear with me; / My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, / And I must pause till it come back to
me, (3.2.102-105). This is the kind of reaction that the audience would expect from someone who just lost a
friend. This sort of emotional response contrasts heavily with Brutuss stern demeanor during his speech.
Although Brutus says, If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesars, to him I say, that
Brutus love to Caesar was no less than his, Brutus merely states his emotions rather than conveying them
through his actions (3.2.17-19). Antony makes his oration more effective through not only using expressive
words, but also fully conveying his grief to the citizens of Rome. In addition to presenting a logically sound
argument and conveying his grief, Mark Antony also presents himself as a credible and ethical figure. In his
speech, Antony attempts to understand Brutuss motivations rather than pronouncing him as wrong
immediately. Because of this, Antonys audience believes that he is working with the best interests of Rome
in mind. His audience responds by trusting his judgment more. The sense of credibility and ethicality that
the audience attributes to Antony also derive from the soundness of his argument. Antony presents a
flawless argument against Brutuss claim that Caesar was ambitious. Because he presents such a bullet-proof
argument, he proves himself to be a credible speaker. Antony successfully appeals to his audiences sense of
authority and ethicality to enhance the power of his argument.Through using rhetorical strategies in his
speech after Caesars death, Mark Antony successfully debunks Brutuss assertion that Caesar died because
he was too ambitious. In an amazing feat of persuasive genius, Antony transforms the citizens opinions
about Caesar as well as Caesars assassins through his brief, but powerful, oration. Antony does this through
employing various tactics originally used by the Sophists as well as several of the appeals found in
Aristotles rhetorical theory. Witnessing Antonys success provides students of rhetoric with an exceptional
example of the proper employment of rhetorical devices when attempting to persuade an audience. This text
is an excerpt from a play by Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, written in 1599.The play tells what happened in
Rome in 44 BC : Caesar proclaimed himself emperor, but he is killed by conspirators, and there is a
subsequent war between the political leaders : Brutus, Cassius, Mark Antony and Octavius. This particular
scene takes place in the Forum. The conspirators, Brutus and Cassius, speak to the crowd, to announce
Caesar's death and justify their crime. Antony, who tells the speech, was not involved in the murder, but he
claimed allegiance to the murderers, anyway he remains loyal to Caesar.While the crowd is on Brutus's side,
throughout his speech, Antony manages to convince the crowd that Caesar is not to blame, contrary to
Brutus, for he betrayed his adoptive father and emperor. He ends up getting a lot of respect from the
people.My presentation is aimed at showing how Shakespeare succeeds in writing a spectacular political
speech, inserted in a play.Well I would bring out five movements in this speech, cause it is strictly
composed An exordium (introduction for a discourse) which seeks to attract attention. As Brutus justified
himself saying that Caesar was ambitious, Antony develops an argumentation which goes against his
affirmation. A pathetic part, in the middle of which Antony stops talking to cry and touches the people. The
clever trick of the testament, which lights the fire in the crowd.Finally the conclusion, a real twist, and the
significant descent of Antony from the pulpit.The exordium is very classic. Antony tries to establish a link,
to appear trustworthy. So he begins with an apostrophe to the crowd he calls them friends. Then he pleases
them : he does not intend to praise Caesar. He moves on to a saying, that's important because it reduces
Caesar at the commons' level, and it calms the people down. Then starts the argumentation. Antony implies
directly that what Brutus said is doubtful. He makes a pun on grievous and grievously to create
ambivalence.
For Brutus is an honourable man : the phrase that is repeated several times throughout the
text, it is the most outstanding figure of speech. The crime is legitimate since Brutus is an honourable
man. This is the logical thread of the text. But Antony will spark doubt in people's minds, the sentence
becomes more and more sarcastic, and then the murder will not seem legitimate any more.To justify his
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point of view and rehabilitate Caesar, Antony gives three proofs of Caesar's moderate ambition :Caesar
payed ransoms he was patriot and generousCaesar wept for poor people he had compassion for
peopleCaesar refused the crown he had humbleness. There is an epanadiplosis showing a between Caesar
and the monarchy. This is important because the monarchy is absolutely out of the question in Rome.
Rhetorical questions to make people think. He was in fact the perfect leader !
Antony repeats the sarcastic sentence, it becomes more and more antiphrastic thanks to the word sure.
Then he opposes Brutus's statements to what he knows, he means facts. He is to be trust cause he knows
the truth, and convinces the crowd rationally.And then begins the pathetic part. Antony reminds the crowd
that they appreciated Caesar and implies that they would naturally mourn for him, he tugs at the heartstrings.
Then he personifies the judgement and calls it with much emphasis. This personification gives to his speech
the power of transcendence.In the following verse, Antony uses a metaphor to embellish his sadness : his
heart in the coffin with Caesar. His elegiac tone aims to touch his audience. Antony carries the acting so far
that he stops his speech to cry. It perfectly illustrates the dimension of action that an effective speech
includes.We can see that the citizens react according to Antony's expectations.Antony speaks again with the
same elegiac tone. He contrasts the past and the present to enhance the nostalgic moment. He presents
Caesar as a victim of ingratitude ; the hyperbole and none so poor stresses it. Antony then hypothesizes to
raise the crowd against the conspirators. The repetition of the word "wrong" is like a stubborn charge against
the conspirators. His decisions to wrong himself and the people seem completely antiphrastic, they are
obviously ironic and sarcastic. The crowd now knows his views and agrees, but he has to ally himself with
them definitely. Now he raised their pity he uses the ultimate trick : the testament. You know when your
read the passage that he is brandishing it at people's sight. Thanks to it, he arouses people's curiosity, without
saying what the testament says : he makes a digression made of raw images, to make a strong impression.
The figure of speech he uses is called hypotyposis. At the same time, he deifies Caesar, he makes his
apotheosis, and shines through this new symbol. After citizens have demanded the will, Antony stirs their
curiosity by a preterition : he pretends not to reveal the testament, but he does reveal it and emphasizes it.
His purpose is to revolt the audience, therefore his speech is more rhythmic, incantational and it ends with
an onomatopoeia and an exclamation. He is increasingly interrupted by the crowd. Now that he lit the fire in
the crowd, he puts an end to the logical thread of the honourable men with a last sarcasm. He looks like a
master of ceremonies who reserves an exclusive surprise to a cheering crowd. But it contrasts with the
violent image of the daggers.Antony now knows that the crowd is on his side, so he turns the situation. He
accepts the request from the crowd, and his new status of guardian of truth gives him an absolute legitimacy.
We can notice he is close to people, as the apostrophes indicate.Finally, very symbolically, he descends from
the pulpit to mingle with his people. He appears trustful and accessible.To summarise, the speech of Antony
is remarkable for its effectiveness and the variety of devices. Indeed, Antony combines rational and
emotional speech, diction and action. He is a great actor, appears sad, violent or sarcastic. He can
communicate with the crowd very well. His speech has a lot of rhythm, there are tonal changes that make it
thrilling. He controls the repetition and thus leads the crowd to his idea : the conspirators are traitors and
tyrants. But he never says it clearly. In fact he has to attract the sympathy of the crowd also to anticipate the
struggle for power that is just beginning. In fact, this speech is very beautiful and substantial from a stylistic
point of view, but it also reveals an impressive political strategy and a remarkable talent for communication,
which were veracious according to history. It is a masterpiece of manipulation and populism..

2. Conclusion
. In the Preface it was lined out what is evident to reach an opinion of Antonys personality. As with each
individual, childhood experiences influence later life, they form attitudes and manners. Inclinations, positive
or negative, are in a persons nature, they may break out or stay dormant. Anthonys outbursts and behaviour
let him stand far away from the Roman ideal, yet his abilities, endurance and humanity let him be accepted
as an exceptional personality and as one of the remarkable leaders in the history of Rome. We have many
literary and pictorial sources from the late Republic, contemporary and near-contemporary ones.
Unfortunately, not all writers were objective, they were writing for various reasons, as a means for self-
glorification, for didactic purposes or sheer entertainment. Their respective attitude, not only towards
15

Antony, but also towards contemporary circumstances, regarding politics, economic conditions, imperial
conquests, the influence of certain strong personalities, and cultural interests and morals, is reflected in their
texts. But most influential in the eyes of historians were experiences in the transitional period from republic
to empire. Antony can be classified as a dynast, like Pompeand Caesar before him. These men naturally
were seen by some stern republicans as a threat to the republic, to the constitution and to the (so-called)
liberty. The leading class, the optimates, feared for their position and also for the loss of their possessions,
as proscriptions and confiscations were forced through at random and on the other side, the rebellious crowd
kept the stability of government out of balance. Of contemporary sources Cicero, Pollio, Dellius and Livy
are examined. Augustus own Res Gestae and his Memoirs (only known through other sources) are
subjective and seemingly produced for self-justification. Plutarch is regarded as positively inclined towards
Antony, though he is aware of negative and destructive influences. Appians attitude is positive as Antony
was still a popular figure in Alexandria. Dio Cassius seems far distanced from republican times and from
Antony as a person. He prospered under imperialism and had accepted it. At all times propaganda had a
strong influence. This negative working kept Antony in the dark and non-appreciation for almost 2000
years. Modern historians try to present a more realistic picture of him taking into consideration, as Plutarch,
his good and bad qualities, how these elevated and consistently destroyed him. His performances in the
military and political field are also taken into account to form an all-around picture of his personality and as
a man, as well as of the consequences of his activities. Yet, we cannot escape the influence of Ciceros
Philippics. One cannot avoid mentioning constantly Cicero and his defamations against Antony and the
latters reaction to them. It seems the Philippics have been the most influential source on Antony. Vicious
attacks also came from the Augustan poets Propertius and Horace. Vergil was moderate and he only
criticised Antony indirectly by citing historical or mythological events and by extolling Roman virtues.
The merits of modern historians are their objectivity, their enlightenment and research also of personalities
who played their role in the background of the political battle-field. Bengtson, Syme and Huzar seem to be
the most notable. They were completely aware of Antonys character flaws, but they did not unilaterally
condemn him because of those and his failures. In Chapter III Antonys family, his youth, early manhood
and mature age are treated. He was, as every human being, influenced by family, by events on the political
scene, by financial problems, by loss of prestige and also by a naturalambition. To achieve his aims he used
his charm but also cruelty. The love of power was seen as a natural trait in every man. Power, if used wisely,
conveyed popularity which in turn could lead to a life of revelry and loose morals. Antony was constantly
criticised for his circle of friends, his heavy drinking and his boisterousness.
Rome experienced a time of upheaval induced by many factors: an enlarged empire, an ineffective senate
which could not adapt to new circumstances; popular unrests caused by power-hungry leaders of the people;
corruption and greed of the upper classes at the opportunity to exploit the resources of the newly won
domains. Antonys years during the First Triumvirate were dominated by the rivalry between Pompey and
Caesar and the riotous behaviour of the rival tribunes Clodius and Milo with a helpless Senate in the
background. Personal involvements kept Antony at the front of political and social events: his successes in
the Near East and in Gaul, his activities as tribune of the people, his friendships with Caesar, Clodius and
Curio, his marriages to Fulvia and Octavia, and later his scandalous infatuation with the Queen .
Antony was in a difficult situation after theIdes of March 44BC. He was torn between his lust for power, lust
for vengeance and a population in uproar.
Antony was neglecting his western connections and his rival
Octavian grew more and more influential and powerful. His great victory at Philippi was not forgotten but
his retreat to the East undermined his position in the West. Damaging later was his failure of the Parthian
campaign. Antonys career was not one of the ordinary cursus honorum. He started with a superior military
position at the age of 25 as cavalry prefect in Syria (58-54) and in Gaul (54-49); interrupted by various
sojourns in Rome to enter a political career: For 52 he was elected quaestor; for 50 as elected tribune and
augur; he now could manifest his (and Caesars) influence on far-reaching decisions at the centre of
government.Caesars position in connection with Pompeys assumed augmented power didinvolve Antony,
as Caesars agent, in the dangerous proceedings leading to the crossing of the Rubicon in 49. He had shown
his manipulating talents in defending Caesar; to take to flight himself when necessary, and to rally the
soldiers and civilians of Italy behind his patron. His energetic performances and Caesars dependency on
Antonys abilities earned him the propraetorian imperium. He was now second-in command. While Caesar
16

successfully tried to vanquish Pompey and his adherents in Spain and Africa, Antony was nominated
magister equitum, twice to be in charge of Rome and Italy. The situation was difficult and volatile and
Antony had been seriously criticised for recklessness, mismanagement, inefficiency, cruelty, debauchery in
private life, etc. But he was successful in settling the rebellious troops; in diplomatic negotiations with
Pompeian Senators and the debt-legislation. The population was in a dangerous mood because of amassed
debts and because of food-shortages due to Sextus blockade of corn-imports. Antony entered dealings with
Sextus and with Lepidus who possibly could pose a threat because of his large army. Antony may have
mastered Rome, but a mutiny in Campania was quelled with great cruelty according to Cassius Dio (42, 29).
Several writers mention estrangement between Caesar and Antony (Plut. Ant. 10) but with his marriage to
Fulvia he gained renewed influence. The Ides of March 44 turned Antonys life upside-down, although
Caesar had already made the Senate and the Comitiae inefficient, Antony had still to prove himself as sole
Consul. He may have felt threatened as is reflected in his employment of a body-guard of 6000 veterans. He
still had to bring the populus on his side, which he achieved with oratorical skill. He pondered between
revenge, which could mean war, and a peaceful solution of the situation. Allegedly he had falsified Caesars
resolutions which had to be ratified. With the proconsulship of Gallia Cisalpina and Transalpina Italy was
controllable. The chief murderers, Brutus and Cassius, were kept out of the centre by unimportant posts.
Order in Rome and Italy seemed to Antony of utmost importance: veteranswere settled (but always had to
beready for action) and various senators were appointed as provincial governors. On the 2
nd
September 44
Cicero started his campaign against Antony originating in the conflict between Senate and the people
regarding the governorship of Cisalpina, which Antony had received by popular vote. A conflict was
unavoidable and Antonys defeat at Mutina did not crush him. With guile or diplomacy he won Lepidus on
his side as well as Pollio and Plancus. Octavian was already on the scene, but had still to hold back and ally
himself with the two strongest men in the empire. Antonys problems were still many and his prestige was
only restored with his victory at Philippi, and his predominance lasted at least until the establishment of the
Triumvirate. Lepidus was powerful because of his army and Octavian could not be left out because of his
legal position as official heir of Caesar. Antonys marriage to Octavia was seen as a guarantor for lasting
peace.Antonys negotiations with Sextus show his practical attitude. He may have been aware that the
latters followers were not just pirates but many were able men who fled from dictatorship or out of poverty.
Antony also had recognised that the blockades and the threat of it had to be eliminated.
After Antony was active permanently in the East, he lost touch with the West which allowed Octavian to
strengthen his own position. Former allies were eliminated, as Lepidus, Sextus and later Salvidienus who
tried to ally himself with Antony. Antonys relationship with Cleopatra and their luxurious lifestyle appalled
many Romans. Propaganda did harm Antony and was able to make the greatest part of the population to
rally behind Octavian. He tried in vain to uplift his image by attacking Parthia. Octavian did not keep his
promises to Antony which led to his complete dependency on Cleopatra and to the decisive battle of Actium.
In order to treat Antonys performances in the East, one must consider the circumstances and problems
dominating the western part of the empire. Furtherone must look at Antonys activities and resolutions in the
West, and what led him to certain decisions and actions. The complexities and attitudes were too different
between west and east that it is sometimes difficult to do justice to Antony. His adaptability to both spheres
seems remarkable, and considering the fact that his genius lay in military leadership and strategy, it is
striking that he was able to lead and decide in politics and govern the greatest part of the empire in times of,
mostly, peace. Antonys career and performances in the West are treated in Chapter IV and introduced in
Chapter.The immediate purpose of his transfer to the East was to stabilise that part of the expanded empire
by establishing loyal vassal rulers or dismissing incompetent or disloyal ones. He organised effective
administration and tax collecting systems. His attitude was also directed towards the welfare of the eastern
people realising that good relationships could only exist if they were no longer exploited for the benefit of
Rome only. Antonys powers as triumvir, governor and general were unlimited. His love of power and his
ultimate aim to conquer the Parthian empire were clearly recognisable: his choice of vassal kings, the
consolidating of border states, the acceptance of Egypt as the richest state of the East as his seat of control,
his liaison with the powerful Queen of Egypt and later marriage to her.
As a philhellene Antony paid special care to Greece and to Asia Minor (which had a large Greek
population). He adapted to local customs. Prosperity was the result of extended trade relations and
augmented production. Antony, in spite of his ostentatious adoption of eastern habits, never ceased to be a
17

Roman. Many parts of the East were Romanized by establishing veteran colonies and by agricultural (for
example corn production) and commercial activitiesMany of Antonys arrangements lasted into the late
empire which is a great performance, but his greatest, immediately notable achievement was his preservation
of the eastern Roman Empire and to save it from dissolution.