Monday, November 2, 2015

In Act III of "Julius Caesar," why does Antony befriend the conspirators immediately after the assassination?

Wouldn't you?  Think if you were in the same position.  Your best friend has just been murdered by a bunch of men--do you stand alone and accuse them of wrongdoing, or do you schmooze them a little and tell them they are great guys, honorable guys, and all you ask is an opportunity to speak at your friend's funeral?

Antony is an intelligent fellow.  He knows his immediate safety is in jeopardy--never forget that the original proposal included Antony's murder as well.  Cassius wanted them both gone, and Brutus is the one who said that Antony was like Caesar's arm when it had been cut from the body.  Brutus misinterpreted Antony's power, and that is his downfall.

Antony knows that he must "kiss up" to these men in order to get them the punishment he feels they deserve for murdering Caesar.  Antony knows how to manipulate, and getting these men to believe he is harmless is purely political on his part.

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