Antony was a helper and friend to Caesar. He provided moral support and love towards him. Because of his actions, when Caesar died, he had great passion and wanted to take over to show his commitment to Caesar. Antony expressed the conspirators as noble, but changed his thoughts after they killed his leader. Antony was a dynamic character through the death of Caesar and changed his outlook and relationships with the conspirators as it changes from acknowledgement to hate. Antony follows Caesar’s orders with obedience and views him as a fatherly figure as he says, “When Caesar says “do this” it is performed,” (1. . 12-13).
This confirms Antony’s obedience and respect to Caesar. This demonstrates his respect; whatever Caesar orders, Antony does it immediately. His dedication illustrates his steadfast relationship with Caesar and when the downfall of Caesar comes, he suffers. After the death of Caesar, he states, “And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge, with Ate by his side ,”(3. 1. 297-297). Antony’s cry emphasizes his sympathy for Caesar, because he adored Caesar. Antony says that Ate will come with him which expresses that Caesar will come for vengeance.
He demonstrates the anger that is in him because of Caesar’s death and his will for revenge on the conspirators. His dedication to Caesar supports his reason to seek revenge on the conspirators. Therefore as Antony gives a speech to Rome after Caesar’s death, he declares, “Here is the will and under Caesar’s seal, To every Roman citizen he give, to every several man, 75 drachmas,” (3. 2. 240-242). Antony’s approach to go against the conspirators illustrates his future leadership. Brutus trusts Antony to help the people agree with them but Antony’s betrayal expresses his revengeful heart and his ability to persuade the people of Rome.
He uses sympathy to show what Caesar did for the people of Rome and conveys his ability to use his words to his benefit. Consequently when Brutus discusses with the plebeians about the death of Caesar, they understand his actions by saying “Live, Brutus, live! ” (3. 2. 50). Antony then changes the mind of the plebeians as they say, “Traitors, villains! ” (3. 2. 213). This introduces Antony’s power to change the minds of many. After Brutus explains the reason for killing Caesar, the plebeians accept the reason and praise Brutus for it but Antony’s speech revolts them against the conspirators which reveals his strength and leadership.
The plebeians see the fault in the conspirators that they did not see which supports Antony as a potential leader. When fighting in the battle, Antony talks to Octavius stating, “I am in their bosoms, and I know wherefore they do it,” (5. 1. 7-8). This confirms Antony’s knowledge of the conspirators and uses it to his advantage. His statement reveals his strategies in warfare, which leads him to victory and death of his enemies. His leadership emphasizes his change in attitude and actions as he yearns for triumph. Furthermore, Antony’s relationship with the conspirators is mutual.
Caesar tells Antony to fear Cassius because he thinks too much, but Antony replies with “Fear him not, Caesar; he’s not dangerous. He is a noble Roman and well given,” (2. 1. 206-207). This exemplifies Antony’s thoughts on Cassius, which is positive. It clarifies Antony’s point of view about Cassius, even when Caesar warns him about the dangers of Cassius. Antony describes Cassius as noble which reveals his inability to see Cassius’s flaws: hungry and dangerous. His relationship with the conspirators changes as he seeks revenge.
Before the war, Antony says to the conspirators, “Villains! You did not so, when your vile daggers hacked one another in the sides of Caesar,” (5. 1. 39-40). The word choice that Antony uses emphasizes his change in attitude to the conspirators. Because the conspirators wronged Caesar, Antony calls them villains, which demonstrates that he no longer feels love towards them but only a heart full of vengefulness. The change in his opinion confirms that Antony’s heart was once complete of adornment but is now full of hate.
In the beginning and the end, Antony shifted his outlook and tie with them. Antony’s character is a dynamic character in this play. Caesar’s death caused many events, and Antony had to take the leadership. Antony displays that a servant can transform into one of importance. Antony conveys a powerful character because of the changes that circles him and his association with the conspirators change as well. Everything that Antony went through changed the status of his figure which encourages readers to aim for the highest, even in times of the lowest.
