Antony’s Speech Stirs Crowd
by McKenzie Jones
Rome March 15th- Today Julius Caesar was cruelly assassinated by many of his well-trusted men. Mark Antony was standing above the senate house to share Caesar’s will with the people of Rome . He was following Brutus’s speech; therefore the crowd was hard to persuade. The streets were filled with the Roman people gathering to hear the words of Antony .
The people of Rome were surprised at the emotion Antony spoke with: “If you have tears, prepare to shed them now” (Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Act 3 scene 2 line 181). As Antony was preparing to tell the people about Caesar’s will, he was trying to deliver the message dramatically. He wanted to reach everyone on an emotional level. As he spoke he had everyone in the crowd hanging on to every word he said.
“To every Roman citizen he gives/ To every several man, seventy five drachmas.”(Act 3 scene 2 lines 255-256). When the citizens of Rome heard this great news, they were once again faithful to dear Caesar. After Brutus spoke he had won over the crowd, but the news Antony gave the people changed their minds. Words like “Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death” and “O royal Caesar!” were being shouted throughout the streets (Act 3 scene 2 lines 257-258). The crowd was soon told that all Caesar’s walks, private arbors, and newly planted orchards were being given to them. “Moreover, he hath left you all his walks/ His private arbors, and newly-planted orchards,” Anthony continued with his speech. (Act 3 scene 2 lines 261-262).
This made the crowd fully respect Caesar and think of him as holy once again. After Mark Antony was done with his speech, the people of Rome set off furiously in search of the conspirators, willing to do anything to avenge Caesar’s death. The conspirators were no where to be found. They had fled the city aware of their consequences.