Julius Caesar Group

Question:

lalaloo54
lalaloo54
Student
High School - 10th Grade

In Act II, what is the irony in the clash over Antony's death?

In scene 1, they discuss weather or not they should kill Antony because he's a big supporter of Caesar, but I can't find the irony in it. Please help.

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Posted by lalaloo54 on Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 6:22 PM and tagged with act 2, antony, caesar, characters, irony.

Answers:

  1. dalepowell1962
    dalepowell1962 Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    The irony becomes apparent in Act 5 of Julius Caesar.  Brutus argues successfully with Trebonius and Cassius that Mark Antony should be spared in the murder plot against Caesar.  However, after Brutus and the rest of the conspirators explain to the crowd (in Act 3) why they killed Caesar, Mark Antony successfully turns the crowd against Brutus and Cassius- something that in all likelihood would not have happened in Mark Antony had been killed as Cassius and Trebonius had wanted.

    It is Mark Antony that issues the order for the capture of Brutus dead or alive in Act 5.  Of course, ultimately a humilated Brutus falls on his own sword to commit suicide after he can get no one else to kill him.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/julius-caesar/summary-analysis

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    Posted by dalepowell1962 on Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 6:46 PM