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Question:

tosha
tosha
Student
High School - 10th Grade

At the beginning of Act 5 of "Julius Caesar," what are Antony and Octavius arguing about?

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Posted by tosha on Tuesday May 13, 2008 at 5:42 PM and tagged with act 5, antony, argument, characters, julius caesar, octavius, plot.

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  1. amy-lepore Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    Antony and Octavius argue out of vanity and the quest for honor in battle.  Octavius wants an important spot on the battlefield (Upon the right hand I; keep thou the left...line 18), but Antony doesn't want that (Why do you cross me in this exigent?) since Octavius is unskilled and inexperienced in battle.   Octavius responds in line 20 with "I do not cross you; but I will do so"  indicating that he is not arguing with Antony but is prepared to stand up for himself and his right to the preference of position on the battlefield if it comes to that. 

    In short, they both want to win and have glory, but Antony wants to depend on those who have already gained the right and privilege due to prior experience. 

     

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/jc

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    Posted by amy-lepore on Wednesday May 14, 2008 at 7:54 AM