Julius Caesar Group

Question:

fdman
fdman
Student
High School - 10th Grade

In "Julius Caesar", what is the irony in the clash over Antony's death?

Rate question:

Posted by fdman on Saturday November 22, 2008 at 5:20 PM and tagged with antony, death, fight, irony, julius caesar.

Answers:


  1. katemschultz Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    When planning Caesar's assassination, Cassius suggests also killing Marc Antony because his is so loyal to Caesar. Brutus immediately dismisses this idea as "too bloody" and say that, if they kill Antony, they will be seen as "butchers". Brutus then goes to liken Caesar to the head of the body and Antony to a limb, saying the limb can do little once the head has been cut off.

    The irony comes in that Antony uses Caesar's funeral to stir the anger of the plebians, who run Brutus and Cassius out of town. This eventually leads to the war between Cassius/Brutus and Antony/Octavian. By not killing Antony when they had a chance (an easier chance), Brutus leads the country to a war and eventually, leads himself and Cassius to their deaths.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/jc/act-ii-scene-1-summary-analysis

    Rate answer:

    Posted by katemschultz on Saturday November 22, 2008 at 7:04 PM