William Shakespeare once stated that "Revenge should have no bounds" (IV, vii, Hamlet) In Shakespeare 's play, Julius Caesar, Antony 's speech in Act 3, Scene 1 focus 's on Antony 's sorrow for the gentle way he treats the conspirators, and the prophecy he imagines of a great war which will be embarked upon due to the murder of Caesar. Revenge sought out by Antony and also by Caesar soon becomes the main idea of this passage. Antony uses words with a generally cruel connotation in order to paint a picture of how strong the hatred he feels towards the others is. The use of specific words and phrases are seen to connect Caesar 's spirit to animalistic ways suggesting a savage notion behind the tragedy of his death. The harsh words used, allow
…show more content…
The sin which Antony believes has been committed is one of such great magnitude that war will spread through the country. This imagery portrays the idea that the conspirators were incorrect to kill Caesar due to the effect it will hold. This undermines the basis of the audiences understanding of why Caesar had to have been killed in order to prevent future destruction that may have come. The use of the phrase "Domestic fury and fierce civil shall cumber all the parts of Italy" (III, i, 288-290) also adds into effect that the death of Caesar will not only affect the political side of Italy but also into the homes of families. The extent of how far Caesar 's influence reaches is further emphasized and the idea of what horror will now begin is unleashed. The destruction caused by this war will be so bloody that mothers would rather see their own children dead than alive during these times, "Mothers shall but smile when they behold/ their infants quartered with the hands of war," (III, i, 293-294). These lines further use their imagery of the grief and horror a mother would feel at the loss of her child, but instead state that should would …show more content…
Antony begins his soliloquy by apologizing to Caesar for how he treats Cassius and Brutus, "That I am meek and gentle with these butchers." (III, i, 281), The word "butcher" is one typically used for someone who cuts up animal meat, and in this sense Antony is comparing Caesar 's body to that of an animal cut up to be sold. Therefore, he suggests that Caesar has been treated like a helpless animal, cut up only to serve others. Giving Caesar a seemingly helpless nature makes Brutus and the conspirators seem savage in their way of killing a defenseless man. Therefore illustrating the slaughter which has occurred to become more bloody as the fight was never fair. Antony again implies an animal characteristic to Caesar later on in his speech, "All pity choked with custom of fell deeds;/ and Caesar 's spirit, ranging for revenge,/ With Ate by his side come hot from hell" (III, i, 295-297). "Ranging" in this sense means "roaming like an animal seeking prey" (112). As Caesar has been murdered like an innocent animal, so he will come back as an animal, but this time thirsting for revenge. Antony does this in order to make the audience aware of what is going through his mind at this time, and in order to
The sin which Antony believes has been committed is one of such great magnitude that war will spread through the country. This imagery portrays the idea that the conspirators were incorrect to kill Caesar due to the effect it will hold. This undermines the basis of the audiences understanding of why Caesar had to have been killed in order to prevent future destruction that may have come. The use of the phrase "Domestic fury and fierce civil shall cumber all the parts of Italy" (III, i, 288-290) also adds into effect that the death of Caesar will not only affect the political side of Italy but also into the homes of families. The extent of how far Caesar 's influence reaches is further emphasized and the idea of what horror will now begin is unleashed. The destruction caused by this war will be so bloody that mothers would rather see their own children dead than alive during these times, "Mothers shall but smile when they behold/ their infants quartered with the hands of war," (III, i, 293-294). These lines further use their imagery of the grief and horror a mother would feel at the loss of her child, but instead state that should would …show more content…
Antony begins his soliloquy by apologizing to Caesar for how he treats Cassius and Brutus, "That I am meek and gentle with these butchers." (III, i, 281), The word "butcher" is one typically used for someone who cuts up animal meat, and in this sense Antony is comparing Caesar 's body to that of an animal cut up to be sold. Therefore, he suggests that Caesar has been treated like a helpless animal, cut up only to serve others. Giving Caesar a seemingly helpless nature makes Brutus and the conspirators seem savage in their way of killing a defenseless man. Therefore illustrating the slaughter which has occurred to become more bloody as the fight was never fair. Antony again implies an animal characteristic to Caesar later on in his speech, "All pity choked with custom of fell deeds;/ and Caesar 's spirit, ranging for revenge,/ With Ate by his side come hot from hell" (III, i, 295-297). "Ranging" in this sense means "roaming like an animal seeking prey" (112). As Caesar has been murdered like an innocent animal, so he will come back as an animal, but this time thirsting for revenge. Antony does this in order to make the audience aware of what is going through his mind at this time, and in order to