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Starting with this speech, explore how far Shakespeare presents Antony as a loyal friend to Caesar - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 6
Starting with this speech, explore how far Shakespeare presents Antony as a loyal friend to Caesar. Write about: • how far Shakespeare presents Antony as a loyal f... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Starting with this speech, explore how far Shakespeare presents Antony as a loyal friend to Caesar - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
how far Shakespeare presents Antony as a loyal friend to Caesar in this speech
Answer
In this speech, Shakespeare presents Antony as a loyal friend to Caesar through several means. Firstly, Antony's use of personal address indicates a deep sense of friendship and respect. For instance, he refers to the conspirators with hesitation and reluctance, which shows his loyalty to Caesar's memory.
Secondly, the emotional tension in Antony's speech highlights his conflicted loyalty. He expresses grief and anger, indicating that he views their relationship as deeply significant. The phrase 'O world! Thou wast the forest of thee,' emphasizes his sorrow and attachment to Caesar, portraying Antony as genuinely affected by the loss.
Furthermore, Antony’s rhetorical strategy aims to stir the crowd’s emotions, revealing both his loyalty and intention to avenge Caesar’s death. His repeated questioning, 'What would you have, you greedy, rancorous souls?', showcases his mastery in swaying public opinion, suggesting that he channels his loyalty into a calculated effort to unify the citizens against the conspirators.
Step 2
how far Shakespeare presents Antony as a loyal friend to Caesar in the play as a whole
Answer
Throughout the play, Shakespeare continuously portrays Antony as a loyal friend to Caesar, particularly in his unwavering commitment to avenge Caesar’s assassination. Antony transforms from a loyal follower into a calculating avenger, demonstrating how personal grief can fuel ambition.
Moreover, Antony’s strategic brilliance is apparent in his handling of the funeral oration, where his actions symbolize loyalty intertwined with vengeance. He often invokes Caesar's name, presenting him as a martyr, which highlights his respect and fidelity to Caesar’s legacy.
In his interactions with the conspirators, Antony’s initial feigned allegiance masks his true intentions, showcasing how loyalty can be cloaked in deceit for a greater purpose. This duality illustrates the complex nature of loyalty in political arenas, underscoring that Antony’s loyalty is profound, albeit intertwined with a thirst for revenge.