What remarks on Brutus does Antony make at the end of the play?
Julius Caesar is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Julius Caesar.
Answer
What remarks on Brutus does Antony make at the end of the play? (2016)
The relation between Antony and Brutus is complex and changing in “Julius Caesar” (1599). At Philippi, Brutus dies by his own sword. Antony and Octavius find the body. Antony then gives a short, grave tribute. His words judge Brutus and the plot.
Noblest Roman: At first, they respect each other as noble Romans. Antony calls Brutus,
“The noblest Roman of them all.”
He means Brutus stood above the rest. Others stabbed from envy and gain. Brutus struck from love of Rome.
Motive Versus Envy: Antony adds that all save Brutus acted from envy. They feared Caesar’s rise and fame. Brutus alone aimed at “the common good.” He tried to guard the Republic. The attempt failed and brought war.
Balanced Nature: Antony praises Brutus’s full, mixed nature. He says,
“The elements so mixed in him.”
The line means mind and heart were well joined. Brutus had courage, reason, and gentle ways.
Tone and Change: Earlier, Antony roused the crowd. He utters,
“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.”
He used sharp irony then. Here, he drops all irony. He speaks plain praise over a foe. The enemy is now a worthy rival. The eulogy is sincere and calm.
Public Honor: Antony’s words lead to state honor. Octavius orders a noble burial. Brutus’s followers are spared and received. Thus, the victors admit his worth. The speech turns rage to respect.
In short, Antony’s last words seal Brutus’s place. He was wrong in choice, right in aim. He loved Rome more than himself. So Antony grants him the highest praise. The tragedy ends with honor for Brutus.