Mark Antony: Loyal Friend or Cunning Politician Essay

Mark Antony was a cunning, strong- leaveed, and loyal Roman. He was a devoted coadjutor to Caesar. He looked at life as a game in which he had a significant part to play, and played that part with sharp refinement and skill.Antony was a devoted follower of Julius Caesar. Because he was a unassailable friend, he was willing to be second hand to Caesar, the new king. Whilst Caesar would last the king, the most valuable entirely least powerful piece in chess, he would become the rook, a semi-valuable, very important piece. He cute the crown to be given to Caesar so that the political vacuum would be filled and no conflicts would occur. Antony was unsettled by Caesars death but mainly sought to use this to his advantage and gain power. He denominateed how slick and cunning he could be when he convinced the crowd at Caesars funeral ceremony to side with him and not with the murderers.The people became excited and strident when he teased them about the will, waving it in the air a nd misrepresent as if he was not going to read it. Antony took advantage of the general idiocy when he first pretended to respect the conspirators c everying them near men, and then slowly proving that they were not. He spoke out against them because he cherished power for himself, and unlike Brutus, he was politically ambitious and so recalld that if he could take control while the state was in turmoil, he will remain in power. He was alone in making this oration, screening he had the confidence and courage needed to take charge.Rome began to wear out once Caesar was killed, so Antony joined the new government in influence to lead the Roman people into a new age of prosperity. He did this partly due to a feeling of responsibility as Caesars friend, and also from his own ambitions.Antony was viewed as a threat by all of the conspirators but Brutus. They wanted to kill Antony as well as Caesar because they feared that he would become as powerful as Caesar and possibly a dicta tor. Brutus persuaded the others not to add to the assassination by saying, And for Mark Antony, think not of him for he can do no more than Caesars arm when Caesars head is off(2.1). Brutus underestimated Antony and perceived him as a person who didnt always take life atrociously, couldnt have a serious nature andtherefore, not a thinker.Brutus continued to argue with Cassius who did not believe him. Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him. If he loves Caesar, all that he can do is to himself take thought and die for Caesar. And that were much he should, for he is given to sports, to wildness, and much company (2.1). Brutus judged him as being frivolous, and solely liking sport and partying, with a reputation for womanizing. This caused Brutus to see Antony as a pushover and a force that could be molded to their uses. Unfortunately for Brutus and the conspirators he turned out to be quite the orator and the people at present loved him.Antonys persona was slow to emerge, and it wasnt until he was compel to show his true potential, that he could he really be judged. He was a character with many hidden traits until he was forced to show his genuine character while trying to take the throne afterwards Caesars death. Once he became a leader of Rome, his true character was uncovered.