Act+III,+Scenes+ii+&+iii

Summary:
 * Brutus sways the plebeians into regarding his actions a deed
 * Brutus leaves and allows Antony to speak on his behalf
 * Antony cleverly manipulates the plebeians into siding against Brutus
 * The plebeians go crazy and kill Cinna the poet only because he has the same name as a conspirator

Important Quotes: Brutus: As he was valiant, I honor him; as he was ambitious, I slew him. Brutus' Speech Versus Antony's Speech

Plebeians: Live Brutus! Live, Live! Fourth Plebeian:Caesar's better parts Shall be crowned in Brutus!

Fourth Plebeian: They were traitors! Plebeians: Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay! Let not a traitor live!

Literary Terms: Several literary terms are demonstrated throughout this chapter. First, in some pretty blatant foreshadowing, Cinna the poet dreams bad signs in anticipation of Caesar's death. Also, act 3 scene 2 is practically based around irony. At first, all of the citizens are in support of Brutus and believe his perspective. However, at the end of scene 2, Mark Antony has won over the people and has them trying to kill the conspirators responsible for Caesar's death. Finally, in the process of mistaking Cinna the poet for Cinna the conspirator, the plebeians shout "Tear him to pieces!" This is a prime example of hyberbole, seeing as the plebeians most likely would not literally tear Cinna the poet apart.

Character Development: Brutus makes some very unintelligent decisions. He allows Antony to not only have the last word, but leaves, such that he does not even know that Antony contradicts his speech and manipulates the plebeians in his favor
 * Brutus

Antony was long-time friend of the late Caesar. Although he told Brutus that he would follow him, he only did this for is temporary protection from Brutus. After Brutus allows Antony to give a speech after him, Antony seizes the opportunity to let the truth out. After Brutus leaves Antony goes on to rally the people for his cause and rallies the people into a blood seeking frenzy. They want to go and kill all of the conspirators after Antony's speech.
 * Antony

The plebeians are shown to be very indecisive as well as extreme. They are in total support of Brutus proceding his speech, and hate him following Antony's. They overreact to the latter by killing an innocent Cinna for the unfortunate coincidence of having the same name as a conspirator.
 * Plebeians

Discussion Questions:
 * Was Antony trying to gain power when he spoke to the plebeians?


 * Do you think Brutus expected Antony to defend him, as opposed to nay-say him?


 * Why are the plebeians so easily swayed?


 * Do you think that the plebeians' being easily swayed takes away from the story?