Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Antony Political Cartoon - Luis

     Antony's two-face personality is the target of criticism for this cartoon. Antony can be seen as un loyal or "two-faced" because of the dishonesty in his feelings. He was always Caesar's loyal follower, but after his death, he tells Caesar's butchers that he is now loyal to them.
     In the cartoon, Antony is seen shaking Caesar's hand and telling him that he loves him. Antony shows his love and self-submission to Caesar in act 1, scene 2, lines 12-13, when he says, " I shall remember. When Caesar says "do this," it is performed." The first picture is self  explanatory and needs little description. 
     The same concept of simplicity applies to the second depiction. Antony states in the cartoon, " JK...," which stands for just kidding. He is taking back what he told Caesar, he is changing his feelings. This is due to the fact that Antony fears for his life with Brutus in front of him. Therefore he cowardly submits to Brutus in act 3, scene 1, lines 148-150, when he sends his servant to say, " Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead so well as Brutus living, but will follow the fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus." 
     The fear that Antony feels is not caused by Brutus physically threatening him with a sword, but mentally threatening him with his words. The scene of Brutus' and Antony's conversation is all about psychological warfare. Brutus mentally gets his threat across to Antony in act 3, scene 1, lines 156-157, when he tell Antony's servant, " ...he shall be satisfied and, by all my honor, depart untouched." Brutus puts out there the idea that if things are not done the way he wants, Antony will be harmed. What causes criticism is Antony's cowardly way of not being able to stand up for the people he loves right there and then and instead looks out just for himself. A leader needs to be brave and put his people before him, and Antony does not pocess this important leadership characteristic. 

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