Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Brutus Political Cartoon - Luis

 
     This cartoon is meant to criticize Brutus and his characteristic of being easily manipulated. He is at separate points manipulated by both Antony and Cassius. The depiction representa Antony's manipulation of Brutus after Caesar's death. 
     The picture might be a little misleading since it is in a way emphasizing on Antony and his superiority. Antony is seen standing on top of Rome which is depicted by a structure containing roman style architecture. He is also seen holding meat in his hand with which he is distracting the lion (Brutus).
     Antony giving the lion meat is a metaphor for Antony telling Brutus what he wants to hear. In act 3, scene 1, line 200, Antony tells Brutus, " I doubt not of your wisdom." This comes after Antony finds out Brutus has killed Caesar, so he falsely tells him he believes his action were whats best for Rome. However, this cartoon is not meant to criticize Antony, it is directed towards Brutus. 
     Brutus is not smart enough to see that Antony's feelings/loyalty to Brutus are not genuine. Antony's true feelings are revealed in act 3, scene 1, lines 280-281, when Antony tells the already dead Caesar, " O pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, that I am meek and gentle with these butchers."
He also goes on to curse the men who killed Caesar , and all of Italy as well. 
     It was obvious that Antony was not going to truly change his views instantaneously. He spent his whole life loving and following Caesar. Cassius actually is able to recognize this fact in Antony's response, but Brutus is not. Therefore, Brutus can be depicted as an over aggressive person (lion), that is easily manipulated by people. 

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