Question

CASSIUS:

Antony,
The posture of your blows is yet unknown;
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees
And leave them honeyless.

ANTONY:
Not stingless too.

BRUTUS:
Ah, yes, and soundless too,
For you have stolen their buzzing, Antony,
And very wisely threat before you sting . . . .

OCTAVIUS:
Come, come, the cause. . . .
I draw my sword against conspirators.



What identifies and explains the tone of this excerpt best?

Sincere: Shakespeare has the men exchange heartfelt explanations of why the war at Philippi is necessary.
Lighthearted: Shakespeare uses this exchange to show the fun friendships between the characters.
Mocking: Shakespeare exchanges the rhetoric of powerful men for insults to show the demise of the Republic.
Grieving: Shakespeare uses this exchange to show the characters’ deep sadness over Caesar’s death.

Answer 1

Answer: Mocking: Shakespeare exchanges the rhetoric of powerful men for insults to show the demise of the Republic.

In this excerpt, the men are making fun of Antony's remarks. The tone that Shakespeare gives to the conversation is a mocking one, with threats and insults. It shows that collaboration has become difficult, and respect has been significantly lost. This rhetoric parallels the demise of the Roman Republic.

Answer 2

According to the tone of both speakers, it is clear for me that the fourth line represented above best identifies and explains the tone of this excerpt. So, the tone of excerpt is Mocking: Shakespeare exchanges the rhetoric of powerful men for insults to show the demise of the Republic. The other options are completely wrong and the one I mentioned is definitely right. Do hope you still need it because it is really helpful.