Question

How is the word honourable used in the context of Antony’s speech?

It is used as a public expression of praise toward Brutus.
It is used as a negative and ironic word to describe Brutus.
It is used to show Brutus that Antony thinks more highly of him than Antony does of Cassius.
It is used to explain how necessary and noble both the conspirators’ cause and Caesar’s death were

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', Marc Antony uses the term 'honourable' with verbal irony to cast negative aspersions on Brutus, suggesting his actions were not genuinely honorable. Therefore the correct answer is It is used as a negative and ironic word to describe Brutus.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, the word honourable is used by Marc Antony in an ironic and negative way to describe Brutus. Antony repeatedly refers to Brutus as 'honourable' in his famous speech, but the context makes it clear that he is questioning Brutus's honor rather than affirming it. Antony's use of verbal irony serves to suggest that Brutus's actions in assassinating Caesar were not truly honorable, despite his outward claims. Antony's skillful oratory, a highly valued skill among the Roman aristocratic class, allows him to sway the public's opinion against Brutus and the other conspirators without directly accusing them of dishonor.