Final answer:
Marc Antony claims he comes to bury Caesar, not praise him, when he first addresses the crowd post-assassination. His famous oration manipulates public sentiment against the conspirators despite an outward show of respect.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Marc Antony first addresses the crowd in Shakespeare's play, 'Julius Caesar,' after Caesar's assassination, he claims that he has come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. This statement is a part of Antony's famous funeral oration, which he delivers to manipulate the crowd's sentiments towards Caesar and against the conspirators, even though Antony outwardly appears to respect the assassins' actions. This speech is critical in the play as it marks the turning point in Antony's subtle and strategic shift from presenting himself as a resigned and loyal friend to arousing the Roman public's hostility towards Brutus and the other assassins, leading to a retaliation that aligns with Antony's desire for revenge and political gain.