History quiz

What final mistake does Brutus make in letting Antony speak?

In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Brutus makes a crucial mistake by allowing Mark Antony to address the crowd during Caesar's funeral. In doing so, he unwittingly gives Antony an opportunity to manipulate the emotions of the Roman citizens and turn them against the conspirators who have assassinated Caesar.

Antony effectively exploits this chance to sway public opinion in his favor. Through his skillful oratory, he evokes sympathy for the deceased Caesar, highlights his past generosity, and implies that Brutus and the other conspirators are selfish and ambitious. He masterfully plays on the emotions of the crowd, skillfully using rhetorical devices and appealing to their loyalties and emotions, until they are stirred to anger and desire vengeance.

By allowing Antony to speak, Brutus underestimates the power of rhetoric and eloquence in shaping public perception and allows his opponent to gain an advantage in the struggle for control. This mistake proves costly for Brutus and the conspirators, as they are eventually defeated by Antony and Octavius in the subsequent civil war.