In Act II of Julius Caesar, what does Cassius mean when he says, "Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, should outlive Caesar. We shall find of him a shrewd contriver."?

Question

After Caesar is killed, Antony should appoint the new ruler of Rome.
Antony is a good candidate to rule Rome when Caesar is gone.
Antony should be the leader of the plot to overthrow and kill Caesar.
Even if they kill Caesar, Antony will be just as difficult to control.

Answer 1

In Act II of Julius Caesar, when Cassius says, "Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, should outlive Caesar. We shall find of him a shrewd contriver," he is expressing concern about Mark Antony's potential influence and ability to maneuver politically after Caesar's assassination. The correct interpretation is:

Even if they kill Caesar, Antony will be just as difficult to control.

Cassius is suggesting that Antony, who is close to Caesar and well-liked by the people, could pose a significant threat to the conspirators' plans. He implies that even without Caesar, Antony's cleverness and loyalty to Caesar would make him a formidable adversary.