Question

Which details support the central idea that Antony is not being straightforward, but is criticizing the conspirators? Check all that apply.

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.”
“I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.”
“The good is oft interrèd with their bones.”
“For Brutus is an honourable man”
“So are they all, all honourable men”

Answer 1

The lines that support that Antony is not straightforward but is criticizing the conspirators:
- “I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” — Antony pretends he won’t praise Caesar, then does, so he’s being ironic/insincere.
- “The good is oft interrèd with their bones.” — Antony implies Caesar’s goodness was buried (ignored) by the conspirators.
- “For Brutus is an honourable man” — repeated ironically to cast doubt on Brutus’s honor.
- “So are they all, all honourable men” — extends the same sarcastic criticism to all the conspirators.

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” does not — it’s just an opening appeal.