What happens after Antony's speech?

• A. Antony is banished
• B. Plebeians turn against Brutus
• C. Caesar returns to Rome
• D. Brutus becomes dictator

Answer: (B)

Rhetorical power over a crowd is the focus here. Antony’s speech shows how emotion, selective details, and careful framing can shift public opinion in a moment. He praises Caesar and subtly questions Brutus’ motives, all while reminding the crowd of Caesar’s generosity by reading his will. This combination paints Brutus as a treacherous defender of Rome rather than a noble patriot, provoking the plebeians to feel betrayed and to turn against Brutus and the conspirators. The immediate result is that the crowd aligns with Antony and seeks action against the conspirators, a turning point that leads to chaos in Rome.