Question

In this passage from Julius Caesar, why does Mark Antony say this to the crowd? “Would ruffle up...”

Answer 1

Antony is trying to rile up the audience to get them to riot and revolt against Brutus and the conspirators. He says that if Brutus was him he would use such words that would inspire even the rocks and stones of Rome to mutiny. This is his persuasive technique. 

Answer 2

At this point in the play, Mark Antony has already delivered his famous “Friends, Romans, countrymen” speech. The populace of Rome is already in turmoil, filled with seething anger at Caesar’s assassination and the conspirators. However, they have not yet decided on the course of action and Mark Antony deftly steers them towards open rebellion.

Indeed, the full lines are: “  Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths],  

And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus,  

And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony            

Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue  

In every wound of Caesar, that should move  

The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.  

Citizens.  We’ll mutiny.”

In other words, he is stating that if he had chosen to do as Brutus and his co-conspirators did he would incite the people to rebellion. His discourse is a very clever blend of pathos and logos.