Question

ANTONY: If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle1. I remember The first time ever Caesar put it on. ‘Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent, That day he overcame the Nervii2. Look, in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through. See what a rent the envious Casca made. Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed; 1. A cloak. 2. One of Caesar’s military conquests. Why does Mark Antony first recall Caesar’s military background and then show the Roman crowd Caesar’s body?

Answer 1

The reason why Mark Antony first recalls the military background of Caesar before proceeding to show the Roman crowd Caesar’s body is because he wants to manipulate the members of the Roman army, who are in the crowd, by recalling Caesar's military success and thereafter, provoke their emotions by showing them Caesar's stabbed body.