This question is based on ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Enobarbus: "Caesar's whole fleet's at sea: /...

JAMB 2025

From the novel; Antony & Cleopatra

This question is based on ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.

Enobarbus: "Caesar's whole fleet's at sea: / Well spread and almost yare. For he's not dumb, / That tells my departure."

Agrippa: "Let's grant it is not / Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy; / To give a kingdom for a mirth, to sit / And keep the turn of tippling with a slave..."

What tone is used in the above excerpt and why?

A. Regretful, Caesar wishes to reconcile
B. Formal, discussing royal marriages
C. Dramatic, urging Antony to return to war
D. Sarcastic, mocking Antony's loss of dignity

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

The correct answer is D because Agrippa's speech is deeply critical of Antony’s choices.

Mockery of Decline: Agrippa mocks Antony's decline by sarcastically referring to his choice to exchange political power and "kingship" for the pleasure found with Cleopatra.
Critical Tone: The tone is described as "biting" and critical, highlighting what the Roman characters perceive as Antony's "love-blinded foolishness."
Specific Imagery: By mentioning "tippling with a slave" and giving a "kingdom for a mirth," Agrippa emphasizes the contrast between Antony's noble status and his current undignified behavior.

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