Honors English Semester Practice Exam

This line hinges on personification of the body to show a belief that deeds speak louder than words. Casca wants his hands—the instrument of action—to carry his message, rather than his spoken words. Casca is one of the conspirators in Julius Caesar and is portrayed as blunt and action-oriented. By telling his hands to speak for him, he signals that he intends to act decisively—the stabbing and the physical act will communicate his resolve more clearly than any explanation could. Calphurnia speaks in terms of omens and warnings, not about actions taking the place of speech. Antony, famous for his persuasive oratory, relies on words to sway the crowd. Caesar, tied to his reputation and authority, wouldn’t frame his stance as his hands speaking for him. So this line fits Casca’s practical, action-first mindset, making him the speaker in that moment.