Through his depiction of the masses, William Shakespeare exposes the vulnerabilities within the Roman government of 44 BC in his play, "Julius Caesar". Politically, the mob is vital as they elect the senators that make up the Roman Republic. This power is never undervalued by Shakespeare. However, the playwright begins to probe at their effectiveness as they change their opinion time and time again. This sets the stage for the orators, Brutus and Mark Anthony, to take advantage of the mob's moldable nature.
             After Caesar's death, the people are enraged and demand an explanation for the conspirator's actions. Brutus rises to the occasion and through his clever words and articulate nature, he quickly sways the crowd to his side. He convinces the crowd that he killed Caesar to save the republic. "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more." (p. 548, line 21). Brutus cunningly works the mob's patriotism to his favor. "Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak, for him have I offended. I pause for a reply." (p. 548, line 30). It appears that the commoners have indeed been won over to Brutus' side when they offer him the crown! "Let him be Caesar. Caesar's better parts shall be crowned in Brutus." (p. 548-549, line 48-50). This goes to show just how drastically the commoners can change their viewpoint. Initially, they were furious at Caesar's death but after listening to Brutus' justification, they change their mindset completely and want him to take Caesar's place. The mob's feelings about any side are fueled with emotion and they seem ready to go to extreme measures to express them. However, they are not consistent about their opinions and can easily be influenced by powerful orations. Anthony knows this best and attempts to sway the masses to Caesar's favor yet again.
             Mark Anthony's speech uses m...