Julius Ceasar
In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Decius Brutus andMark Antony, both Roman Senators, eulogize Julius Caesar,each using a different technique and approach. Brutus, in asomewhat arrogant, to the point, eulogy, attempts to swaythe people. He justifies conspiring against Caesar by statingthat Caesar's ambition would have hurt Rome. However, inAntony's eulogy, he focuses on Caesar's positive traits, andcunningly disproves Brutus' justification for killing Caesar.The fickle Romans waver between leaders, respondingemotionally, rather than intellectually, to the orators. Brutusseeks to explain why he conspired against Caesar. Hebegins his speech with "Romans, countrymen ...", appealingto their consciousness as citizens of Rome, who, he latersays, will benefit as freeman with Caesar's death. This showsthat Brutus knows how to lure the crowd, appealing to theirbetter judgement as Romans. He declares that he is anhonorable man, and tells them that he will let them judge thevalidity of his claims. That is, he will allow the truth to speakfor itself. This encourages the crowd to believe him, as an
Toanyone insulted by his speech he wonders if, as Romanswho love their freedom, they could be offended or rejectwhat he, Brutus, says. ", allows them to respond to his rhetoricalquestions, giving them an even greater sense that he caresabout them and their opinions. He poses the question, "Who is hereso base that would be a bondman?" He stresses the point,repeating the line, "If any, speak, for him have I offended. He then says, "I come to bury Caesar, not to praisehim. Thepeople seem to find it easier to accept Antony, an emotionaland sincere speaker, than Brutus who appears arrogant andforceful. ", thus he can ease in praises of Caesar without thecrowd stopping him. He justifies his actions by saying that heloved Caesar but, "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that Iloved Rome more. The difference between the eulogiesshows us the importance of style of speech. Yet, Antony disproves Caesar's ambitionwith three examples. Hegets their sympathy by saying that he loved Caesar, daringthe people to find anyone who loved Caesar more. " Sharing information with thepeople is flattering and it almost guarantees acceptance. " , but that is exactly what he does.
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