caesar
In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Decius Brutus and Mark Antony, both Roman Senators, eulogize Julius Caesar, each using a different technique and approach. Brutus, in a somewhat arrogant, to the point, eulogy, attempts to sway the people. He justifies conspiring against Caesar by stating that Caesar's ambition would have hurt Rome. However, in Antony's eulogy, he focuses on Caesar's positive traits, and cunningly disproves Brutus' justification for killing Caesar. The fickle Romans waver between leaders, responding emotionally, rather than intellectually, to the orators. Brutus seeks to explain why he conspired against Caesar. He begins his speech with "Romans, countrymen ...", appealing to their consciousness as citizens of Rome, who, he later says, will benefit as freeman with Caesar's death. This shows that Brutus knows how to lure the crowd, appealing to their better judgement as Romans. He declares that he is an honorable man, and tells them that he will let them judge the validity of his claims. That is, he will allow the truth to speak for itself. This encourages the crowd to believe him, as an honorable man. He says that he wants them to know the facts; "Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the be
" He then asks rhetorically if the people would want to live their lives as slaves under Caesar's rule or would they prefer to live as freemen with Caesar dead. He gets their sympathy by saying that he loved Caesar, daring the people to find anyone who loved Caesar more. " Sharing information with the people is flattering and it almost guarantees acceptance. To anyone insulted by his speech he wonders if, as Romans who love their freedom, they could be offended or reject what he, Brutus, says. Yet, Antony disproves Caesar's ambition with three examples. They are swayed to him by his dramatics, his underhanded way of making a point, his repetition, and compelling proof of Caesar's concern. Mark Antony's eulogy utilizes a different approach. In justifying Caesar and disproving Brutus, the people see Antony as a potential successor to Caesar. One is when he gave the ransom of captives to the public treasury and not his own, another when he cried with the poor people, and finally when he refused the kingship that Antony offered him, three times. The difference between the eulogies shows us the importance of style of speech. However, Antony takes a prosecuting approach against Brutus, so sneaky that it is almost subliminal. Both try to appeal to the people, and both use repetition, but Brutus takes a defensive approach, leaving the people to their own conclusions. " He repeats that statement three more times becoming increasingly sarcastic, saying finally, "Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and sure he was an honorable man. " That is, none are offended, they do not disagree or argue with his words or his actions.
Common topics in this essay:
Mark Antony's,
Rome Antony's,
Caesar Brutus,
Furthermore Antony's,
Julius Caesar,
None Brutus,
loved caesar,
caesar's ambition,
Roman Senators,
killing caesar,
saying loved caesar,
loved caesar loved,
antony's eulogy,
caesar loved,
saying loved,
approach brutus,
julius caesar,
body caesar,
caesar stating,
|
Acceptance Essays
