Examples Of Manipulation In Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar by Shakespeare explores many modern day themes to tell the tragedy of Brutus, Cassius, and Caesar. The most present of these themes is described as manipulation, and this is present in the time of the Roman Empire, as well as in a high schoolers’ everyday life.
Throughout the play, there are many instances where manipulation is used by one character onto another, but this theme is most evident during the funeral speeches after Caesar's death. Brutus spoke first, as this was one of the terms in allowing Marc Antony to speak as well. During his speech, we find that Brutus wants to convince the audience that there was a real reason for Caesar's death. “If then friend demand why/ Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not

This theme of mistaking hate for love through manipulation is widely present in high school life. There are experiences in many teenagers' lives where a friend wants power over another because of envy or insecurity, and this can cause one to make rude comments and pass them off as helpful words or kind gestures. An example includes one saying “Your hair looks really ugly today, but I’m your friend so I’m just letting you know.” These comments can manipulate someone into feeling unworthy and needing that one friend’s feedback in order to feel adequate. Brutus is attempting something similar to this as he is trying to make the Roman people believe that without him, they would not be loved by Caesar and instead be betrayed by him, and that Brutus saved

He takes his whole speech to manipulate the audience from the side of Brutus and the conspirators, to the side of himself and the now deceased Caesar. As he speaks, he describes Brutus and Cassius as having done no wrong and this slowly turns the people into a vengeful mob. “I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong-/ who you all know, are honorable men./ I will not do them wrong.” (3.2.121-123) Throughout his speech, he gives examples of how most of Brutus’ speech is completely false, like how Caesar is ambitious. He does this all while repeating the phrase that Brutus is an honorable man, until the crowd does not believe it anymore. This theme about the dangers of speech and how you speak about someone to somebody else are definitely present in high school. Like before, “friends” can pretend to be your friend, but out of their own insecurity gossip can arise. An example could be “She’s my friend right? But isn’t she so annoying, like everything she says is so weird.” Now if they are speaking to your actual friend they may defend you by explaining how that isn’t true, but if that fake friend speaks enough lies, it can turn everyone they gossip to, against you. Marc Antony makes it clear that Brutus and Cassius are honorable men, but the fact that he repeats this over and over while giving evidence as to why they are not, is what turns the Roman people