Julius Caesar Manipulation

Shakespeare demonstrates persuasion as a central conflict in Julius Caesar. He portrays human nature can be occasionally influenced by manipulation. His use of foreshadow, irony, and wordplay establishes the conflicts the characters face when trying to effect a person’s decision. Cassius, a very articulate person does try to tempt Brutus not once, but twice. Brutus wins over the crowd of Rome as he gives a powerful speech. While he also goes from convincing himself to kill Caesar to convincing to kill himself. Except Antony steps in and changes the minds of the Romans once again and makes an effort on Octavius and Caesar. All three might be split in opinions of Caesar, Rome, and the future, but all three have one thing in common: the ability

At first, he is uneasy whether or not he should proceed with the task of killing Caesar. During his soliloquy, he conflicts himself on the choice on why it is a good idea to kill. He comes to the conclusion that, “I know no personal cause to spurn at him, but for the general” (II.ii.11-12). It is a difficult decision for him to make because Caesar is one of his dear friends. What leads Brutus to his choice is the assumption he conspires might happen, Caesar would abuse his power and become a dictator. But Brutus would rather see Caesar fall then the Republic of Rome. He continues this point during his speech at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus’ goal this time is to convince the crowd as to why it was a best option for the conspirators to end Caesar’s life. He starts off the speech addressing the people as Romans, showing that they are all one, united under the Roman Republic. Brutus reminds the citizens to keep an open mind before criticizing him and to remember, “not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” (III.ii.23-24). He is just thinking about the future of Rome and would do anything to protect it. Throughout the course of the speech, he begins to ask rhetorical questions. For instance, would you rather be a slave while Caesar is living with a mighty job as king? Shakespeare uses the technique called logos, logic. Obviously, the crowd with not enjoy living a life not free. He is

He tries to offer the crown to Caesar not once, but three times. All three times he refuses and modestly, “put it back with the back of his hand, this and then the people fell a-shouting” (I.ii.232-233). The crown is a symbol of being the sole ruler of Rome, that the people did not want. The show of his refusal in front of the public meant he was thinking of them and is not an ambitious leader. This leads to another chance Antony can convince the citizens of Caesar’s honesty. During his funeral speech, he takes a different approach, beginning it with friends. Meaning he sees himself as part of the commoners and not Caesar’s friend, who is above them all. His speech continues using pathos, relating with the citizens on a more personal, emotional level. When he mentions Caesar’s will, his use of reverse psychology turns the people against Brutus and the conspirators mentioning that, “I fear I wrong the honorable men whose daggers have stabbed Caesar” (III.ii.163-164). The irony of this is that even though Antony does not agree with the conspirators, he states that they did do the right thing. But as soon as the will is read, the people become enraged because they then realize how much Caesar did love his people of Rome. Antony influences another time when he makes an effort to tell Octavius that Lepidus is no more than a messenger boy. Lepidus believes that he is a worthy, valiant soldier. While Antony sees