Two Compelling Speeches In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

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Two Compelling Speeches In Shakespeare’s tragedy story, Julius Caesar, Antony’s speech, Antony got more support because he spoke the people’s tone, while Brutus did not because he spoke in an intellect that the people could not understand. The speech given by Antony was more direct to the people compared to Brutus’s. Antony spoke in their words and used rhetoric. In Antony’s speech, Antony supplies himself with items to help persuade the people. Brutus expects to move the people with just his nobility and reasoning. Antony has a keen choice of words while talking to the people. It is stated, “You all did see that on the Lupercal, I Thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?” (III, ii, 97-99). Antony …show more content…

Antony states, “But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar; I found it in his closet; tis his will. Let but the commons hear this testament, which, pardon me, I do not mean to read” (III, ii, 130-133). Furthermore, this is a way to make the crowd find a reason to love Caesar more than the conspirators. Additionally, with Antony’s permission to show Caesar’s body at the speech, he tells the crowd to form a circle around Caesar while he reads the will. This is stated in the quote, “You will compel me then to read the will? Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, and let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?” (III, ii, 159-162). Related to this event, Antony shows the stab wounds where each conspirator stabbed Caesar, which ultimately makes the people upset towards the conspirators. During Brutus’s speech he talks to the people about why he killed Caesar. Brutus states, “Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor, that you may believe.” (III, ii, 13-15). This can be inferred as Brutus stating that since he is so noble, he is not wrong for his reasons. Also during Brutus’s speech, he states “Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, so I slew him” (III, ii, 25-27). The people have only got one reason from Brutus, but in Antony’s speech

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