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  • Essay / The Power of Words in Julius Caesar

    In history, it has been noted that when men seek power, they use their words and actions to promote themselves. Whether through speeches, acts of bravery or through their promotion through the media. The words and actions they use can make or break their leadership. In the play Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare shows the reader the effects of these words. Julius Caesar is the story of a leader betrayed by his close friend Brutus, by manipulating their friend Cassius. When Caesar was killed, Brutus' only task was to convince the peers that the murder was for the best and benefited the people of Rome. Although the speeches of Mark Antony and Brutus had similarities in their use of rhetorical and persuasive devices, Brutus's stood far above Brutus's due to his use of Logos, Ethos, Pathos and anaphora. The speeches of Brutus and Mark Antony have many similarities. One thing they both believe is that Caesar's death was for the greater good and benefited the people of Rome. In Brutus's speech he says: “If then this friend asks why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. » (JC 3.2 20.22). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBrutus says in this quote that he loves Caesar but he loves Rome and that is the reason why he opposed him. Brutus' use of rhetorical questions helps get the crowd thinking, it also helps him connect his speech to the crowd. Brutus often uses the Logos which is logical throughout his speech, he says "Consider me in your wisdom and awaken your senses that you may be the best judge" (JC 3.2.16.17). He uses this tactic to convince the people of Rome. Brutus also uses a lot of anaphoric sentences, which is very helpful in getting your point across. Brutus said: “Believe me for my honor, and respect my honor that you may believe.” » (JC 3.2.14-15). He repeats this several times to make sure the crowd knows how honorable he is. Honor is a very important thing to talk about because it is one of the main things that Romans care about. Some people think that Mark Antony's speech is better because of his use of rhetorical questions. He said: “I presented him with a royal crown three times, which he refused three times. Was it an ambition? (JC 3.2.95-96). This question really got the crowd thinking about Caesar's humility. Mark Antony's use of rhetorical questions is very important throughout his speech because once he gets the crowd to believe, he gets them on his side. Another question he asks is: “What reason keeps you from mourning him?” (JC 3.2 101-102). This question arouses the emotion of the crowd in the face of Caesar's death. In conclusion, the differences and similarities in the speeches had everything to do with the fact that Brutus's speech was far superior to that of Mark Antony. His use of logos, pathos and ethos, as well as anophoric phrases, help him gain the upper hand in his speech. This shows that words can make or break your leadership and bring the crowd with or against you..