Emotions In Julius Caesar And Antony's Speech

Emotions are what drive us, for one cannot be persuaded without understanding emotions. Learning new words might help us when feeling emotions because we can identify them. Words are the most powerful force available to humanity because we can choose what words to say depending on the situation. Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral was more effective than Brutus’ because Antony used genuine emotion to sway the crowd.
Brutus’ speech rationalized Caesar’s murder by using logic and reasoning because he did not want the plebeians to turn on him. Therefore, he believed that he could persuade the crowd by using reasoning. Brutus states, “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him;/ as he was fortunate I rejoice at it; as he was/ valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I/ slew him”(3.2.24-27). This quote conveyed that Brutus loved Caesar, but he loved Rome more and that Caesar needed to be killed because he became too ambitious. Additionally, Brutus wanted the people to know that he loved Caesar by stating that he was very valiant and honorable. Brutus used pros, which is everyday language used by the common people because he wanted to show the crowd that he was one of them. Brutus started his speech by saying, “Romans, countrymen and lovers!...”(3.2.13) which showed that he was very loyal …show more content…
Antony was able to convince the crowd to do what he wanted by conjuring their emotions. He was also able to gain power over the plebeians because they were followers. In addition, Antony’s speech was successful because he made the crowd feel pity as well as guilt for betraying Caesar. Furthermore, it made them feel anger towards the conspirators for killing Caesar and sympathy for Antony because he showed his emotions. Antony’s speech is one for many generations to uses as a model for persuasive speaking, as it uses genuine emotions to persuade the