At Caesar’s funeral in Act III Scene 2 of the play, “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, Antony gains support of the people with his clever speech. The three persuasive techniques he uses to make his speech effective include repetition, rhetorical questions and it appeal to the audiences emotions. To begin with, Antony uses the terms “ambition” and “honorable” repeatedly and it helps reinforce the main idea of the speech because the words stay in the citizen’s minds. As they think about the words deeper meaning, the people begin to question whether or not Caesar shows ambition and if Brutus is honorable. Moreover, Antony further persuades the audience when he uses rhetorical questions to counter ideas in Brutus’ speech. First, Antony questions
…show more content…
He further questions Caesars ambition when he adds, “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)? In this context, the rhetorical questions are significant because Antony allows the citizens to form a conclusion based on whether or not Caesar is ambitious. However, in comparison to denying a crown and bringing criminals to help increase the wealth of Rome, it is obvious to the audience Caesar does not do things for his own power. Furthermore, Antony has the ability to appeal to the citizens emotions. When he questions then for simply turning against Caesar after Brutus’ speech, the citizens begin to wonder why they do not mourn for Caesar. Hence, he influences them through his works of emotion and gains support from the people. The difference between the effectiveness of Brutus’ and Antony’s speech is Brutus is very direct and he only mentions why he kills Caesar. Antony is able to take Brutus’ speech and counter the ideas in it to make the Romans question the true nature of Brutus and Caesar. Therefore, Antony’s speech is rhetoric and he is able to manipulate the people through words and emotions to sway the citizens away from showing hatred towards
He further questions Caesars ambition when he adds, “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)? In this context, the rhetorical questions are significant because Antony allows the citizens to form a conclusion based on whether or not Caesar is ambitious. However, in comparison to denying a crown and bringing criminals to help increase the wealth of Rome, it is obvious to the audience Caesar does not do things for his own power. Furthermore, Antony has the ability to appeal to the citizens emotions. When he questions then for simply turning against Caesar after Brutus’ speech, the citizens begin to wonder why they do not mourn for Caesar. Hence, he influences them through his works of emotion and gains support from the people. The difference between the effectiveness of Brutus’ and Antony’s speech is Brutus is very direct and he only mentions why he kills Caesar. Antony is able to take Brutus’ speech and counter the ideas in it to make the Romans question the true nature of Brutus and Caesar. Therefore, Antony’s speech is rhetoric and he is able to manipulate the people through words and emotions to sway the citizens away from showing hatred towards