Leaders of civilizations throughout history relied on many techniques to instill their lordship over the commoners that they governed. The most prevalent practice of all though was the use rhetoric skills. Manipulation and persuasion are quintessential qualities that can be seen in civilizations till this very day. Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar” illustrates the power of manipulation as the silver-tongued Julius Caesar potential ambitious plans of becoming the new king of Rome come under scrutiny by his fellow friends and peers in the Senate. Others however are looking at opportunities to increase their power. Cassius, a military general, organizes a syndicate against Caesar’s rule and includes Caesar’s close friend Brutus who will lead
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Following Caesar’s assassination, the group proclaims that this action was taken for the good of Rome and the people are satisfied. That is until Mark Antony accuses them of being traitors and turns the people against them. The group flees and rallies their armies to standoff against Antony while Octavius, Caesar’s son, arrives to support Antony in this struggle. Fighting ensues and a series of miscommunications leads to the honorable suicides of Cassius and Titinus. Brutus arrives to see his friend’s dead and knows his doom is imminent and decides to take his life as well. Octavius and Antony appear and mention Brutus to be the only honorable one of the group as his actions were only for the good of Rome. In “Julius Caesar” Shakespeare uses dynamic characters, including a tragic hero protagonist, to convey his overall theme of persuasion and …show more content…
Caesar is the first character to show his power of speech over the plebeians that he rules. His influence is so great that on the day of his return from his war campaign, the citizens stop working to celebrate his arrival back. His influence is even more solidified when the crown is offered to him by Antony. Casca remarks that “And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by. And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chapped hands” (Casca 1.2.335-339). Caesar purposely put on this display to exhibit his crowd control over the plebeians and that his mere presence caused excitement in those around him. This behavior is what brought upon the plot against him and leads to Cassius looking to Brutus for help. Cassius knew Brutus’s relations with Caesar and that swaying him to his cause would not be too difficult. He persuades Brutus, telling him to reflect on his self-more and how he has the potential to be a great rule. Brutus responds back with “For this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further moved.” (Brutus 1.2.256-258). Brutus is at first reluctant to join due to his relationship with Caesar but after consideration he decides it is the best action. The plot is going accordingly until Brutus’s allows Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Antony is horrified at the
Following Caesar’s assassination, the group proclaims that this action was taken for the good of Rome and the people are satisfied. That is until Mark Antony accuses them of being traitors and turns the people against them. The group flees and rallies their armies to standoff against Antony while Octavius, Caesar’s son, arrives to support Antony in this struggle. Fighting ensues and a series of miscommunications leads to the honorable suicides of Cassius and Titinus. Brutus arrives to see his friend’s dead and knows his doom is imminent and decides to take his life as well. Octavius and Antony appear and mention Brutus to be the only honorable one of the group as his actions were only for the good of Rome. In “Julius Caesar” Shakespeare uses dynamic characters, including a tragic hero protagonist, to convey his overall theme of persuasion and …show more content…
Caesar is the first character to show his power of speech over the plebeians that he rules. His influence is so great that on the day of his return from his war campaign, the citizens stop working to celebrate his arrival back. His influence is even more solidified when the crown is offered to him by Antony. Casca remarks that “And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by. And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chapped hands” (Casca 1.2.335-339). Caesar purposely put on this display to exhibit his crowd control over the plebeians and that his mere presence caused excitement in those around him. This behavior is what brought upon the plot against him and leads to Cassius looking to Brutus for help. Cassius knew Brutus’s relations with Caesar and that swaying him to his cause would not be too difficult. He persuades Brutus, telling him to reflect on his self-more and how he has the potential to be a great rule. Brutus responds back with “For this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further moved.” (Brutus 1.2.256-258). Brutus is at first reluctant to join due to his relationship with Caesar but after consideration he decides it is the best action. The plot is going accordingly until Brutus’s allows Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Antony is horrified at the