Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis

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Words. Some of the most moving words have started mutinies, caused murders, and even resulted in treason. In William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, Mark Antony appealed to the Roman citizens after a group of conspirators murdered Caesar. These conspirators had already convinced the public that their actions were justified. In his speech, Antony must adhere to the guidelines set for him, so he carefully manipulates his words to achieve his purpose. To trick the Roman people, Antony uses three different tactics, he downplays his intention to earn the Roman’s trust, makes a mockery of one of the main conspirators, Brutus, and entices them with Caesar’s will. As Antony addresses the Romans, he is careful to ensure that they do not realize his true intentions. …show more content…
Furthermore, he says, “Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest / Come I to speak at Caesar’s funeral” (Shakespeare 49). He clearly speaks nothing bad of either side continuing the attempt to earn the Roman’s trust. Next, he says, “O, masters, if I were disposed to stir / Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, / I should do Brutus and Cassius wrong,” (Shakespeare 50). Antony cleverly says this, so the Romans don’t get any clues on what he’s doing, keeping his intentions extremely well hidden, while suggesting the idea of a riot in their head without them even knowing it. After ensuring the Romans don’t realize his intentions, he calls into question the conspirator’s motives. He starts asking rhetorical questions to the Roman people about what Brutus has told them. Antony says, “He hath brought many captives home to Rome. Whose ransoms did the general coffers