Julius Caesar Rhetorical Devices Essay

Words: 877
Pages: 4
Open Document
Mark Antony’s Utilization of Rhetorical Devices

Mark Antony was well versed in rhetoric and uses a variety of rhetorical devices in his speeches throughout the play Julius Caesar to serve many purposes. Mark Antony was one of Caesar’s closest advisors so when he was murdered, he was just as betrayed as Caesar. He was also afraid that he would be killed as well because he was Caesar’s right hand man. This was why it was crucial for him to win over the people using this speech, to persuade them into thinking as he did. Many examples of Mark Antony’s use of rhetorical devices can be seen in his funeral oration of Caesar. He uses these devices in this speech in particular to convey his emotions and persuade his audience into feeling the same. The reason he doesn’t say what he means, bluntly is because he had been given guidelines on what he could and could not say, so he needed used the devices to convey what he meant …show more content…
Antony starts with the famous line “Friends, Romans, Countrymen…” (III.ii.82). He is using the plain folks device here to show the people that he is one of them, that he is among them and equal. Psychologically this was effective because the people would listen to him more, and be able to empathize with him because he is on their same level. If he had been condescending and acted as if he were above the people it would have been doubtful they would’ve been so moved. Antony utilizes this device again later in his funeral oration saying “ I am no orator, as Brutus is, But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man” (III.ii.230-231). Again he tries to sort of level with his audience, making them more receptive to what he has to say by simplifying himself and bringing the people closer to him. He uses the plain folks device in order to be more relatable to the people by evening both of their standings, and in turn, this makes it easier for him to persuade his
Show More

Related Documents: Julius Caesar Rhetorical Devices Essay

Comparing Brutus And Mark Antony's Speech In Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar Essay After reading the speeches from both people, Brutus and Mark Antony, Antony’s speech was more persuasive than Brutus’ speech. Antony’s speech was more persuasive because of his use of rhetorical devices and the commoners reaction. Brutus gives his speech before Mark Antony gives his. Brutus’ speech is about how and why him and the conspiracists killed Caesar. Brutus gives his speech calmly. He is hoping to win over his audience. Brutus tells his audience that he loved Caesar…

Words 745 - Pages 3

Literary Terms Essay

parallel case. When a writer uses an analogy, he or she argues that a claim reasonable for one case is reasonable for the analogous case. Anaphora—Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This device is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer's point more coherent. Anecdote—A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or nonfiction texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor…

Words 3652 - Pages 15

Essay on Lincoln rhetorical

The Rhetorical Triangle Key #1 Persona a mask, the character the audience perceived behind the text, the character a writer or speaker conveys to the audience "It is to my other self, to Borges, that things happen. I walk about Buenos Aires and I pause, almost mechanically, to contemplate the arch of an entry or the portal of a church; news of Borges comes to me in the mail, and I see his name on a short list of professors or in a biographical dictionary. I am fond of hourglasses, maps,…

Words 6267 - Pages 26