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William Shakespeare 's Julius Caesar

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Ann Nguyen Mrs. Romaguera English 2- Period G 13 October 2015 A Fight to the Finish Two men battle with words to claim the hearts of the people of Rome. In Julius Caesar written by William Shakespeare, Brutus and Antony address the people over Caesar’s dead body. The body is brought to the town square shortly after he was murdered by the Senate. Brutus, one of the murderers, appeals to the people’s fear and patriotism. Antony speaks after and puts doubts of the justification of the murder and plays to the people’s hearts. Brutus addresses the crowd by using his reputation to support his reasons for killing Caesar. He starts his speech with, “Romans, countrymen, and friends!” (III.ii.13-14). He calls them this saying that he has honor and…show more content…
Brutus delivers his speech from the podium in the square. He remains elevated above the people almost as if he is reminding them that he is one of the leaders of Rome, and would never do anything against his country. He must convince them that what he did, in killing the beloved Caesar, he did for all of them. Antony addresses the crowd by using Brutus’ words and actions against his explanation, by citing Caesars actions and deeds to appeal to the crowd’s heart. Brutus states in his speech that Caesar is ambitious and “his ambition-for that, I killed him.” (III.ii.25-26). Antony disproves that Caesar is ambitious by using many facts. For example, after sharing that Caesar “was my friend [and] faithful just to me.” (III.ii.83), he lists many things that Caesar did. Some facts he uses to disprove Brutus include, “He brought many captives home to Rome whose ransoms brought wealth to the city. When the poor cried, Caesar cried too. I offered him the king’s crown three times, and he refused it three times. Is this the work of an ambitious man?” (III.ii.87-88). During his speech, Antony asks the crowds permission to step down and join them in the street. He doesn 't use his position in the Senate to stand above them, but rather he reminds them that he is one of them. A Roman citizen. Antony also describes Brutus as “an honorable man” (III.ii.80), but are these the actions of a man who
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