Antony was not being very serious when he stated this. The statement was sarcastic. However, Brutus was honorable in a way because he let Marc Antony speak
One must always have something to gain from a friendship, or loose from the lack of it. That is why Brutus killed you, to make sure that you do not grow tyrannical. You’re friendship with Brutus was of comparatively little value to his loyalty to Rome. So, Brutus betrayed you. The same way, Antony acted as if he was supporting the Roman citizens when giving Caesar’s eulogy.
Emotion tied all these men together. They told the citizens and even themselves at times that their actions were for the good of Rome but could never give good reason as to how. Each man, Brutus as an exception, had personal hatred for Caesar. They even rejected plans to kill Antony- Caesar’s companion- in addition, because he hadn’t done anything to them. This was extremely poor planning.
He explains to the people of Rome how Caesar couldn’t have been an ambitious man; he has turned down a crown three times. Brutus and Antony use persuasion throughout the play to explain further on why Brutus helps kill Caesar and how Antony gets the people of Rome to turn against Brutus. First, Brutus tells the people of Rome that he had only killed Caesar so they could finally all be free from his power. For example, when Brutus says,”not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved/ Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living, and/ die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all/ freemen?”(3.2.23-26).
They both had strong speeches in their logos. Brutus told the people that Caesar was killed for a reason by stating “had you rather Caesar were living, and/ die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, above all/ freemen?” (3.2 24-26). Brutus was telling the people that since Caesar are dead, everyone can be free and no one should have to be slaves by force. Even though that Brutus won in ethos and pathos, Antony had a slightly stronger logos appeal. Antony told the people about him trying to make Caesar king.
Brutus is faced with a serious decision in Act II. Brutus states, “It must be by his [Caesar] death; and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him but for the general. He would be crowned.”, and “Th’ abuse of greatness is when it when it disjoins remorse from power; and, to speak truth of Caesar. I have not known when his affections swayed more than his reason.” Brutus was faced with the decision if he should kill Caesar or let him live. He came to the conclusion that killing Caesar was the right thing to do, not just for himself but for the public’s greater good.
He had to learn from this choice and see what he did wrong. Brutus also dealt Caesar’s ghost which represents a supernatural occurrence. As many can see, Brutus made many tough decisions. He murdered someone close to him to achieve something greater. Although he thought it would make matters better for Rome the whole situation got much
This was the most unkindest cut of all.” Antony decided to show the crowd the body of Caesar to correctly show what happened to him, but to also create emotion amongst the commoners. He created a sense of anger towards the people who stabbed Caesar, especially Brutus, as he was the one conspirator that Caesar never thought would betray him. Antony presented this as Brutus and the rest are traitors, and that is the way the commoners viewed it. This, amongst other reasons through their emotions, provoked them into taking revenge against the
Repetition is seen throughout Anthony’s speech. He keeps saying that “Brutus is an honorable man”(Shakespeare 47). after his statements. This creates verbal irony that shows Antony’s true feelings towards Brutus. The tone of manipulation is shown well here.
Although, Brutus is very loyal to his country and tells the citizens that he has killed Caesar for them. “I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death” (8). Brutus tells the citizens that he has killed his best friend for the better of Rome. He tries to convince the citizens that killing Caesar is for the better of Rome. Brutus has the more persuasive trait as he is loyal to his country, not one man.