Julius Caesar Speech Analysis

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An exceptional public speaker uses linguistic devices to enhance their speeches. William Shakespeare made sure to include that in his play, Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar is a play about a man that is killed by the people he trusted. Brutus, one of the conspirators, gives a speech to justify his actions, and Antony, Caesar’s close friend gives a speech to get revenge. The speeches that they gave determined who Rome supported, which lead to the death of one of them. Brutus and Antony use pathos, repetition, and diction to get the support of the crowd. Brutus and Antony use pathos in their speech to keep the audience focused, and attain their sympathy. Towards the end of his speech, Brutus proclaims, “With this, I depart, that, as 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.” This is significant for two reasons; one, since Caesar was Brutus’ best lover, the Romans understand that it must have hurt Brutus to slay Caesar. Therefore, this appealed to their emotions and made them feel compassionate towards Brutus. Furthermore, Brutus implies that he is willing to kill himself for the sake of Rome. This makes the audience feel loved in the sense that Brutus would kill himself for them if they ever needed him to. Thus Brutus garners public support behind his cause. Antony states in his speech, “Bear with me. My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, and I must pause till it comes back to me.”

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