a. This is a speech based on reason (unlike Antony�s later, which is based on passion). Why does Brutus say the crowd should believe him?
Because of his honor
b. How many words can you find that are antithetical (that is, in strong contrast), such as �less�/ �more�, �living�/ �dead�? What is the cumulative effect?
Living/ die
c. Many words and phrases are balanced: for example, �As Caesar loved me, I weep for him ; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him�. Find more, and say why they are calculated to win over the crowd.
loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more, Caesar were living and
die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live
all free men, censure me in your wisdom, and
awake your senses, as he was
valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I
slew him. These statements are calculated to win over the crowd because they portray Caesar as a good leader gone astray and Brutus as the one to correct his mistakes.
9. �Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears� (Act III Scene 2, line 71)
a. Antony uses the word �honourable� to describe Brutus and Cassius eight times. Each time the way in which it is spoken is different, and with a different purpose. Carefully trace the transition from the first �For Brutus was an honourable man� to �They that have done this deed are honourable�, explaining how Antony�s oratory has led the crowd from one point of view to another.
Antony begins by agreeing with the murderers. His point of view slowly changes and eventually is against the conspirators and rallies the crowd behind him.
b. In his second sentence, Antony says he is content to let Caesar�s good points be buried with his bones. How many good points does he in fact make before this 35-line speech is ended?
three
c. How does Antony deploy the words �ambition� and �ambitious� to win over the commoners to his point of view?
He uses these words to prove that Caesar, is in fact, not ambitious in the eyes of the people, even if he may be in reality