Period 2
Mr. Krucli
4/24/07
Julius Caesar
8. �Romans, countrymen and lovers� (Act III Scene2, line13)
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?
Brutus says the crowd should believe him because he has honor and they should respect his honor by believing him.
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?
The word less is used twice, more is used once, living is used twice, and things referring to death appeared in his speech six times. The use of these words builds up on the audience and makes it so that they will believe him more.
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.
There is tears for his love; joy for his
fortune; honour for his valour; and death for his
ambition. Who is here so base that would be a
bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended.
Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If
any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so
vile that will not love his country? If any, speak;
for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
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.
The way Antony uses the repition of the word honourable to describe Brutus and Cassius is a slap in the face to them. Since Antony often uses an example of Brutus and Cassius not being honorable right before he calls them honorable the audience recognize it and are more persuaded to follow the views of Antony.
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?
Antony makes four good points before the speech ends.
c. How does Antony deploy the words �ambition� and �ambitious� to win over the commoners to his point of view?
Antony uses the words ambition and ambitious to win over the commoners by pointing out reasons why Caesar was not ambitious when Brutus called Caesar ambitious. So, by pointing out that Brutus is wrong about Caesar it converts the commoners to think that Antony must be right.