Figurative Language In Julius Caesar

Act III within Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar involves Brutus and Mark Antony giving out speeches towards about Caesar. Through the power of words, both were able to evoke emotions and reactions in the people of Rome. Each man incomperates repetition and reasoning to persuade the citizens to join their side. Brutus attempts to reason with the audience and provides his personal feelings about Caesar to move the audience. He partook in the fall of Caesar not because he loathed him, but because he “loved Rome more.” This implants the thought into the citizens’ heads that it was necessary to sacrifice Caesar for their own safety. Proclaiming “he was ambitious,” the citizens are being fed a negative context of Caesar’s character; on the other hand,
this convinces the people to accept the conspirators’ claim and reasoning about Caesar’s destiny to fall. If anyone is “so rude that [they] would not be a Roman,” Brutus was willingly to let them speak for Caesar “[he] has offended.” In a simplified manner, Brutus calls those who object, not part of Roman standard; this forces people to accept Caesar’s death as a positive for the good of Rome.
Later on, Brutus allows Mark Antony to present his speech. Antony stays low by directly avoiding any trigger words directly saying Brutus and the others are the true enemies; however he mentions Caesar’s past accomplishments and actions. Reminding the people who “brought many captives home to Rome,” wept “when that the poor have cried,” and “did thrice refuse” the crown. Afterwards, Antony opposes his own words reminding them that “Brutus says he was ambitious, and sure he is an honorable man.” He purposely uses repetition to drive the audience to see the true meaning of his words. Each time, he contradicts Brutus’ claim by giving examples of time Caesar wasn’t ambitious bringing up second thoughts on Brutus’ liability. He was so successful that even the plebeians promise to “Let not a traitor live.”