Mark Antony Rhetorical Analysis

Julius Caesar’s Mark Antony prevails as the master of persuasion through language. In a eulogy speech for the recently deceased Caesar, he expertly employs repetition, reverse psychology, and flattery to manipulate the minds and hearts of his audience. Mark Antony’s use of repetition showcases brilliant sarcasm. He utilizes the word “honorable” to describe Brutus and Cassius, two of Caesar’s assassins, on nine different occasions: “for Brutus is an honorable man” (3.2. 82), “so are they all, all honorable men” (3.2. 83), “and Brutus is an honorable man” (3.2. 87), “and Brutus is an honorable man” (3.2. 94), “who, you all know, are honorable men” (3.2. 124), “I will wrong such honorable men” (3.2. 127), “I fear I wrong the honorable men” (3.2.
Stating, “'Tis his will. / Let but the commons hear this testament— / Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read” (3.2. 129-131), he knowingly suggests not only the existence of Caesar’s will but his refusal to disclose it’s contents. Again he asserts that he “must not read it” (3.2. 140) but reveals that “it is not meet you know how Caesar loved you” (3.2. 141). If he truly wished for his audience to remain unaware of Caesar’s love for them, he would have safeguarded the secret. By divulging the fact that Caesar indeed cared for them greatly, they subconsciously believe in this emotion. Antony once more affirms that “’Tis good you know not that you are his heirs” (3.2. 145). This line breathes hypocrisy as he explicitly tells the people the good in not knowing the truth he depicts. These mind games create an irresistible tension between Antony and his audience as they now crave even more clandestine
He grooms their thoughts like a predator to its’ victim. He uses the word “friend” in lines 73, 140, 206, and 231 strategically in order to align his social status to that of his audience. In turn, they view him as an equal rather than a powerful member of Roman society. To persuade the people to feel a kinship towards him he poses questions, as if there are casually gossiping by a fire instead of listening to a manipulative sermon. “Was this ambition?” (3.2. 97) and “Will you stay awhile?” (3.2. 149) both work to exemplify this conversational feeling. In addition, by praising them as “not wood… not stones, but men” (3.2. 142) he unifies them, boosts morale, and creates a positive atmosphere. The people quickly forget why they originally felt animosity towards Antony and instead clamor to hear sweeping praises. Mark Antony deftly speaks to his audience in a way that requires them to challenge their preconceived characterizations of Brutus and Cassius. He intentionally expresses the deliberate opposite of what he genuinely wishes and excessively compliments the people to the point that they forget their own seemingly unwavering convictions. His finesse and dexterity in bending words and minds ultimately works to his favor. Antony accomplishes his initial goal to convince the Roman people to revenge Caesar’s demise. This achievement in and of itself exhibits