Power Of Words In Julius Caesar
In the play “Julius Caesar” by Shakespeare, the power of words is displayed throughout the entire work. Speech plays a large role in the plot of “Julius Caesar”. Generally, when people try to get what they want or to persuade others; they use words. The fickle plebeians are swayed through Brutus’ and Antony’s speeches.
The power of words is seen most clearly in Act III when Antony and Brutus speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus speaks first, explaining why he and the conspirators assassinated Caesar. He states that he killed Caesar, not because he did not love him, but because his love for Rome was greater. He asks if anyone disagrees with him and none do. The crowd of plebeians cheered Brutus on at the end of his speech and Antony
takes his turn to speak. Antony, throughout his speech, masterfully manipulates the crowd of plebeians through verbal irony. Antony uses the phrase, “Brutus is an honorable man,” consistently throughout the entirety of the speech in a sarcastic tone. The crowd is swayed by the powerful speech from Antony and is now determined to cast revenge on the conspirators.
In modern times, the power of speech is evident in many different ways. A prime example of the influence that words have can be seen in the news. What news reporters say can influence people’s decision on presidential candidates or other things, such as restaurant or hotel reviews. Facebook, twitter, and other social media websites are also a large factor in today’s society by influencing beliefs on current topics. Power of speech is still relevant many years after the play “Julius Caesar” was written, and will continue to be seen in the future.
The power of words is seen most clearly in Act III when Antony and Brutus speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus speaks first, explaining why he and the conspirators assassinated Caesar. He states that he killed Caesar, not because he did not love him, but because his love for Rome was greater. He asks if anyone disagrees with him and none do. The crowd of plebeians cheered Brutus on at the end of his speech and Antony
takes his turn to speak. Antony, throughout his speech, masterfully manipulates the crowd of plebeians through verbal irony. Antony uses the phrase, “Brutus is an honorable man,” consistently throughout the entirety of the speech in a sarcastic tone. The crowd is swayed by the powerful speech from Antony and is now determined to cast revenge on the conspirators.
In modern times, the power of speech is evident in many different ways. A prime example of the influence that words have can be seen in the news. What news reporters say can influence people’s decision on presidential candidates or other things, such as restaurant or hotel reviews. Facebook, twitter, and other social media websites are also a large factor in today’s society by influencing beliefs on current topics. Power of speech is still relevant many years after the play “Julius Caesar” was written, and will continue to be seen in the future.