The Power of Words in Julius Caesar

Within history it has been noted that when men seek power they will use their words and actions to promote themselves. Whether that be through speeches, acts of bravery, or promoting themselves through media. The words and actions they use can either make or break their leadership. In the play Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare shows the reader the effects of those words. Julius Caesar is a tale about a leader betrayed by his close friend Brutus, by manipulating their friend Cassius. When Caesar was killed Brutus’s one job was to convince the peers that the murder was for the better and benefited the people of Rome. Although Mark Antony and Brutus’s speeches had similarities with their use of rhetorical and persuasive devices, Brutus’s stood far above Brutus’s because of his use of Logos, Ethos, Pathos, and anaphora. Brutus and Mark Antony’s speech have many similarities. One thing they both believe is that Caesar’s death was for the greater good and benefits the people of Rome. In Brutus’s speech he says “If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (JC 3.2 20.22).

Brutus is saying in this quote that he loves Caesar but he loves Rome and that is the reason he went against him. Brutus’s use of rhetorical questions help get the crowd thinking, it also helps him relate his speech to the crowd. Brutus’s uses Logos which is logic often throughout his speech, he says “Censure me in your wisdom and awake your sense that you may be the better judge” (JC 3.2.16.17). He uses this tactics to help persuade the people of rome. Brutus also uses a lot of anaphoric phrases, which is very good for getting your point across. Brutus says “Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that you may believe.” (JC 3.2.14-15). He repeats this so many times to make sure the crowd knows how honorable he is. Honor is a very important thing to talk about because that is one of the main things the people of rome care about. Some people believe that Mark Antonys speech is better because of his use of rhetorical questions. He says “I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?”. (JC 3.2.95-96).

This question really got the crowd thinking about how humble Caesar was. Mark Antony’s use of rhetorical questions is very important throughout his speech because once he gets the crowd thinking he gets them on his side. Another question he asks is “What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?” (JC 3.2 101-102). This question causes the crowd to get emotion about the death of Caesar. In conclusion the differences and similarities of the speeches had everything to do with Brutus’s speech being far more superior that Mark Antony’s. His use of logos, pathos, and ethos, and anophoric phrases help him get the upper hand on his speech. This goes to show that words can either make or break your leadership and make the crowd with or against you.