Spencer Hood
Ms. Allen
Period 6
March 7, 2010
The Fall of Julius Caesar
In early Roman history, Rome was ruled by three men: Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus. Brutus
feared that the people would want Caesar to be king, which would have upset the balance of power and
overturn the republic. Eventually, just that happened. The senators were unhappy with this, and plotted to
kill him. One of these senators was a man named Brutus. He gave a great speech, using all sorts of
rhetoric devices, trying to twist the people’s mind and justify what he did. Then comes a man by the name
of Marc Antony, who using irony and hypocrisy to force the people come to their senses. While Brutus
was effective in using rhetoric to defend his notions, Antony’s speech is more effective.\
Brutus starts out his speech telling the people to be patient and expressing his love for Caesar. He
says everything in such a way, that the people honesty start to believe him. In one part of his speech he
says, “As Caesar loved me, I week for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor
him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.” Using parallel structure, he convinces the people that he loved
Caesar, and therefore he slew him. Two completely contradictory statements, but through his great public
speaking skills, the people believe him. He then asked if he has offended any, and if they are offended,
they would be letting their country down. “ Who here is 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
have offended. Who is here so vile, that will not live his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended. I
pause for reply..” No one replies. He has completely convinced the people that what had happened was
just. Because he loved Caesar and his country, Caesar needed to die.
Then it was Mark Antony’s turn to speak. Throughout his whole speech, the people begin to
realize just how hypocritical Brutus had been. Using irony, Mark Antony declares, “When the poor have
cried, Caesar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; and
sure he is an honorable man” Mark Antony’s repeats that over and over, “Brutus says he was ambitious;
and sure he is an honorable man”. The more frequently he says it, the more the citizens are affected, and
see their mistake in judgment. He also uses rhetorical questions to stir the people up. “You all did see that
on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
You all did love him once, not without cause; what cause withholds you then to mourn for him?” The
people are finally beginning to see how badly they have been fooled. By the end of his speech, they are
ready to revolt.
From the end of Brutus’ speech to the end of Antony’s, there is an evident change in the mood
and attitude of the citizens. The audience started with great anticipation and love for Brutus. One man
even went so far as to say, “Let him be Caesar!” This was the mutual feeling of everyone, Caesars speech
had been a success. Then Mark Antony was asked to say a few words, and the tide changed.
Progressively, people started to feel less and less for their noble Brutus. It got so bad that one man cried
out, “We’ll burn the house of Brutus!” Antony had done the trick. He’d mad the people come to their
senses about their once beloved ruler.
Overall, Antony had a greater effect on the people. Brutus may have given a great speech, using
rhetoric to sway the people, but Antony brought them to their senses. Sometimes words are more
powerful than swords. In the end, justice prevailed.