Brutus vs. Antony: The Power of Persuasion

           The power of persuasion is a sought after trait that everyone desires especially those in politics. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar shows politicians using their own techniques to manipulate and deceive their audience. A particular scene in which the power of persuasion is particular strong is the speech in which Brutus and Antony give to the plebeians announcing the death of Caesar. Both men use different approaches to convince the plebeians of their position on the topic of Caesar’s death, but one proves to be more convincing.

            Brutus’s whole speech is presented in prose rather then verse in order to speak to the plebeians simply so they feel on the same level as Brutus. He tries to convince the crowd that acted as a concerned citizen of Rome and not as a power hungry individual. The plebeians seem to be convinced that he is telling the truth and did the right thing for Republic.

            In contrast, Antony speaks only verses unlike Brutus’ use of prose. Antony refers to the conspirators and Brutus as “honourable men” which starts as a compliment but through out the speech it is more of a mocking term.

He was my friend, faithful and just to me. 
 But Brutus says he was ambitious; 
 And Brutus is an honourable man. 
 . . . 
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. 
 . . . 
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; 
 And Brutus is an honourable man. 
 . . . 
I thrice presented him a kingly crown, 
 which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? 
 Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, 
 and sure he is an honourable man. (III.ii.82–96)

            Antony also takes Brutus’ logo and turns it into an anti-logo, such as Caesar being ambitious and Antony reminds the crowd that Caesar grew up in poor family and how he refused the crown three times. He even adds a bit of tears in the middle of the speech to build on the pathos in the crowd. Another tool he uses that Brutus tried to do was to be on the same level as the crowd. Antony does this by leaving the pulpit and actually standing on the same level as the plebeians. Again he uses pathos by showing the bloody body of Caesar. Then he can feel the pity and anger in the crowd and decides to mention mutiny. He tells them not to perform mutiny but he knows the mention of the word will have the power to plant the idea inside the plebeian’s minds and eventually will turn into action.

            These two honorable men try to inflict their opinion on to the public. As we learn in the beginning of the play being popular with the public is very important when you want to be in control. Antony realizes this importance and tries to win over the public in order to seek revenge for Caesar’s death.