Persuasive Perspectives Controlled by Power Power is defined as the influence one individual has on others. But power can be achieved through multiple actions, such as persuading certain ideologies and personal beliefs. In William Shakespeare's renowned play, Julius Caesar, the main character, Brutus, has a complex role in leading conspirators into killing the great Caesar. He does this by conveying his perspective in his dialogue and convincing his noble colleagues, most notably Cassius, of his philosophy. In Act II scene i of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare uses Power dynamics in dialogue to reveal the tension between the political Ideology and personal Beliefs of Cassius and Brutus. In this scene, William Shakespeare uses a unique set of dialogue to reveal Brutus’s status in comparison to the other conspirators. Cassius, Casca, Cinna, and Metellus proceed to state their opinions on whether or not they support the idea of involving Cicero in their plan, but as soon as Brutus affirms that “No, don't even mention him. We …show more content…
Brutus presents the idea that “If the sad faces of our fellow men, the suffering of our own souls, and the corruption of the present time aren’t enough to motivate us, let’s break it off now and each of us goes back to bed… Only men whom you wouldn’t trust anyway would swear oaths and for the worst reasons.” (II.i.115). This quote exhibits both tension and exaggerated emotions to show the power dynamic between the group, and the integrity relied upon within, allowing Brutus to quickly manipulate the beliefs of the conspirators, and the original idea of creating an oath to begin with. This clearly reveals how the main character can easily spread his ideology and beliefs throughout the group by utilizing his great
Brutus begins his speech in Act III, scene ii, at Caesar's funeral, with an upset crowd questioning his motives for killing Caesar. The crowd’s initial reaction to Brutus is that he is honorable and venerated, but still needs to explain why Caesar was assassinated. Brutus tells the crowd that he did not kill Caesar because he didn’t care for him, but he killed Caesar because he loved Rome more. In addition, that if Caesar were still alive and king, all of the people would die slaves, and claims that he killed Caesar for the good of Rome. Brutus is able to persuade the crowd that he had honorable intentions for killing Caesar through the use of rhetoric-ethos, logos, and pathos.
One of the most famous scenes in Julius Caesar is Act 3, Scene 2, a rhetorical clash during which the the fate of all of Rome hangs in the balance. It is during these moments that Brutus and Marc Antony showcase their rhetorical skills, turning the tides against the conspirators and ultimately culminating in their demises. This is when we, as readers, receive an opportunity to see both the good and the supposed “tyranny” of Caesar, in the form of Brutus’s and Antony’s well-crafted orations. More importantly, it symbolizes the fall of Brutus’s good reputation, and the rising in power of Octavius and Antony, who will later form the second triumvirate with Lepidus.
Mark Antony argues about how Brutus someone loyal and honorable could betray his own friend and le to them all “ telling all romans Caesar was ambitious,”(iii,ii,103). Mark Antony is implying that anyone can be an honorable man and still tell lies. It is making Mark Antony’s credibility stronger, also having romans see they have been lied to and know who makes a better
How come power corrupts certain leaders? What defines a leader? A leader is someone in command in a group, organization or country. Usually it is just a single person, but there can be multiple people in charge. A group of three leaders is called a Triumvirate, which was mentioned in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”.
During the meeting with the Conspirators at his home, Brutus says to them, “No, not an oath” (II.i.125) because “what other oath” is better “than honesty to honesty engaged” (II.i.137-138). Brutus believes they do not need to pledge an oath because he already thinks they are loyal to Rome and that none of them will “palter”. Even before getting to know the rest of the conspirators, he already assumes that they are all there to plan the assassination of Caesar in order to make Rome a better place. All the conspirators, excluding Brutus, have a personal reason on why they want to kill Caesar, whether it is out of envy or pure hatred, but Brutus does not see that they harbor strong resentment towards Caesar. When the conspirators were talking about killing Caesar, Cassius brings up that they should kill Antony too, but Brutus dismisses that notion by claiming that “Antony is but a limb of Caesar” (II.i.179).
"I love thy name of honour more than I fear death" declared Marcus Junius Brutus. With this quote we see Brutus’s true opinion of his honor and how he believes it should be upheld even if it leads to death. Brutus should have never joined in killing Caesar in the article, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” Written by William Shakespeare, in agreeing he was showing his honor for his country to the public but in private we saw his true worries and anxieties about this decision. Brutus could be argued that he was one of the most honorable people out of the selection of characters.
Legacy Many people live on in legacies some good some bad but other people change the world with their legacies. For example, Caesar whose death brought along a civil war that changed Rome forever. Another person who changed the world after her death is Anne Frank. These are some ways these two people changed the world even though they weren’t there to see it.
Throughout history public figures have demonstrated their dual personas. One of which is their public side, that appeals to their audiences. The other is their private side, which more accurately reflects how they think and feel. Leaders use their public side as a facade in order to gain favor of their constituents, and Caesar in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is no exception. Although Caesar has a public side to him, the private Caesar is the real Caesar, and Shakespeare utilizes and contrasts the two throughout the play in order to keep the audience guessing as to which Caesar is the real Caesar.
Most of this play centers around the conspirators in the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar, and the main conspirator was Cassius. During the first half of the play Cassius’ main goal was to convince Brutus to betray his best friend Caesar and join the conspiracy. Cassius’ best skill in speaking skill was manipulation; in order to get Brutus on his side Cassius lies and manipulates Brutus by telling stories about Caesars weaknesses and praising Brutus on his honor. Cassius boosts Brutus’ on many occasions, starting his story about Caesar stating, “I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,/ As well as I do know your outward favor./ Well, honor is the subject of my story” (1.2.92-94).
Charisma could be the very reason why so many leaders are effective in their field. Some may think it was because of their connections or money but ultimately the reason they have connections is because of their ability to persuade others to help them. Many effective leaders were very charismatic which helped them persuade others to help them and helped them gain the favor from others; those without it would typically fail in fulfilling their role as a leader. Mark Antony with just a few words reminded the people of how virtuous Caesar was. He did this by bringing up past actions of Caesar.
He fails to see the true motives and intentions of those around him, such as Decius Brutus and Marcus Brutus, who eventually become part of the conspiracy against him. Julius Caesar’s tragic flaws of trusting the wrong people and his persuasive use of ethos are intertwined in Shakespeare’s play. Despite his intelligence and political acumen, Caesar’s misplaced trust in individuals who deceive him ultimately leads to his downfall. In one powerful scene, Caesar appeals to the ethos of his trusted friend Brutus, attempting to convince him of his loyalty and innocence “Et tu Brute? Then fall, Caesar!”
(Shakespeare 3.1.164-179) Mighty Caesar have you really gotten so low? All your great accomplishments and trophies as well as glories have they really been turned into nothing or if it is something it is of such a minute measure? I don’t know what you want, nor what you are going to do, but who else are you going to kill or want to kill? In your eyes, who else do you really think is a liar?
Dearest men, I am writing to you because I know of your conspiracies against our newest King, and I do not wish for your plans to be carried out. What you, such honorable men, are now considering is the brutal murder of a beloved man, who has done nothing but help his dear country. Only a few days ago did we dance throughout the streets of Rome, celebrating the victory of our Caesar. His new crown brought a sense of joy and reassurance to his people, a crown for which he refused as many as three times.
“If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it”- Julius Caesar, the man who is known as one of the most fascinating political figures of all time. The one who through his military genius, expanded the Roman Republic to include parts of what are now Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. Although the hero had many followers and admirers, he was ultimately stabbed to death by his own fellow politicians. Caesar was born in July, 100 B.C.E to Gaius Caesar and Aurelia. The family claimed a noble history but hadn’t produced many influential people till then.
Brutus is confused as to how his conspirators are still able to smile and pretend to be Caesar’s friend as if they were not planning to murder him before he becomes king. His conspirators pretend like nothing is bothering them and they are still acting normal. Brutus