Which of the funeral speeches is the most dramatically effective?

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Julius Caesar.

Which of the funeral speeches is the most dramatically effective?

Both funeral speeches by Brutus and Mark Anthony can be considered effective.  Brutus is quite arrogant and to the point tries to sway the crowd.  He justifies killing Caesar by saying that Caesars ambitions would have hurt Rome.  Mark Anthony cleverly uses Brutus’ speech as a baseline and focus’ on Caesars good points and disproves Brutus’ justification for killing Caesar.

The placement of the speeches affects the impressions given to the crowd.  Brutus is the first to speak and has nothing to work on, whereas Mark Anthony picks up and expands on Brutus’ points.  The dramatic affect of the speeches could have possibly lied in their placing.

  The Roman crowd responds emotionally to both speeches proving that both speeches are dramatically effective.  Brutus speaking in prose, appeals to the crowd’s consciousness as citizens of Rome, and states that later they will learn of the benefits of his actions.  He appeals to their better judgment as Romans.  He tells them that he is an honorable man and will let the truth speak for itself.

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  He wants the crowd to know the facts ‘censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the better judge.’  He flatters the crowd and this helps them to accept him.

  He appeals to their sympathy stating that he loved Caesar and daring them to find anyone who loved Caesar more.  He tells the crowd how he admired Caesar and loved him for he was an honorable man, but had to kill him because of Caesars ambition.  ‘Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more’ and this is how Brutus justifies ...

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