Analysis of Antony in Julius Caesar

Brutus that he wants to speak in Caesar’s funeral, and after Brutus has a discussion with Cassius, he gives permission for Antony to speak during the funeral. Both Brutus and Antony speak in the funeral in hopes of persuading the people to agree with their reasoning on Caesar’s murder. Even though both characters’ speeches have an effect on the citizens, Antony’s speech appeals to the people’s emotions and persuades them against the conspirators. The first person to speak in the funeral is Brutus. He tries to explain to the people that killing Caesar is only going to help the people of Rome. He tries to appeal to the citizens’ reason and national pride. He explains his reasons and is straightforward. For example in his 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.” Brutus clearly states to the citizen’s that he killed Caesar for the good of Rome. Brutus is indeed persuasive, but not as persuasive as Antony. When Antony speaks to the people of Rome, he tries to appeal to their emotions. His speech is more powerful than Brutus’s because he appeals to their emotions and not to their reason. This is seen in his speech when he says, “If you have tears prepare to shed them now.” From his use of words, he is able to alter the citizens’ opinion. Both of the characters had an effect on the people. Antony expresses his personal beliefs while speaking, which greatly influences the citizens. Brutus was able to have some effect on the people because his logic and reasoning appealed to them. However, Antony doesn’t affect the people just with his speech, but he also uses examples to show the people that Caesar’s death was immoral and unjust. For example, in the play he shows the citizens Caesar’s body and says, “For Brutus as you know was Caesar’s angel, Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!” This convinces the people that Brutus is an evil person because he killed Caesar. Antony tells the people how much Caesar loved them when he says,” When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept.” This indeed appeals to their emotions. In addition, when Antony speaks to the people he uses reverse psychology and is manipulative. He mentions that Caesar’s will somehow benefit the people, however he doesn’t tell the people what’s written in it. By using reverse psychology, Antony is able to achieve his main goal- a revolt against the conspirators. Antony makes the people feel sadness and pain towards Caesar’s murder while Brutus just convinces the people that the murder was moral and necessary. The people don’t show any strong emotions after Brutus’s speech, while after Antony’s speech, people begin to weep. This in fact shows that the people agree with Antony, and they will soon turn against Brutus and the other conspirators. Both Brutus and Antony were able to persuade the people of Rome with their speeches. Brutus’s logic ultimately failed. Antony, however, appealed to the citizens’ emotions. The manner in which he presented his speech persuaded the people to go against the conspirators that killed Caesar.