Marcus Brutus Vs Mark Antony s Funeral Speech Essay

Kayla Marie Davis English II / 4th Block October 27, 2015 Marcus Brutus’ vs. Mark Antony’s Funeral Speech At the funeral of Julius Caesar two characters make speeches to the plebeian mob, Brutus and Marc Antony. Shakespeare shows us the personalities of the two orators and gives one an advantage over the other. Marc Antony has an advantage over Brutus because he speaks after Brutus and he has Caesar’s body. He also interrupts Brutus’ speech. He uses a range of rhetorical devices to manipulate the crowd. Both characters make very powerful speeches that will eventually determine who rules Rome. Both characters begin their speeches with a list of three. This rhetorical device creates a powerful and intense atmosphere: â€Å"Romans, countrymen, and lovers† – Brutus â€Å"Friends, Romans, countrymen† Marc Antony Brutus puts â€Å"Romans† and â€Å"countrymen† at the start of his list of three. This shows us that Brutus’ number one priority is Rome and his country, and not the people. It shows us that he is honorable and patriotic. Wherea s, Marc Antony starts his list of three with â€Å"Friends†. This is bringing himself down to the plebeian level and he makes the crowd feel as though he is their friend even though they are separated by status and rank. This language technique is commonly known as phatic language. It is very appealing for the plebeians to hear this. Not only does Marc Antony make the plebeians feel good about themselves by pretending to be there friend, but he also complements them: