Examination of the Speeches at Caesar's Funeral and Their Importance to the Play

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Examination of the Speeches at Caesar's Funeral and Their Importance to the Play The play “Julius Caesar” was written by William Shakespeare, in the summer of 1599. During the play Brutus (Caesar’s “honourable” friend) and Antony (also Julius Caesar’s friend) attend Caesar’s funeral, after he was violently stabbed to death, by the conspirators at the senate chambers in the capitol, on the 15th March (the ides of March). Brutus was one of his murderers, as cassius plays on Brutus’ pride to draw him into a conspiracy to death rone Caesar. Although reluctant, he eventually shows interest and soon Brutus is leading the conspirators’ effort to kill Caesar. He admits that he shares the same inner concern as the conspirators: “I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king” Caesar’s funeral was immediately arranged by Brutus. At the funeral Brutus was the first to make his speech: “Romans, Countrymen and lovers, hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear.” Immediately taking the full attention of the crowd, in the role of him saying this. He addresses the Romans in the very first word of his speech. Assembling the crowd feel important. Brutus was determined to convince the angry mourners why it was that Caesar needed to die. Despite his love for Caesar, he frankly and honestly felt that he had been forced to kill him in order to save Rome from dictatorship as he expresses in his speech: “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” Brutus’ speech tells us that he had a deeper interest at heart for the whole of Rome, rather than Caesar alone. He was worried that if Caesar became king... ... middle of paper ... .... In effect to the play this led Brutus and his cohorts from the city, and the people to rise, causing civil war in Rome. So Brutus and Antony’s speech’s play a big part in the play, they stir war through Rome. In summary to Antony and Brutus’speechs they both prove to be really effective to the play. Shakespeare uses a clever devise to get his point across to the crowd without stating the obvious; his use of imagery is so effective and plays on the hearts of the plebeians during the speeches. The audience seems to be enthralled by what they were saying. The crowd shows enthusiasm to both Brutus and Antony and soon change their opinions on things after both speeches. Shakespeare is shown to be intelligent throughout the funeral scenes this must of fascinated the Elizabethans, as most were very educated and tuned in.

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