Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis

The Ides of March have arrived. A soothsayer and Artemidorus wait anxiously outside the Capitol to warn Caesar of the conspirators. Artemidorus hands his warning letter to Caesar, begging him to read it instantly, “Delay not, Caesar. Read it instantly” (98). However, Decius offers Caesar a petition Trebonius wants him to look over, getting in the way of Artemidorus’ warning. Caesar proceeds to the Capitol where he is aquatinted with the conspirators. They plead Caesar to repeal Publius Cimber’s banishment. Caesar makes his decision, he will not repeal the banishment, “…that I was constant Cimber should be banished, and constant do remain to keep him so” (104). Then the conspirators stab Caesar to death. Mark Antony flees from the scene, in

One plebeian says, “I will hear Brutus speak” (126). Another plebeian says, “I will hear Cassius” (126). Therefore, the plebeians can see if the conspirators’ stories add up. Brutus explains he killed Caesar for the love of Rome, “…not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more…he was ambitious, I slew him” (126). Brutus killed for the love of Rome and explains he will kill himself when Rome requires his death. He also explains Caesar was not fit for Rome, he was too ambitious. Soon, Mark Antony arrives with the body to prepare a funeral. Brutus allows Antony to speak at the funeral. Antony starts off by telling the plebeians why the conspirators killed Caesar, “Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man” (132). Staring his speech, Antony seems to be cooperating well with the conspirators. As the speech goes on, his tone changes from peace and love to fiery and anger. He manages to turn the plebeians against the conspirators when he brings out Caesar’s will. It states, “To every several man- seventy –five drachmas…all his walks, his private arbors and new planted orchards” (146). All citizens of Rome shall receive money along with all his private walks and gardens. This is enough to turn the plebeians against the conspirators. One plebeian mentions the idea of cremating Caesar and then using the left over fire to burn the conspirator’s houses down. Brutus and