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Question
Antony employs a number of devices to produce the desired effect on the mob. These devices maybe described as rhetorical devices. He first speaks in such a manner that it seems to the mob that he is in full agreement with Brutus about Caesar. Then step by step he moves away from Brutus' position, depicting Brutus as a villain and Caesar as a wronged man. Copy and complete the following table by showing how Antony builds the argument in Caesar's favour.
| Antony's words | Argument |
| 1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. | Does not wish to eulogise Caesar |
| 2. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it. | Seemingly agrees with Brutus |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
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Solution
| Antony's words | Argument |
| 1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. | Does not wish to eulogise Caesar |
| 2. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it. | Seemingly agrees with Brutus |
| 3. He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says h% was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man. | Suspects Brutus’ intentions |
| 4. 1 speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, But here 1 am to speak what 1 do know. You all did love him once, not without cause: What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him? | Tries to restore citizen’s faith in Caesar’s greatness. |
| 5. O masters, if 1 were disposed to stir Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage……………… 1 rather choose. To wrong the deed, to wrong myself and you……….. | Succeeded in making the citizens realise Brutus’, wrong doing and change their views about Caesar. |
| 6. Would ruffle up your spirits and put a ongue in every wound of Caesar that should move The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny. | Openly proves Brutus wrong and challenges public to take revenge of Caesar’s death. |
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| But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar; I found it in his closet, 'tis his will: Let but the commons hear this testament-- Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read-- And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds |
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