Powerplay
In “Julius Caesar,” words as a tool of verbal and emotional powerplay are a persuasive force, capable of altering the actions of individuals. In Act 1 of the play, Cassius, a shrewd and manipulative character, utilises verbal and emotional powerplay in his attempt to draw Brutus into the conspiracy. Cassius refers to the time when Caesar suffered from an epileptic fit, with the implication that power and physical strength are synonymous and this Caesar did not deserve to be treated like a God. “Tis true, this God did shake. His coward lips did from their colour fly.” By pointing out Caesar’s weaknesses and emphasising the fact that Caesar is no better than Brutus “What should be in that name, Caesar? Why should that name be sounded more than yours?” Cassius is attempting to flatter Brutus in order to draw him into the con
The manipulative power of words is also illustrated after Caesar’s death when Mark Antony realises that if he is to avenge Caesar’s death, he must pretend to make friends with the assassins. His message to the assassins, as related by his servant, stresses the powerful effect of words in their appeal to Brutus’ vanity. Brutus is noble, wise, valiant and honest. “Say I love Brutus and I honour him.” The manipulation has succeeded and Antony receives permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral. The power of words in their appeal to vanity is also illustrated in Act 2 by Decius’ clever manipulation of the subject matter of Calpurnia’s dream. Realising that Calpurnia has thwarted the assassination plans Decius must act quickly. Caesar’s blood pouring from a statue is reinterpreted as signifying “that from you great Rome s
Some topics in this essay:
Caesar Speaking,
Mark Antony,
,
Realising Calpurnia,
Cassius Brutus,
Caesar Brutus,
caesar’s death,
crowd’s sense loyalty,
sense loyalty,
verbal emotional powerplay,
oratory skills,
manipulation succeeded,
words appeal,
crowd’s sense,
emotional powerplay,
power words,
verbal emotional,
words tool,
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Approximate Word count = 565
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)
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