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Julius Caesar

 

            "Et tu, Brute? Then fall Caesar" (Act III si line 76) were Julius Caesar's final words in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. After these final words, Marcus Brutus and Marcus Antonius came to speak at Julius Caesar's funeral. Their speeches had many similarities and differences in their approach, style, and delivery.
             Brutus started off very down to earth, speaking in prose. He told the crowd to use their reasoning power and wisdom to judge him and this was attractive to them because he was saying that they were smart enough to discern what was right. Subsequently, he said he loved Caesar just as much as a closest friend which was also a smart political tactic since many of the people respected Caesar. Afterwards he appealed to their patriotism by saying that he didn't love Caesar less but he loved Rome more. Next he appealed to their freedom by stating "Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead and live all free men?" (Act III sii lines 23-24) Alluring the friends of Caesar, Brutus stressed that he thought Caesar was loving, fortunate, valiant, and honorable. However, he also said that Caesar was ambitious. This really hit home with the people because it made the inference that Caesar wanted to be King and Romans didn't like Kings at this period of history because of a past corrupt, tyrant king named, Tarquinus Superbus. In addition, Brutus appealed to the peoples" patriotism even more by saying that killing Caesar was the right thing to do if you"re a real Roman citizen who loves his country. He filled his speech with reasons to justify his actions. Next, he said that Caesar basically was a great guy but his ambition was too strong and he deserved death for his aspiration. .
             In response, the crowd was in awe of Brutus. Saying things like "Live Brutus Live, Give him a statue and let him be king." Being confident of the crowd's faith in him and assured that Antony would keep his promise not to make unkind remarks about him or the conspirators, Brutus ended his speech by telling the crowd to listen to Antony.


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