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How Does Mark Antony Use Of Manipulation In Julius Caesar

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Manipulation proves to be a recurring theme in William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. The theme is overtly displayed in the conspirators’ exploitation of Brutus’ nobility, as well as the distortion of truth used in presenting their case to the people of Rome. Most effectively, however, Mark Antony advantageously uses these tactics to manipulate the naivety and weaknesses of each party, thus spurring the Roman people into a revolt against the conspirators. Mark Antony’s potent success can be accredited to his artful ability to discredit his opponent’s argument and justification, as well as the emotional prowess he uses to invalidate his opponent’s reputation. A good speaker should be able to convey a sense of morality and expertise as well as maintain a relevant stature to secure credibility. Mark Antony heavily accents his position as Caesar’s close friend to earn the trust of the Roman citizens. Where Brutus uses his social status as a nobleman in his feeble attempts at gaining credibility, Mark Antony uses his relationship with Caesar to solicit an authoritative and poignant role as a speaker. He continues to stress …show more content…

Whereas Brutus’ uncertain collection of evidence proves insufficient, relying on Caesar’s incalculable potential to be ambitious, Mark Antony presents Caesar’s humility to the audience by referencing two specific events that the citizens have witnessed in which Caesar showed no sign of ambition, disproving Brutus’ claim. Furthermore, he creates a connection between Caesar’s lack of ambition and Brutus’s perfidious nobility by repeating the phrase, “But Brutus says he was ambitious/And Brutus is an honorable man” (3.2.86-87). Through the emphasis of Brutus’ honour and the disaccreditation of his claim, Mark Antony’s correlation successfully invalidates Brutus’s speech, and writes both Brutus and the conspirators off as traitorous and

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