Julius Caesar Journal
Thesis Statement
In William Shakespeare's tragedy "Julius Caesar" the author tries to show how easily people can be manipulated with power using rhetorical devices and point of view
Quote One
'Tis just, And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turnYour hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome, Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus And groaning underneath this age's yoke, Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes". In this quote Cassius is trying to convince Brutus to rise above Caesar, by stoking at his ego and trying to convice him that the people see him as the real ruler instead of Caesar. Cassius uses the power of ruling Rome to tempt Brutus and the point of view of the people to push him in that direction.
Quote Two
"Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And sure he is an honorable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know. You all did love him once, not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?— O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason!—Bear with me; My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me". In this quote Antony is suggesting that the people not adopt his point of view therefore making the people adopt his point of view. Using his rhetorical skills Antony gets the audience to go to the conclusion that he wants without them realizing it. He makes then to go back and reevaluate their past beliefs to get to the conclusion that Antony is right.
But here I am to speak what I do know. You all did love him once, not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?— O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason!—Bear with me; My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me". In this quote Antony is suggesting that the people not adopt his point of view therefore making the people adopt his point of view. Using his rhetorical skills Antony gets the audience to go to the conclusion that he wants without them realizing it. He makes then to go back and reevaluate their past beliefs to get to the conclusion that Antony is right.