Act III speeches

Act III scene ii is one of the most fascinating and interesting parts of the play. After Caesars death, Brutus and Marc Antony both speak to the crowd in order to gain its favor and support. It is important to note that Brutus speaks first (allowing him to set the tone and foundation for what just happened). The fact the Brutus’s speech is written in prose rather than verse is also something that cannot be overlooked. This signifies that Brutus’s speech is plain and simple which can relate more to the Plebeians and put him on the same level. Brutus then leaves and gives the crowd to Antony, which proves to be a pivotal mistake. Antony’s speech is forceful and convincing. At first he does everything Brutus asked of him (do not blame the conspirators and do not criticize what has happened). However with sarcasm like “Brutus says he was ambitious, / And Brutus is an honourable man” (III.ii.83–84), Antony is able to sway the crowd to his side and remind the people of what a great man Caesar was. With his eloquent words Antony is also able to coax the crowd into begging him to read Caesar’s will, which gave all the people of Rome money. This is the icing on top for Antony, as the crowd is now fully convinced that Caesars murder was wrong and must be revenged. Although Brutus had the first word, Antony’s last words proved to be the critical ones.