Analysis of Brutus Speech

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Q. Analyse Brutus’ speech from lines 12-39 of Act 3, Scene 2. “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare is a tragic play which is based in ancient Rome. The play captures the theme of patriotism and power struggle, which is set in motion by Caesar’s assassination by Brutus and the conspirators. The given extract is from Act 3 Scene 2 of the play. According to the Freytag’s Pyramid structure of plot development, Act 3 constitutes the climax of the action of the play. The action in the given extract showcases the famous funeral oration rendered by Brutus and is his attempt to convince the Roman public that Caesar’s death was inevitable. The conspirators led by Brutus and Cassius had succeeded in killing Caesar in Act 3, Scene 1 of the play. As there was complete chaos and pandemonium among the people, following the brutal murder, the conspirators decided to address the crowds so as to calm them down and to justify to them their reasons for the rebellion, which were, “liberty, freedom and enfranchisement”. They did not want the people to think of them as cold blooded murderers. They wanted to justify that their intentions were noble and for betterment of the people. In Act 3, Scene 2, even as Caesar’s slain body lay in the Capitol, Brutus addresses the crowd in the market place. His speech is in prose, instead of verse. This fast paced speech prevents the plebians from reflecting on it and forming their own opinion. Brutus begins by addressing them as “Romans, countrymen, and lovers”. This order of listing very subtly implies that Brutus placed the honour and glory of Rome above friendship. The word choice makes the plebians believe that Brutus was indeed an ally who had the best interests of Rome and its people at heart. He now has the crowd’s attention and approval. Brutus urges them to “be silent” and to “Believe me for mine honour”. He knew that the people really
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