Diction In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Diction is a powerful literary tool. It can affect how a person’s message is perceived by listeners or readers. No matter how amazing a person’s speech may be, they need sufficient and persuasive word choice and language. Without this, their speech won’t be persuasive like it needs to be. This is seen in Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. Two of the main characters delivered speeches at Caesar’s funeral, Mark Antony and Brutus. Brutus was one of the conspirators who plotted to kill Caesar although Caesar considered him a close companion. Mark Antony was one of Caesar’s beloved and closest friends. Although both of them delivered a speech, the Plebeians were more affected by Antony’s speech. This is because of the structure of his speech. Antony’s

Brutus used pathos, and this is shown through him saying “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more”(III.ii.22-23). Brutus wanted to appeal to the Plebeians sense of patriotism. If he made them understand that he killed Caesar for the good of Rome, for the good of them, then they will understand that the assassination was needed and not done cold-heartedly out of hate. Brutus also used pathos by saying, “As I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death” (III.ii.46-48). Brutus wanted the Plebeians to know that he truly, truly loved Rome. He would do whatever is necessary to help his country, even killing himself. Brutus never cried nor shed a tear during his speech compared to Antony who wept. Antony was so overcome with emotion that he had to say, “Bear with me, My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me” (III.ii.107-109). Antony told the Plebeians how Brutus betrayed Caesar. He described how much Caesar adored Brutus saying, “As you know, Brutus was Caesar’s angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! This was the most unkindest cut of all” (III.ii.184-186). Antony’s use of pathos was more effective because it made the Plebeians sympathetic. Sympathy is a power emotion to provoke in an audience. The Plebeians began to say, “Poor soul! His eyes are red as fire with weeping“(III.ii.117). When a person feels bad for someone, they are more impelled to believe what they are saying. The idea that Brutus would kill and betray someone who loved him so much also made the Plebeians question Brutus’ character and