Mark Antony is one of the most influential orators in history. His eulogy for Julius Caesar, delivered the day after his assassination, is a masterpiece of rhetoric. The speech takes place in a tense political climate, as the conspirators have just killed Rome's beloved leader. Antony's goal is to persuade the crowd to his side and defend Caesar's reputation. This essay will explore the purpose of the speech, the rhetorical devices used, the quotes selected, and the impact of the speech. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Antony's main goal was to get the crowd on his side. To achieve this he used various rhetorical devices, including repetition, irony, sarcasm, and emotional appeal. Antony also aimed to defend Caesar's reputation, which had been tarnished by the conspirators' accusations of ambition and tyranny. Antony's use of repetition is one of the most striking aspects of the speech. He repeats the phrase "Brutus is an honorable man" several times, each time with increasing irony and sarcasm. Through this repetition, Antony undermines Brutus' credibility and paints him as a hypocrite. Antonio also uses irony and sarcasm to great effect. He repeatedly calls the conspirators "honorable men," even as he denounces their treachery. Through this ironic juxtaposition, Antonio highlights the hypocrisy and deceit of the conspirators. Antony's emotional appeal is another powerful tool in his rhetorical arsenal. He uses vivid descriptions and touching images to evoke strong feelings of pain and anger in the crowd. By tapping into the audience's emotions, Antonio is better able to get them on his side. Analysis of Selected Quotes"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears"This famous opening line is a classic example of how to capture the audience's attention. Antonio immediately establishes a relationship with the crowd and invites them to listen to his message. “I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him” This phrase is often misquoted as “I come to praise Caesar, not to bury him.” However, the actual quote is the opposite. Antony uses this line to disarm the crowd and lower their guard. By appearing to disown Caesar, Antony gains the public's trust and then proceeds to defend Caesar's reputation. “The noble Brutus told you that Caesar was ambitious” This phrase is a masterly example of irony and sarcasm. Antony uses Brutus' own words against him, exposing his hypocrisy and undermining his credibility. Anthony's speech had a profound impact on the crowd. He managed to turn the tide of public opinion against the conspirators and secure his own position of power. The crowd's emotional response to Antony's speech was so intense that they rioted and attacked the conspirators. Antony's victory over Brutus and the conspirators was a turning point in Roman history. It consolidated Antony's position as a powerful leader and set the stage for the rise of the Roman Empire. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Mark Antony's speech is a masterclass in rhetoric. Through the use of rhetorical devices and emotional appeal, he managed to win the crowd to his side and defend Caesar's reputation. The impact of the speech was profound, as it set the stage for the rise of the Roman Empire. Anthony's speech remains a shining example of the power of words to shape public opinion and change the course of history.