Wednesday, June 19, 2013

What are 3 examples of repetition in Brutus's speech after he kills Caesar?

The first example of repetition is in the beginning of the speech where Brutus is trying to get the audience to listen to him.  In this part of the speech he emphasizes his actions by repeating the words “me” and “mine” to get their attention.


Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my
cause, and be silent, that you may hear: believe me
for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that
you may believe (Act 3, Scene 2)



In addition to repeating the first person pronouns, Brutus also repeats the words “believe” and “honor.”  All of these emphasize the idea that the audience needs to believe Brutus because he is honorable.  He is trying to make himself credible.


Brutus also repeats “as he was” several times, to emphasize Caesar’s actions and the image he is trying to present for him.



As Caesar loved me, I weep for him;
as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was
valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I
slew him. (Act 3, Scene 2)



With this repetition, Brutus contrasts himself with Caesar and justifies his actions.  He is demonstrating why he killed Caesar.  He still uses first person pronouns, saying “I” instead of “we.”  Brutus is trying to position himself as the savior of Rome.  In the next section he repeats “his” for the same effect.


Finally, Brutus uses “have I offended” repeatedly.  He is trying to emphasize that no one can logically oppose his actions or his viewpoint.



If any, speak; for him have I offended.
Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If
any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so
vile that will not love his country? If any, speak;
for him have I offended. (Act 3, Scene 2)



With this repetition, Brutus basically ensures that no one in the audience will speak against him.  He equates anyone who supported Caesar with supporting slavery.  If you disagree with Brutus, you do not love your country.


Brutus’s speech is cold and calculated.  It is designed to win the people over with logic and careful manipulation.  Unfortunately, Antony has style.  He is able to theatrically call attention to the actions Brutus so carefully tried to justify.  He sarcastically calls Brutus and the others “honorable men,” playing on Brutus’s characterization of himself.  He shows the audience Caesar’s bloody shroud and points out the stab holes, and he brandishes Caesar’s will.  In doing so, he successfully eliminates any good will that Brutus generated for himself and wins the people over.

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