LITERARY DEVICES IN THE PLAY
Alliteration:
“I do not have wit, or words, or worth…” – Repetition of the “w” sound creates rhythm, contrasting with Antony’s supposed humility.
Irony / Sarcasm
“All you all know, these are honourable men.”- Antony does not truly believe the conspirators are honourable. The phrase is delivered with heavy irony, gradually leading the crowd to question Brutus’ integrity.
“The ones who did this are all honourable.”
– Antony does not actually mean they are honourable . The irony becomes sharper as he contrasts their “honour” with Caesar’s generosity and wounds.
“I asked those poor dumb mouths to speak for me.”
Antony pretends not to accuse directly, claiming the wounds will “speak,” while in reality he is the one stirring the crowd.
Metaphor:
“You know Brutus was Caesar’s angel.”
Brutus is described as Caesar’s “angel”, suggesting loyalty, purity, and a trusted companion rather than literally a heavenly being. Or Irony: The image of Brutus as Caesar’s “angel” deepens the sense of betrayal — it is precisely the most trusted friend who delivers the deadliest blow.
Simile
“His eyes are red as fire with weeping.”-The comparison “as fire” makes it a simile, directly likening Antony’s red eyes to flames.
“I heard him say that Brutus and Cassius fled from Rome like madmen.”
Their flight is compared to “madmen,” suggesting panic, guilt, and loss of reason
Allusion:
“…and at the foot of Pompey’s statue, red with blood—there the great Caesar fell.” – References Caesar’s rivalry with Pompey, linking past and present conflicts.
Exclamation:
“Revenge! Let’s go! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!” – Captures the mob’s frenzy and heightens the sense of chaos.
Foreshadowing:
“But if that is true… somebody is going to regret this.” – Hints at vengeance and Brutus’ eventual downfall.
Hyperbole:
“Then even the stones of Rome would rise for a revolution!” – Exaggerates the uprising’s inevitability.
“His eyes are red as fire with weeping.” – Heightens Antony’s grief to sway the people.
Apostrophe:
“Oh gods above—only you can judge how dearly Caesar loved him.”- Antony addresses the gods directly, appealing to a higher power beyond human judgment.
Parallelism / Antithesis:
“I have come not to praise Caesar; I have come to bury him.” – The mirrored structure (parallelism) emphasizes the contrast (antithesis) between praise and burial. This line underscores Antony’s subtle strategy: while appearing humble, he sets the stage to reverse the people’s opinion.
Personification:
“It seemed to rush out of its doors to see if it was really Brutus who knocked so rudely.” – Caesar’s blood is personified, symbolising both Caesar’s outrage and Rome’s wounded state.
Repetition:
“Brutus is an honourable man.” – A refrain Antony twists into sarcasm, undermining Brutus while pretending to respect him.
Rhetorical Questions:
“Is there anyone here who does not know the value of his freedom?” – Brutus appeals to patriotism.
“Does it not take a harder heart to chase ambition?” – Antony casts doubt on Brutus’ claim.
“Now you weep? Now you feel pity?” – Antony shames the plebeians for their late reaction.
Oxymoron:
“I only showed you Caesar’s sweet wounds.”
“Sweet wounds” is a striking contradiction — wounds are normally painful, but Antony calls them “sweet” because they represent Caesar’s innocence and martyrdom.
Symbolism:
Caesar’s wounds: A symbol of treachery, each stab wound personifying betrayal by a friend.
Caesar’s will: A symbol of Caesar’s generosity and paternal role, framing him as the “father of Rome” even in death.
TONE
The tone shifts repeatedly, reflecting the volatility of the scene:
Conflict and Uncertainty: At Caesar’s death, Rome trembles with fear and confusion.
Calm and Honour: Brutus’ speech reassures the people and creates an atmosphere of noble sacrifice.
Suspicion and Pathos: Antony’s oration begins with apparent loyalty, then introduces grief and doubt.
Irony and Sarcasm: Antony’s repetition of “honourable men” drips with irony, undermining Brutus’ credibility.
Rage and Unrest: The speech crescendos into chaos, leaving Rome engulfed in violence.
