Marc Antony's Funeral Speech Persuasive Essay

Marc Antony’s funeral speech captured the audience’s attention even after Marcus Brutus had given his argument. His words were precise and well thought out. He not only appealed logically to the citizens of Rome, but emotionally as well. Furthermore, his use of sarcasm was highly effective and persuaded the audience to riot against Brutus even though he appeared like he supported the conspirators side. Brutus’ speech was persuasive of his cause, he even questioned the audience as to taking his own life if what they thought he had done was unjust. The citizens of Rome were ready to accept their new leaders from the argument Brutus had given, but Antony rose to the occasion and made the confused people of Rome realize that what Brutus and the conspirators had done was wrong. Antony did a superior job against Brutus of persuading the citizens that Brutus was guilty of wrongful murder and that Caesar loved them.
Throughout his speech, Antony used a lot of sarcasm. He told the citizens repeatedly that Brutus was an honorable man. “But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man” (3.2.86-87). While Antony seemed as though he was supportive of the conspirators and only mourning over Caesar’s body, he was
Brutus said that Caesar was ambitious and would become a tyrant if they had not protected the citizens from him. Antony argues that Caesar was not ambitious and gave multiple reasons as to why he came to this conclusion. “You all did see that on the Lupercal, I thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?” (3.2.95-97). Antony questioned the citizens rhetorically to really make them think about their decision of supporting Brutus. Brutus made a good argument and would’ve persuaded the citizens to follow him, but Antony’s argument was logical and reasonable and overall surpassed