Antony's Speech example essay topic

367 words
Good morning and thank you for this opportunity to speak to you today on great orators including Mark Antony in Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Nelson Mandela who spoke after being released from prison in 1990 and Queen Elizabeth I address to her soldiers in Tilbury 1588. All three of these orators were tactful in using the occasion to establish power. In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Mark Antony makes a powerful speech to the citizens of Rome shortly after the unexpected killing of their leader Julius Caesar. This occasion was one of intense emotion with citizens who were in shock and very vulnerable. This allowed Antony to establish power over the people. This is also seen in Mandela Queen Elizabeth's speech as they gain power by speaking at time of desperation and when their audience is in need of guidance.

We can see how effective language is in influencing meaning in Mark Antony's speech. By repeating Brutus's 'honor' and Caesar's alleged 'ambition' these words soon become more and more sarcastic, and eventually both qualities seem to be replaced by their opposites. This play on words influences the meaning and in doing so manipulates the public. In Joseph Mankiewicz production of Julius Caesar, we can see how non-verbal language can influence meaning. Antony manipulates the crowds by showing his own emotions through body language.

The crowds begin to pity Antony and are manipulated into believing what he says. Mandela influences and manipulates the public with his use of language. His speech begins with a powerful opening, 'I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all. ' This passionate and strong opening immediately engages the audience and allows him to gain their support and easily influence them. These speeches all use pronouns including you, we and our which draw the audience closer and give the speech a personal touch. Through her eloquent and passionate language, Queen Elizabeth is able to influence and manipulate her soldiers.

We can see from these great orators how influential and manipulate language is, and how speech can be used as an instrument of power.