Explanation and Analysis of Key Quotes in Julius Caesar
The Power of Rhetoric
Brutus's Funeral Speech
"Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more."
This pivotal quote demonstrates Brutus's masterful use of antithesis to justify Caesar's assassination. The parallel structure emphasizes his internal conflict while appealing to the crowd's patriotism.
- The balanced structure suggests careful reasoning rather than emotional impulse
- Use of comparative language ("less"/"more") creates a false dichotomy that simplifies his complex decision
- Positions Brutus as a patriot rather than a murderer
Antony's Manipulation
"But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man."
The ironic repetition of "honorable man" throughout Antony's speech serves as a devastating rhetorical device:
TipPay attention to how Antony gradually transforms the meaning of "honorable" from sincere praise to bitter sarcasm through repetition.
Power and Ambition
Caesar's Pride
"I rather tell thee what is to be feared Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar."
This quote reveals Caesar's fatal flaw:
- Shows Caesar's self-perception as larger than life
- The third-person self-reference emphasizes his pride
- Demonstrates how he views his public persona versus private self
