Emotional Appeals: Antony began his speech by appealing to the crowd's emotions. He displayed Caesar's bloody cloak and described the wounds he had suffered, arousing feelings of sympathy and anger among the audience.
Use of Pathos: Antony employed pathos, an appeal to emotions, by emphasizing Caesar's kindness, generosity, and love for the Roman people. He portrayed the conspirators as heartless traitors who had betrayed their leader and the people's trust.
Rhetorical Questions: Antony used rhetorical questions to engage the crowd and make them question the motives and actions of the conspirators. He asked why the conspirators had spared the life of Caesar's co-consul, Marcus Brutus, and why they had not presented a justification for their actions to the people.
Contrasts: Antony contrasted Caesar's virtues and achievements with the perceived flaws and misdeeds of the conspirators. He highlighted Caesar's victories on the battlefield and his plans to beautify Rome, making the audience feel that they had lost a great leader and benefactor.
Manipulation of Public Opinion: Antony manipulated public opinion by claiming that the conspirators had intended to enslave Rome. He used words like "tyranny" and "bondage" to arouse fears and resentment among the crowd, suggesting that the conspirators posed a threat to their freedom.
Emphasizing Caesar's Will: Antony revealed Caesar's will, which contained generous bequests to the Roman people, further inflaming their grief and anger. The crowd felt betrayed that the conspirators had deprived them of Caesar's intended generosity.
Portrayal of the Conspirators: Antony portrayed the conspirators as cold, calculating murderers who had acted out of personal ambition and jealousy. He described them as "butchers" and "villains," reinforcing the negative perception of their actions.
By skillfully combining these tactics, Antony was able to sway the crowd's sentiment against the conspirators, creating a climate of public outrage that ultimately led to their downfall.