G10U5_ST_Shakespeare III_132-135.fm Page 135 Thursday, March 13, 2008 7:50 PM
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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act III, by William Shakespeare
Enrichment: Eulogies
Mark Antony’s famous line—“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”—begins a
dramatic speech in a play. He delivers this speech as a eulogy at Caesar’s funeral. The word
eulogy comes from a Greek word that means “praise” or “speaking well” of someone or something.
In Western society, we think of funerals when we hear the word eulogy, but a eulogy, a formal
speech of praise, could be delivered on other occasions as well.
People in many cultures find it helpful to speak of a deceased person’s good qualities. This fact
has to do with how people view the value of human life. Upon a person’s death, the living have a
need to find meaning in the existence of the person. Speaking of a person’s accomplishments and
good deeds and qualities, by way of a eulogy at a funeral, helps the living friends and relatives to
feel good about the person’s life.
In Shakespeare’s play, however, there was a bit more to Antony’s purpose. Certainly, Antony
was grieving at the sudden and cruel death of his friend. He could not help but express some of
that grief in front of the crowd of plebeians. As it turns out, however, Antony eulogizes Caesar
not so much to make meaning of Caesar’s life but to use his death—and the manner of his
death—to sway public opinion. He appeals to both the reason and the emotions of his audience
to accomplish his purpose. In addition, by displaying his own grief, he becomes a sympathetic
character.
DIRECTIONS: Respond to the following items.
1. What is the definition of a eulogy?
2. Review Brutus’ funeral oration in Act III, Scene ii, lines 12–47. Is Brutus’ speech a eulogy?
Why or why not?
3. Review Antony’s oration, in which he says, “I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” Why
does he say this?
4. In the first section of Antony’s eulogy (Act III, Scene ii, lines 74–108), identify one line or
passage in which Antony appeals to his audience’s reason, one in which he appeals to emotions, and one in which he attempts to foster the trust of the audience or increase his own
credibility.
Reason:
Emotions:
Trust:
Unit 5 Resources: Drama
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