Evaluate How Effectively The Texts You Essay Example

a skilled speaker like Brutus."

The use of repetition in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar amplifies the irony of Antony's ability to re-shape the plebians perspective. He claims, "for I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth, action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech to stir men's blood." Furthermore, his ironic repetition of speaking well of Brutus as "an honourable man," challenges Brutus' honour and subtly implies the conspirators' underlying evil purpose. Shakespeare expertly portrays conflicts on multiple levels through his use of language and dramatic techniques.

Upon commencing his discourse, Antony immediately reveals his mastery of language and oration with the iconic phrase, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me you ears!" Unlike Brutus, Antony opts for blank verse over prose, employing the power of iambic pentameter to convey a distinct rhythm and tempo. In another scene, conflict arises as Cassius and others plot Caesar's assassination, accentuated by the ominous backdrop of "thunder still". Ultimately, the plot culminates in further clashes centering on the murder of Caesar and its aftermath, ultimately leading to the fracturing of Rome into either a republic or an imperialist state.

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar presents the idea that various perspectives exist during challenging times for Roman citizens. The concept of every justice having some form of evil is also highlighted in the movie Gladiator, with the story revolving around the diverse personalities. Ridley Scott's Gladiator depicts the tale of Maximus, a Roman general who triumphs but ends up becoming a slave before eventually becoming a gladiator, and ultimately going against an emperor.

While Commodus, Caesar's son, lacks morals, Maximus possesses noble traits that set him apart as a hero. Nevertheless, Commodus has his own virtues...

In the aftermath

of the triumph over Germania, Caesar offers Maximus a new role with a question: "Can I trust you when the time comes?" This underscores his ambition and hints at his eventual murder by his own son. Close to this exchange, Caesar is seen helped down from his seat, which foreshadows the loss of his power. In contrast, Commodus is hungry for power and tries to manipulate Maximus, calling senators deceitful. Maximus, on the other hand, is portrayed as just and humble. This is conveyed through his affinity with dirt - before a battle, he rubs it onto his hands in a close-up shot. After the Germania victory, scars on his bloody palms are shown in another close-up, with Maximus remarking that dirt can be washed away much easier than blood.

Through the use of cinematic techniques, Scott emphasizes the power of "the mob" in Gladiator and their unwavering support for Maximus, as seen in the establishing shot of the Colosseum where they chant his name. These techniques also highlight Maximus' powerful and humble figure, as evidenced by the use of heroic non-diagetic music during a close-up shot of his victorious face after the reenactment of the battle of Carthage. Additionally, Scott personifies justice and evil through the characters of Maximus and Commodus.

The film's conflict is intricate and primarily illustrated through the contrasting personalities of its two main characters. Nevertheless, Commodus endeavors to obscure this by utilizing hypophora, and exclaims "Are we so different you and I? Your take life when you have to, as I do". However, Scott uses chiaroscuro to showcase the obvious differences between the extravagant emperor and the grime-covered Maximus. Through these

cinematic techniques, Scott emphasizes the conflicting traits and virtues of both characters, making the contrasting personalities the core representation of the film.

Composers aim to express their perspectives by intentionally incorporating language features and forms, as demonstrated by Shakespeare and Scott in their works. By prompting conflicting outlooks, these texts challenge the audience's viewpoints and serve the sole purpose of the composers.