Evaluate How Effectively The Texts You Essay Example
Evaluate How Effectively The Texts You Essay Example

Evaluate How Effectively The Texts You Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 4 (903 words)
  • Published: August 9, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
View Entire Sample
Text preview

In William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (1955), the representation of composers deliberately emphasizes select situations, showcasing conflicting perspectives through various language forms and features. The use of dramatic and literary techniques ultimately question the audience's perspective by portraying opposing views and justifications of Roman citizens. The play depicts the Roman plebians as easily manipulated by the power of language, causing a loss of their own sense of opinion and failing to see the true circumstance at hand despite their cumulative power.

Using various cinematic techniques, Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000) explores the differing experiences and personalities of Maximus and Commodus. Similarly, in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the assassination of Caesar leads to conflicting perspectives from the Roman citizens, with some believing it was necessary for preserving the republic, while others se

...

e it as driven by self-interest. Both works use textual techniques specific to their medium to engage and entertain audiences.

Brutus believed that killing Caesar was necessary for the benefit of Rome, even though he loved Caesar. He used rhetoric to justify his actions, stating that he praised Caesar's fortune and valor but had to kill him because of his ambition. This use of rhetoric can misguide people's opinions, as demonstrated by the plebians who began to believe that "Caesar was a tyrant" after Brutus' speech. Antony, however, saw the assassination as a betrayal driven by personal gain.

As a devoted follower of Caesar, Antony corrects the communal viewpoint so that as he concludes, they cry out "Caesar has been greatly mistreated." By introducing ambiguity in interpretations and appealing to the plebeians' empathy for Caesar, Antony influences public opinion. Additionally, Antony ironically asserts "I am not

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

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.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New