Authors- V. Jennifer Rani, H. Kalaivanir
Abstract- Throughout history, political power has relied not solely on military strength or economic prowess but on the ability to shape public perception through rhetoric and persuasion. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar provides a timeless study of how language, deception, and spectacle influence political legitimacy, governance, and public sentiment. The play presents two contrasting rhetorical strategies: Brutus’s reliance on logical reasoning and ethical appeal versus Antony’s emotionally charged, performative persuasion. By analysing these rhetorical techniques, this paper explores Shakespeare’s prescient critique of democratic instability and the susceptibility of public opinion to manipulation. Drawing parallels between the play and contemporary political discourse, this study examines how misinformation, media sensationalism, and populist rhetoric exploit the same psychological vulnerabilities that Shakespeare dramatized in Julius Caesar. It argues that Shakespeare foresaw the rise of political deception in mass democracy, where power is not derived from objective truth but from the ability to control the narrative. The implications of this analysis extend beyond literary interpretation, offering insights into the modern crisis of political legitimacy, the erosion of public trust, and the growing dominance of spectacle over reasoned debate. Ultimately, Julius Caesar serves as both a historical reflection and a cautionary vision of the dangers of rhetoric-driven governance in an era of media-driven politics.
