Final answer:
Antony uses an ironic and manipulative tone when speaking to Brutus by repeatedly calling him an 'honourable man,' undermining Brutus's claims about Caesar while outwardly showing respect. Antony's language and tone subtly shift the audience's opinion, demonstrating the impact of word choice and tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone Marc Antony uses when speaking to Brutus in Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar is one of ironic praise which eventually shifts to subtle condemnation as he manipulates his audience. One phrase that illustrates Antony's tone is 'Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honourable man.' The repetition of 'honourable' juxtaposed with the questioning of Caesar's alleged ambition serves to cast doubt on Brutus's integrity without direct accusation. Antony’s choice of words is crucial; his speech is crafted to sway public opinion without seeming to directly oppose the conspirators, thereby protecting himself from immediate retaliation while undermining Brutus's credibility.
The phrase 'honourable man' is particularly loaded, as it conveys Antony's seemingly respectful acknowledgment of Brutus's reputation while also planting the seed of dissent through a tone of persistent, almost sarcastic, repetition. The cumulative effect of such language choices resonates throughout Antony's speech, as the audience begins to see the contradictions in Brutus's actions highlighted by Antony's subtle digs. Antony's tone, language choices, and the order of his words all contribute to the persuasive power of his speech, showing that word choice and tone are interlinked in affecting an audience's perception.