Stirring Men’s Blood: A Gustavean study of the Power of Speech and Crowd Psychology in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

Abstract

Mob mentality or crowd dynamics frequently manifest in various aspects
of society, influencing collective behavior in significant ways. It exists
among individuals gathered for a common cause. It causes them to think,
behave and act differently from the way they would, were they alone in the
same situation. The scientific enquiry about this phenomenon was first
carried out by the French polymath, Gustave Le Bon. This study explores
Crowd Psychology (also known as Social Psychology) as a powerful force
for social control in William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar. It also
focuses on how leaders and politicians exploit masses by creating a false
consciousness via their prestige and subtle use of language by focusing on
the speeches of Antony and Brutus. Moreover, this research traces the
general characteristics of crowd displayed in the play, by looking at the
contagion theory and the de-individuation theory. It also enquires about
the means and tools used to manipulate crowds stirring them to do as their
leaders wish.