Example Of Word Order Julius Caesar

The second sentence in the following lines is confusing because the parts of the sentence are not in the regular order. O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts; And that which would appear offense in us, His countenance, like richest alchemy, Will change to virtue and to worthiness.

Here below, each part of the sentence is color coded. Red: subject, royal blue: verb, lemon green: direct object (the assassination), blue green: complement of object, olive green: adverbial phrase of manner. O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts; And that which would appear offense in us, His countenance, like richest alchemy, Will change to virtue and to worthiness. Now, you will see the sentence in the correct or “regular” order:

1. Subject 2. verb 3. direct object 4. complement of the object 5. adverbial phrase of manner.

O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts; And His countenance Will change that which would appear offense in us, to virtue and to worthiness, like richest alchemy.

In other words, Brutus’ approval of their offensive action (the assassination) would make people think their action is good. Brutus’ approval will have the effect of alchemy on people’s opinion, because he is greatly adnired.