Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis

Throughout Julius Caesar, there are many uses of rhetoric, but it is none the more evident during the funeral speeches given by Brutus and Antony. While both men were able to get their point across to the people, Antony was able to indefinitely sway the roman people to his side. A reason for this could be because Brutus allows Anthony to say the last words, but Antony’s use of ethos, logos, and pathos far outclasses Brutus’. Ethos, an appeal to credibility is used by both, an example of when Brutus used this would be when he says, “For mine honor, and have respect to mine honor, that you may believe.” To compare this with Antony’s use of ethos which is demonstrated when Antony states,"He was my friend, faithful and just to me." Antony, in …show more content…
Brutus once again is giving the people of Rome a reason to not only trust him, while at the same time discredit Caesar. Antony, on the other hand, uses a prop, Caesar's will, "But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar.I found it in his closet. 'Tis his will. Let but the commons hear his testament. Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read-". Antony is teasing the plebeians when he says this which leads to them to pay closer attention to the rest of his speech, hoping to hear something about the will. The use of logos in both speeches is used to sway the citizens, but it is most clear when Antony states, "I thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and sure he is an honorable man." This piece of evidence is used in order to, sway the people toward the side of Caesar or Antony’s side, but it is also used to appeal to the logic of the plebeians. Antony makes sure to address the plebeians as fellow countrymen instead of stones and wood and introduce questions like this because he wants them to make a decision and choose a side, his side. Brutus, in a direct contrast to Antony, asserted, ‘I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.” In this quote, Brutus appeals to the plebeians love for

Show More

Rhetorical Analysis Of Julius Caesar