Rhetorical Appeals in Julius Caesar
Brutus's Use of Rhetoric
Ethos: Establishing Credibility
Brutus spoke in prose, not blank verse. This was the everyday language of the common people. By speaking this way, Brutus effectively conveyed, “Hey, I’m one of you.”
He further established his credibility by stating, “Believe me for mine honor.” With this, Brutus asserted that the audience should trust and believe him due to his established reputation as an honorable person.
In essence, Brutus utilized Ethos in his speech to tell his audience, “Believe me...I’m a good guy, I’m one of you.”
Logos: Appealing to Logic
Brutus posed a rhetorical question: “Would you rather that Caesar be alive and you be slaves?” He used this to logically... Continue reading "Persuasive Speeches: Brutus and Antony in Julius Caesar" »