Persuasive Speeches: Brutus and Antony in Julius Caesar

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 justify Caesar's assassination to the audience. His argument was that if Caesar had lived, he would have enslaved every Roman citizen by seizing power and becoming a dictator.

Pathos: Evoking Emotion

Brutus appealed to the audience's emotions by declaring, “I did love Caesar, but I loved Rome more.” This statement evoked a strong sense of patriotism, demonstrating that Brutus prioritized his loyalty to his country above his personal friendship.

He also stated his willingness to kill himself for the sake of Rome, if that was the people's desire. This declaration made the audience feel loved and grateful, perceiving Brutus as deeply caring for them.

Antony's Masterful Rhetoric

Ethos: Building Authority and Connection

Antony spoke in blank verse, unlike Brutus who used prose. Blank verse was the language of the nobility. By speaking like the nobility, Antony subtly conveyed his authority to the audience.

Despite his noble speech, Antony began his oration with the inclusive address, “Friends, Romans, countrymen...” This opening immediately established a connection, showing that he was “one of them” – a common person, despite his elevated language.

Logos: Presenting Logical Counter-Arguments

Brutus claimed Caesar was ambitious, justifying his death. In contrast, Antony presented several logical arguments and proofs that Caesar was not ambitious:

• Caesar was a war hero who brought back captives for ransom, which directly benefited Rome.
• Caesar cried for the poor, demonstrating compassion (this also served as a Pathos appeal).
• Caesar famously refused the crown three times, directly contradicting the claim of ambition.

Furthermore, Caesar's will left money and land to the common people of Rome. These actions, Antony argued, proved that Caesar was not ambitious and, consequently, that the conspirators were not noble in their act of killing him.

Pathos: Stirring Deep Emotions

Antony stirred sympathy by stating, “Caesar was my friend, faithful and just to me.” This personal appeal made the audience feel sympathy for Antony.

By reading Caesar’s will, which bequeathed money and land to every Roman citizen, Antony skillfully made the audience feel guilty for their initial support of the conspirators.

Finally, Antony dramatically showed the people Caesar’s wounds (stab marks), detailing, “this wound was made by Casca, this one by Brutus, etc.” This powerful visual and verbal act evoked profound pity for Caesar and ignited intense anger towards the conspirators.