Julius Caesar Rhetoric

In Shakepeare’s Julius Caesar, there are conspirators who plot to kill Caesar because they perceive his ambition to be negative for Rome. The conspirators were successful in their attempt. The murder of Julius Caesar led to a funeral. At the funeral, there are speeches given by Brutus and Antony. Brutus’ speech was to persuade the people that their action was best. Antony’s speech was better at persuading the people of Rome because of his use of pathos, ethos, and logos. Antony uses ethos a few times during his speech. Antony is credible because he was Caesar’s friend. In the play, he states, “He was my friend, faithful and just to me.” (3.2.87). This statement helps the audience to pay attention to Antony’s argument, and they receive what he is saying because it demonstrates Antony’s close relationship to Caesar. There is another part where Antony says, “I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, but I am here to speak what I do know.” (3.2.102-103). With Antony “admitting” that he does not want to disprove what Brutus said, it opened up the audience’s mind. It helped them to listen. If he were to have been straight forward with his point of Brutus being in the wrong, the crowd may have had a bad reaction. When he says he speaks what he knows, it gives him more credibility, making his argument stronger. The next thing that Antony uses is logos. His use of actual facts greatly impacts the people of Rome. One of the key facts that Antony states is: “When the poor hath cried, Caesar hath wept.” (3.2.93). This helps to persuade the audience with something that he knows is factual. Another fact that Antony presents to the people is that there were a few times that he offered Caesar the crown. He says, “I thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse.” (3.2.98-99). He also comments about how Brutus mentioned that Caesar was ambitious. Antony proves a point by noting that if someone where ambitious and only wanted power, a crown wouldn’t be