Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis Essay
In his boastful and cynical speech, Cassius, a senator of Rome, utilizes rhetorical
devices in order to persuade Brutus, a senator and friend of Caesar, that Caesar is
unfit to be the ruler of Rome.
Cassius begins his speech to Brutus addressing Caesar’s triumph and absolute
rule under Rome. Cassius initially appeals to ethos by establishing his credibility,
stating that “honor is the subject of my story” (I, ii, 92). Cassius begins his speech by
confirming that his argument was based purely off of truth and honor and not
anything else. One of the first statements Cassius makes prior to arguing against
Caesar is establishing his credibility. Before Cassius begins to slander Caesar’s
reputation, he establishes that his argument …show more content…
Cassius appeals to Brutus’ sensibility, as he is aware that
Brutus would strongly dislike the notion of being given false information.
Cassius then appeals to pathos by arguing that Caesar’s shortcomings as a person
make him unfit to be a ruler. Cassius employs dialogue when Caesar cries, “[h]elp
me Cassius, or I sink!” (I, ii, 111). Towards the middle of his speech, Cassius shares a
story where Caesar convinced Cassius to jump in with him into the Tiber River. While
attempting to fight the roaring current, Caesar tires himself and cries out for Cassius
to come and rescue him. Cassius attempts to instill contempt into Brutus’ mind by
sharing an anecdote that highlights Caesar’s lack of physical strength and mental
perseverance to fight the current and continue swimming. By sharing this anecdote,
Cassius has purposely diminished Caesar’s reputation as a brave hero in hopes of
persuading Brutus that Caesar is not worthy of being a leader. Cassius appeals to
Brutus’ emotions, as he is aware that Brutus would become upset at the idea of
having an unworthy leader that was not catering to the best interests of the public.
Cassius lastly appeals to logos by furthering his argument about Caesar’s lack
devices in order to persuade Brutus, a senator and friend of Caesar, that Caesar is
unfit to be the ruler of Rome.
Cassius begins his speech to Brutus addressing Caesar’s triumph and absolute
rule under Rome. Cassius initially appeals to ethos by establishing his credibility,
stating that “honor is the subject of my story” (I, ii, 92). Cassius begins his speech by
confirming that his argument was based purely off of truth and honor and not
anything else. One of the first statements Cassius makes prior to arguing against
Caesar is establishing his credibility. Before Cassius begins to slander Caesar’s
reputation, he establishes that his argument …show more content…
Cassius appeals to Brutus’ sensibility, as he is aware that
Brutus would strongly dislike the notion of being given false information.
Cassius then appeals to pathos by arguing that Caesar’s shortcomings as a person
make him unfit to be a ruler. Cassius employs dialogue when Caesar cries, “[h]elp
me Cassius, or I sink!” (I, ii, 111). Towards the middle of his speech, Cassius shares a
story where Caesar convinced Cassius to jump in with him into the Tiber River. While
attempting to fight the roaring current, Caesar tires himself and cries out for Cassius
to come and rescue him. Cassius attempts to instill contempt into Brutus’ mind by
sharing an anecdote that highlights Caesar’s lack of physical strength and mental
perseverance to fight the current and continue swimming. By sharing this anecdote,
Cassius has purposely diminished Caesar’s reputation as a brave hero in hopes of
persuading Brutus that Caesar is not worthy of being a leader. Cassius appeals to
Brutus’ emotions, as he is aware that Brutus would become upset at the idea of
having an unworthy leader that was not catering to the best interests of the public.
Cassius lastly appeals to logos by furthering his argument about Caesar’s lack