The Credibility Of Brutus In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

As part of his ethical appeals, Brutus asks the people to consider his credibility when passing judgement, and appeals to their duty as Romans. Early in the speech, he demands that they “... hear me [Brutus] for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe…” The repeated use of “my” draws attention to Brutus and his virtues, which he connects through parallel structure. “Hear me for my cause…” is arranged similarly to the phrases “believe me for mine honour” and “have respect to mine honour”, requesting something for the sake of a virtue. By presenting his cause as something equivalent or directly related to his honour, Brutus uses his own well-established reputation as an honourable man in order to justify his actions, and draws attention to said honour. Furthermore, he asks the
Finally, he brings together both parts of his argument by stating “I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death.” Brutus declares that he values Rome even over his life, further supporting that he killed Caesar to protect Rome and increasing the public’s belief in his dedication to that cause. His dramatic proclamation that he would also kill himself adds credibility to his statements, showing him to be selfless, honourable, and patriotic.
Building upon Brutus’s opening statement, Marc Antony begins his speech with “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;” By putting “Friends” first, Antony appeals to the people on a more personal level than Brutus, and sets a more informal tone for the rest of his speech, making himself part of the crowd instead of someone above it. Throughout his speech, he also predominantly uses “you” and “your”, only using personal programs when relating anecdotes about Caesar. This draws attention to the people