Ethos Pathos Logos In Julius Caesar

Analysis of Rhetoric in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” The Oxford Dictionary defines rhetoric as “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.” Rhetorical techniques are littered throughout William Shakespeare’s 1600 play “Julius Caesar,” which dramatizes Caesar’s life in a manner suitable for a general audience. Most notably, rhetorical devices are powerfully used by characters Brutus and Mark Antony to express conflicting perspectives regarding Caesar’s murder at his funeral. Brutus’ speech in justification of Caesar’s murder utilizes logos and pathos to appeal to the public’s logical and emotional senses. To use logos is to appeal to one’s reason

Brutus uses logos to appeal to the audience’s reason by explaining that Caesar’s murder was necessary, lest his ambition would grow and reduce the common folk to slaves. He conveys that sacrifice was necessary to preserve freedom in Rome, thus it was reasonable to sacrifice Caesar for the greater good. Brutus continues to exercise logos in the statement “There is tears for his (Caesar’s) love; joy for his fortune; honour for his valour; and death for his ambition” (JC 3.2). Brutus assigns consequences to Caesar’s various beneficial and detrimental attributes. Thus, Brutus suggests that because there are positive results of Caesar’s admirable qualities, it is reasonable that there is a negative consequence of his

Antony uses anaphora, the repetition of words or phrases, to emphasize the contrast between Brutus’ attacks on Caesar’s character and Caesar’s charitable acts. For instance, Antony claims, “He hath brought many captives home to Rome Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?” (JC 3.2.75-105). Antony continually makes similar comparisons to challenge Brutus’ portrayal of Caesar’s likeness as ambitious and self-serving. Such comparisons are followed with references to Brutus’ honor, demonstrated in the statement, “I thrice presented him (Caesar) a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And, sure, he is an honorable man” (JC 3.2.75-105). By first refuting Brutus’ claim and consequently noting his honor, Antony challenges Brutus’ honesty and portrays him as untrustworthy to the audience. Antony builds support for his claims and ensures understanding amongst the audience through the continuous repetition of this effective format, whilst establishing a further connection with the people using pathos. Namely, Antony weeps, “You all did love him once, not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason. Bear with me. My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,