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How Does Brutus Use Ethos In Julius Caesar

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In Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus’ simple speech during Caesar’s funeral has won the citizens’ over by using logical fallacies such as pathos, ethos, and unsupported claim. In Act 3, scene 2, Brutus’ speech claims that “I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but as he was ambitious, I slew him,”(III, ii, 26-27). Brutus defends himself and the conspirators to the citizens that they killed him to protect Rome from falling back into tyranny. He uses pathos to appeal and play with the citizens’ emotions to convince them that they should be thrilled that the republic has prevented autocracy. In Brutus’ speech, Brutus claims that he loved Rome more than he loved Caesar which is why he killed him; however, this ruins Caesar’s reputation as a good leader. Thus, Brutus uses pathos to convince the citizens that they are not murders, but heroes who prevented tyranny in Rome. …show more content…

During Brutus’ speech, he comments, “Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that may believe”(III, ii, 15). Brutus declares that he is the most honorable and noble person in Rome; which is why he murdered Caesar to protect the citizens. Brutus persuades the citizens with his reputation by explaining how he cared about the citizens of Rome, more than Caesar’s well being. He promotes his and the conspirators reputation so they can’t be blamed for Caesar’s death. This leads to the citizens to view them as good leaders for Rome instead of a corrupted government. Nevertheless, Brutus used ethos to appease the citizens of his

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