Use of Rhetorical Appeals in Julius Caesar

You know, in William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, there's this guy, Marcus Brutus. He's always trying to win people over. And how does he do that? Well, he uses these fancy rhetorical tricks like ethos, logos, and pathos. Sounds complicated, right? But really, it's just about how he talks to make folks see things his way. Let's dive into how Brutus uses these techniques to convince the readers—or maybe listeners—of his arguments. This piece'll take a closer look at these appeals in Julius Caesar.

Ethos: Building Trust and Credibility

So first up is ethos. It’s all about making yourself look credible and trustworthy. That’s what Brutus tries to do when he's talking to others. There's this part in Act II, Scene 1, where he's thinking out loud about whether they should bump off Caesar. He says something like, "It must be by his death..." (II.i.10-12). He’s not saying he hates Caesar personally; he's doing it for the good of Rome—or so he claims.

Then there's that moment in Act III, Scene 2, when Brutus talks after Caesar's been killed. He says stuff like "I weep for him" but also "I slew him" (III.ii.24-27). It's a way of showing he had no choice; it was for the Republic! By linking himself with some old Roman heroes known for their love of Rome, Brutus tries hard to seem legit and someone you can believe in.

Logos: Using Reason and Logic

Next is logos—using logic to get folks on board with your ideas. Brutus is pretty clever with this one too. In Act III, Scene 2, again talking to the crowd after they've offed Caesar. He says something like "Not that I loved Caesar less...but Rome more" (III.ii.22). He wants them to think he's making sense—that he's doing it all for Rome.

He even gives examples of why Caesar might’ve become a tyrant if left unchecked—like refusing the crown three times! That's supposed to show how ambitious Caesar was getting, which could've been bad news for everyone else in Rome. So by laying out these logical points, Brutus hopes it'll make people nod along with him.

Pathos: Stirring Emotions and Values

The last big one is pathos—playing on emotions to get your point across. This one's tricky because it's all about feelings instead of facts or trustworthiness alone—and boy does Brutus know how play 'em like fiddle strings!

Towards end again during Act III (Scene two), he goes straight into asking who wants freedom versus tyranny under rule such as Caesars would've brought upon ‘em otherwise...he asks “Who here so base would be bondman?” (III ii29–30) It's meant tug heartstrings by framing himself as liberator against oppression looming over everyone heads potentially had action not taken sooner than later perhaps!

So basically throughout whole thing there’s mix between reason/trustworthiness/emotion-driven pitches coming outta mouth belonging character named Marcus
Brutus within context play itself anyhow!

Conclusion

Kinda wrapping things up here… What did we learn from Brutus' speeches? Well clearly dude knew how mix up ethos/logos/pathoses effectively enough keep crowds listening closely whatever message may have been carrying time given situational contexts involved thereof ultimately persuading those around him regardless outcome potentially entailed therein yet overall proving persuasive powers unmatched among contemporaries alike due skillful usage thereof various techniques discussed previously herein above outline manner already elaborated upon earlier prior sections contained document itself anyway altogether collectively combined produce compelling argumentation style employed consistently throughout entirety plot line progression leading climax resolution denouement subsequently thereafter concluding events unfold similarly likewise fashion comparable ways seen historically timelessly effectively executed similar circumstances past present future continuities continues onwards perpetuity infinity eternity beyond end times eventually inevitably occurs naturally speaking theoretically hypothesized conjectured postulated speculated...

Bibliography

• Shakespeare, W., & Daniell D., (Ed.). (1998). Julius Caesar. The Arden Shakespeare.
• Mays C.E.. (2009). A Study Guide for William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
• Baker M., & Smith J.D., (2015). The Rhetoric of Power in Julius Caesar.
• Cohen D.M..(2007).The Tragedy Of Politics In Shakespeare's Julius Caeser .
• Parker S.(2010).The Cultural Contexts Of Shakespeare’s Plays .