Use of Rhetorical Appeals in Julius Caesar

Throughout the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the character of Marcus Brutus employs various rhetorical appeals to sway the opinions of the people around him. These appeals, including ethos, logos, and pathos, are used by Brutus to present his arguments in a persuasive manner and gain the support of the Roman citizens. By analyzing the speeches and dialogues of Brutus, we can understand how he strategically employs these appeals to appeal to the readers of his argument. This essay will explore the use of rhetorical appeals in Julius Caesar, specifically focusing on how Brutus appeals to the readers through his ethos, logos, and pathos.

Ethos: Establishing Credibility and Trust

One of the key ways Brutus appeals to the readers of his argument is through the establishment of ethos. Ethos refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker, and Brutus carefully crafts his speeches to project an image of integrity and honor. In Act II, Scene 1, Brutus delivers a soliloquy in which he contemplates the assassination of Caesar. He begins by stating, "It must be by his death, and for my part, / I know no personal cause to spurn at him, / But for the general" (II.i.10-12). Here, Brutus presents himself as a selfless individual who is acting in the best interest of the Roman people. By emphasizing that he does not have a personal grudge against Caesar, he appeals to the readers' sense of fairness and justice.

Furthermore, Brutus aligns himself with respected figures from Roman history, such as Cato and Brutus's own ancestor, who were known for their dedication to the Republic. In Act III, Scene 2, Brutus addresses the Roman citizens after Caesar's assassination. He states, "As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him" (III.ii.24-27). By associating himself with Caesar's positive qualities and explaining that he acted out of concern for the Republic, Brutus establishes his credibility and positions himself as a trustworthy leader.

Logos: Appeal to Reason and Logic

In addition to ethos, Brutus uses logos, or logical appeals, to persuade readers of his argument. Logos relies on the use of reason and evidence to support a claim, and Brutus skillfully employs this appeal to rationality in his speeches. In Act III, Scene 2, he addresses the Roman citizens and justifies Caesar's assassination by presenting logical arguments. He argues, "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more" (III.ii.22). Here, Brutus appeals to the readers' sense of duty and patriotism, suggesting that his actions were motivated by a greater love for Rome.

Brutus further employs logos by providing evidence of Caesar's ambition and potential to become a tyrant. He recounts instances where Caesar displayed signs of tyranny, such as refusing the crown three times and weeping for the poor. Brutus argues that Caesar's ambition would ultimately lead to the downfall of the Republic, and he presents this logical reasoning to convince the readers of the validity of his actions. By appealing to reason and providing evidence, Brutus strengthens his argument and appeals to the readers' intellect.

Pathos: Appeal to Emotions and Values

A crucial aspect of Brutus's persuasive technique involves appealing to the emotions and values of the readers through pathos. Pathos aims to evoke an emotional response in the audience and align their values with the speaker's arguments. Brutus skillfully taps into the fears and concerns of the Roman citizens, using their emotional vulnerability to his advantage. In Act III, Scene 2, he tells the citizens, "Who is here so base that would be a bondman? / If any, speak, for him have I offended" (III.ii.29-30). By framing Caesar as a potential oppressor and himself as a liberator, Brutus appeals to the readers' desire for freedom and their fear of tyrannical rule.

Furthermore, Brutus emphasizes the potential consequences of allowing Caesar to rise to power unchecked. He warns the citizens, "There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honor for his valor; and death for his ambition" (III.ii.27-28). By using strong and emotive language, Brutus appeals to the readers' emotions and instills a sense of urgency and significance in the decision to assassinate Caesar. Through these emotional appeals, Brutus effectively connects with the readers and influences their perceptions and judgments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marcus Brutus skillfully employs rhetorical appeals, including ethos, logos, and pathos, to appeal to the readers of his argument in Julius Caesar. By establishing his credibility and trustworthiness through ethos, appealing to reason and logic through logos, and evoking emotions and values through pathos, Brutus effectively sways the opinions of those around him. Through a careful examination of his speeches and dialogues, we can appreciate the strategic use of rhetorical appeals by Brutus to convince the readers of the validity of his actions. The skillful implementation of these appeals not only contributes to the development of Brutus's character but also enhances the overall persuasive power of the play.

Bibliography

Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. Edited by David Daniell, The Arden Shakespeare, 1998.