Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis Essay
In his boastful and cynical speech, Cassius, a senator of Rome, utilizes rhetorical
devices in order to persuade Brutus, a senator and friend of Caesar, that Caesar is
unfit to be the ruler of Rome.
Cassius begins his speech to Brutus addressing Caesar’s triumph and absolute
rule under Rome. Cassius initially appeals to ethos by establishing his credibility,
stating that “honor is the subject of my story” (I, ii, 92). Cassius begins his speech by
confirming that his argument was based purely off of truth and honor and not
anything else. One of the first statements Cassius makes prior to arguing against
Caesar is establishing his credibility. Before Cassius begins to slander Caesar’s
reputation, he establishes that his argument …show more content…
was created on an honest basis. Brutus
perceives Cassius as credible by demonstrating an attitude of goodwill and honor in
terms of his argument.
Cassius appeals to Brutus’ sensibility, as he is aware that
Brutus would strongly dislike the notion of being given false information.
Cassius then appeals to pathos by arguing that Caesar’s shortcomings as a person
make him unfit to be a ruler. Cassius employs dialogue when Caesar cries, “[h]elp
me Cassius, or I sink!” (I, ii, 111). Towards the middle of his speech, Cassius shares a
story where Caesar convinced Cassius to jump in with him into the Tiber River. While
attempting to fight the roaring current, Caesar tires himself and cries out for Cassius
to come and rescue him. Cassius attempts to instill contempt into Brutus’ mind by
sharing an anecdote that highlights Caesar’s lack of physical strength and mental
perseverance to fight the current and continue swimming. By sharing this anecdote,
Cassius has purposely diminished Caesar’s reputation as a brave hero in hopes of
persuading Brutus that Caesar is not worthy of being a leader. Cassius appeals to
Brutus’ emotions, as he is aware that Brutus would become upset at the idea of
having an unworthy leader that was not catering to the best interests of the public.
Cassius lastly appeals to logos by furthering his argument about Caesar’s lack
of
strength and willpower to be a successful leader. While sharing his story, Cassius
boldly and pompously describes how he heroically saved Caesar’s life. Cassius
employs allusion when he compares himself to Aeneas, the founder of Rome.
Cassius states Aeneas had “… the flames of Troy upon his shoulder”(I,ii, 113-114).
Aeneas saved his Father by carrying him on his back from the burning city of Troy.
Cassius draws a parallel between Aeneas and himself. Just like Aeneas bravely saved
his father, Cassius saved Caesar from drowning in the river. Cassius appeals to
Brutus’ logical side, as he is aware that Brutus would believe Cassius more because
Cassius is comparing himself to a historical figure. Cassius’ strength in his anecdote
becomes more believable when he uses the allusion. By using all of the appeals,
Cassius successfully formulates an argument that Caesar is an unfit leader.
devices in order to persuade Brutus, a senator and friend of Caesar, that Caesar is
unfit to be the ruler of Rome.
Cassius begins his speech to Brutus addressing Caesar’s triumph and absolute
rule under Rome. Cassius initially appeals to ethos by establishing his credibility,
stating that “honor is the subject of my story” (I, ii, 92). Cassius begins his speech by
confirming that his argument was based purely off of truth and honor and not
anything else. One of the first statements Cassius makes prior to arguing against
Caesar is establishing his credibility. Before Cassius begins to slander Caesar’s
reputation, he establishes that his argument …show more content…
was created on an honest basis. Brutus
perceives Cassius as credible by demonstrating an attitude of goodwill and honor in
terms of his argument.
Cassius appeals to Brutus’ sensibility, as he is aware that
Brutus would strongly dislike the notion of being given false information.
Cassius then appeals to pathos by arguing that Caesar’s shortcomings as a person
make him unfit to be a ruler. Cassius employs dialogue when Caesar cries, “[h]elp
me Cassius, or I sink!” (I, ii, 111). Towards the middle of his speech, Cassius shares a
story where Caesar convinced Cassius to jump in with him into the Tiber River. While
attempting to fight the roaring current, Caesar tires himself and cries out for Cassius
to come and rescue him. Cassius attempts to instill contempt into Brutus’ mind by
sharing an anecdote that highlights Caesar’s lack of physical strength and mental
perseverance to fight the current and continue swimming. By sharing this anecdote,
Cassius has purposely diminished Caesar’s reputation as a brave hero in hopes of
persuading Brutus that Caesar is not worthy of being a leader. Cassius appeals to
Brutus’ emotions, as he is aware that Brutus would become upset at the idea of
having an unworthy leader that was not catering to the best interests of the public.
Cassius lastly appeals to logos by furthering his argument about Caesar’s lack
of
strength and willpower to be a successful leader. While sharing his story, Cassius
boldly and pompously describes how he heroically saved Caesar’s life. Cassius
employs allusion when he compares himself to Aeneas, the founder of Rome.
Cassius states Aeneas had “… the flames of Troy upon his shoulder”(I,ii, 113-114).
Aeneas saved his Father by carrying him on his back from the burning city of Troy.
Cassius draws a parallel between Aeneas and himself. Just like Aeneas bravely saved
his father, Cassius saved Caesar from drowning in the river. Cassius appeals to
Brutus’ logical side, as he is aware that Brutus would believe Cassius more because
Cassius is comparing himself to a historical figure. Cassius’ strength in his anecdote
becomes more believable when he uses the allusion. By using all of the appeals,
Cassius successfully formulates an argument that Caesar is an unfit leader.