Julius Caeser - Rhetoric

The use of rhetoric, the capacity to persuade others through spoken word, has shaped society and g is nowhere else more apparent than in act 1 scene 2 of Shakespeare’s Julius Caeser where the power of rhetoric is demonstrated expertly through Cassius while convincing Brutus to betray and murder his long-time friend, Caeser. Cassius’ ability to deceive and take advantage of Brutus through rhetoric is simply unparalleled and truly shows the power of rhetoric to its maximum potential.
Cassius demonstrates expertly the power of rhetoric for his own benefit and insecurities by convincing Brutus that Caeser is no greater than either of them. A key example of this is “That you have no such mirrors as will turn/your hidden worthiness into your eye.” The key word “Hidden” implies that only Cassius can unlock or find the “Worthiness” and that Brutus’ excellence is superior or on par with Caeser. Cassius further reinforces his point that Caeser is no better than himself of Brutus while anecdotally recounting to Brutus “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!” He then recollects another story to furthermore prove to Brutus that Caeser is nothing spectacular when Caeser was in Spain and sick. Cassius says that Caeser cried “as a sick girl.” Through doing so, Cassius makes Caeser look weak and unworthy of the throne, whilst enforcing his own excellence. Cassius furthermore emphasises his point by comparing Caeser to a giant, while he and Brutus “walk under his huge legs and peep about.” Cassius then delivers Brutus a revelation: “Men at some time are masters of their fates.” This yields the question “What should be in that Caeser.” Cassius reinforces this rhetorical question with many others, all emphasising the point that Caeser is nothing special and unworthy of leading Rome.
Cassius also appeals Brutus’ pride and nobility through rhetoric to persuade him to convince Brutus to take his rightful place instead of watching Caeser take the throne. Brutus claims heritage in a very noble and