How Does Mark Antony Use Rhetoric In Julius Caesar

Rhetoric is defined as “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.” This technique, when used correctly, can be a very powerful tool for politicians. In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare demonstrates that a person’s ability to use theatrics and rhetoric effectively can influence their level of support, policies, and political relationships, both positively and negatively.
In his speech at Caesar’s funeral, Mark Antony makes his speeches more powerful by using effective rhetoric. He successfully persuades the plebeians to support his cause. Antony knows that his audience is very easily swayed, and he appeals to their emotions instead of relying on logical claims. Brutus makes a less effective speech at this same …show more content…
He utilizes logos, including logical fallacies, to form political relationships with his allies and against Caesar. Cassius argues that Caesar would not be a good king because he had a fever and asked for a drink of water (I.ii.126-135). This is an example of the ad hominem logical fallacy because he states that Caesar could never be successful because of an illness, which has nothing to do with his leadership ability. This is similar to the 2016 presidential election. The Republican nominee, Donald Trump, tried to form political relationships with other political leaders and also influence voters when, according to CNN, he said, “She doesn’t have the look. She doesn’t have the stamina, I said she doesn’t have the stamina, and I don’t believe she does have the stamina” (Tatum). This was in reference to the Democratic Party nominee, Hillary Clinton. This is an example of ad hominem because Trump doesn’t give reasons why he believes that Clinton is not suitable to lead, except by stating she doesn’t look presidential and repeating his claim three times, which adds a theatrical sense to his assertion. Cassius and Trump both attack their opponents directly instead of their