Persuasion and Rhetoric in Julius Caesar
Many people use persuasion at least once throughout their lifetimes. It is an important skill used in situations like negotiations, solving issues, changing opinions etc. The playwright, William Shakespeare, used persuasion in many of his plays, one of them being Julius Caesar. This play has many characters that utilize persuasion to sway opinions of a large mass or one person. The character, Cassius, convinces Brutus to join in the plot to kill Caesar. Brutus influences a large crowd so the crowd will think Caesar’s death is a wonderful instance. Decius Brutus convinces Caesar to go to the senate house, despite his wife’s will. However, even though the other characters at some point are able to manipulate one another, Marc Antony is …show more content…
After realizing Caesar’s death was at the hands of the conspirators, Marc Antony takes responsibility by orating to the public about the truth of Caesar’s death. He begins his argument by telling the people how he “thrice presented [Caesar] a kingly crown.../ which he refused” and asks “was this ambition?” (3.2.98-99). This statement reflects Antony’s use of LOGOS. By the logic that Caesar refused the crown not once but three times, he annuls Brutus’s claim that Caesar is ambitious. He also uses a rhetorical question which further strengthens his argument. Additionally, he uncovers the will, revealing that “to every Roman he gives.../ seventy-five drachmas.../ he hath left you all his walks… private arbors… orchards… common pleasures,/ to walk abroad
Many people use persuasion at least once throughout their lifetimes. It is an important skill used in situations like negotiations, solving issues, changing opinions etc. The playwright, William Shakespeare, used persuasion in many of his plays, one of them being Julius Caesar. This play has many characters that utilize persuasion to sway opinions of a large mass or one person. The character, Cassius, convinces Brutus to join in the plot to kill Caesar. Brutus influences a large crowd so the crowd will think Caesar’s death is a wonderful instance. Decius Brutus convinces Caesar to go to the senate house, despite his wife’s will. However, even though the other characters at some point are able to manipulate one another, Marc Antony is …show more content…
After realizing Caesar’s death was at the hands of the conspirators, Marc Antony takes responsibility by orating to the public about the truth of Caesar’s death. He begins his argument by telling the people how he “thrice presented [Caesar] a kingly crown.../ which he refused” and asks “was this ambition?” (3.2.98-99). This statement reflects Antony’s use of LOGOS. By the logic that Caesar refused the crown not once but three times, he annuls Brutus’s claim that Caesar is ambitious. He also uses a rhetorical question which further strengthens his argument. Additionally, he uncovers the will, revealing that “to every Roman he gives.../ seventy-five drachmas.../ he hath left you all his walks… private arbors… orchards… common pleasures,/ to walk abroad