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  • Essay / Use of Rhetorical Appeals in Julius Caesar

    Table of ContentsEthos: establishing credibility and trustLogos: appeal to reason and logicPathos: appeal to emotions and valuesConclusionBibliographyThroughout the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the character Marcus Brutus uses various rhetorical appeals to influence the opinions of the people around him. These appeals, including ethos, logos, and pathos, are used by Brutus to present his arguments convincingly and gain the support of Roman citizens. By analyzing Brutus's speeches and dialogues, we can understand how he strategically uses these appeals to seduce the readers of his argument. This essay will explore the use of rhetorical appeals in Julius Caesar, focusing specifically on how Brutus appeals to readers through his ethos, logos, and pathos. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Ethos: Establishing Credibility and Trust One of the primary ways in which Brutus appeals to the readers of his argument is through the establishment of ethics. 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 monologue in which he contemplates the assassination of Caesar. He begins by stating: “It must be by his death, and for my part, / I know of no personal reason to despise him, / Except for the general” (II.i.10-12). Here, Brutus presents himself as a selfless individual who acts in the best interest of the Roman people. By emphasizing that he has no personal grudge against Caesar, he appeals to readers' sense of fairness and justice. Additionally, Brutus aligns himself with respected figures in Roman history, such as Cato and Brutus' 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 declares: “As Caesar loved me, I mourn him; as he was lucky, I rejoice; as he was valiant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, I killed 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 logicIn addition to the ethos, Brutus uses logos, or logical appeals, to convince readers of his argument. Logos relies on the use of reason and evidence to support his claims, and Brutus skillfully uses 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 states: “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” (III.ii.22). Here, Brutus appeals to readers' sense of duty and patriotism, suggesting that his actions were motivated by a greater love for Rome. Brutus further employs logos in providing evidence of Caesar's ambition and potential to become a tyrant. He recounts instances where Caesar showed signs of tyranny, such as refusing the crown three times and crying over the poor. Brutus argues that Caesar's ambition would ultimately lead to the fall of the Republic, and he presents this logical reasoning to convince 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 emotions and values., 1998.