Julius Ceasar Rhetorical Speech Analysis

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Julius Caesar Rhetorical Speech Analysis 1st Textual Quotation: “Listen to my reasons and be silent so you can hear. Believe me on my honor and keep my honor in mind, so you may believe me. Be wise when you criticize me and keep your minds alert so you can judge me fairly. If there’s anyone in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, I say to him that my love for Caesar was no less than his.” Just within Brutus’ introduction, he is determined to develop a strong sense of credibility. Playing off of this ethos is the first persuasive appeal Brutus uses. When first addressing the commoners of Rome, they are unaware of the reasoning behind killing Caesar. Keeping this in mind, Brutus knew he had to seem like a credible source so that the people would believe him and any sort of outbreak would be avoided. By simply intimidating the audience by telling them to quiet down and listen to his reasoned words, they are more susceptible to Brutus’ persuasive efforts. The audience is initially memorized by the Brutus they love, and are grateful for the ‘honorable acts’ he committed. This element of coercion helps him achieve his intentions of blindsiding the people to all aspects of the truth. But no worries, Brutus’ kind friend Antony will be sure uncover all and nothing but the truth for the commoners to second guesses Brutus’ words. 2nd Textual Quotation: “If, then, that friend demands to know why I rose up against Caesar, this is my answer: it’s not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?...Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak—for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.” The very apparent rhetorical device Brutus aimed to use here
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