Examples Of Ethos In Julius Caesar

Marc Antony, a character in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, uses ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade the audience in his funeral speech.

To establish ethos, or his credibility as a speaker, Antony reminds the audience of his close relationship with Caesar. He says, "I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him" (III.ii.79). This suggests that Antony is an unbiased witness and that the audience should trust him because he has nothing to gain by speaking. Additionally, Antony establishes his ethos by reminding the audience that he was a friend of Caesar and that they should trust him because of this relationship.

Antony also uses pathos, or an appeal to the audience's emotions, to persuade them. He does this by describing the violent manner in which Caesar was killed and by showing the wounds on his body. For example, he says, "You all did see that on the Lupercal, I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse" (III.ii.94-96). This evokes a sense of pity and outrage in the audience, making them more receptive to Antony's arguments. Additionally, Antony uses pathos by describing the noble qualities of Caesar, such as his generosity and his love for the people. This inspires the audience to feel a deep emotional connection to Caesar and to be moved by Antony's words.

He presents the conspirators as selfish and power-hungry, saying "When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff" (III.ii.106-107). He uses logical reasoning to show that the conspirators were motivated by their own desires rather than the good of Rome. Additionally, Antony uses logos by presenting Caesar as a noble and honorable man who was wrongfully killed. He does this by citing examples of Caesar's deeds and by using rhetorical questions to challenge the audience's assumptions about Caesar's