Discuss The Rhetorical Devices Used In Julius Caesar

In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Mark Antony gives a speech after the murder of Julius Caesar. Antony wanted to persuade the Romans how Caesar’s death was unjust and Brutus was wrong to kill Caesar. Antony was a loyal friend to Caesar and he was upset and angry about Caesar’s death. Antony wanted to avenge Caesar’s death. But, in order to do so, Antony needed to persuade the Romans to be on his side. Antony needed to persuade the Romans that Brutus was wrong for killing Caesar, but to still remember Caesar for the great leader he was. Antony uses many rhetorical devices to persuade his audience. However, the two most effective rhetorical devices Antony uses are rhetorical questions and repetition.

During his speech, Mark Antony uses rhetorical questions. The

In Brutus’s speech, he named himself an “honorable man” and also said the main cause of Caesar’s death was Caesar’s “ambition”. “The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was ambitious,” (3.2.76-77). “For Brutus is an honorable man; so are they all, all honorable men,” (3.2.81-82”). “Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man,” (3.2.92-93). “Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and, sure, he is an honorable man,” (3.2.97-98). Antony uses “honorable” and “ambition” multiple times throughout his speech. Antony uses this repetition to clearly state Brutus’s honorability and make the Romans question it. The tone in Antony’s voice when he uses ambition and honor is in an ironic tone. Antony is proving to the Romans of Brutus is a traitor by using Brutus’s own words against him. This set of repeating words is another great example of logical appeal. Antony knows he can’t easily say the conspirators are wrong, he’s simply easing his way into the Romans’ minds. Antony uses the honor of Brutus against Brutus himself. Antony also uses Caesar’s “ambitious” ways to make the Romans question Brutus’