Examples Of Ethos In Julius Caesar

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Most times, when one thing is said, two things can be heard. The intent of the speech can be genuine and straightforward, or hidden in double-think and entendre. In Julius Caesar, this is the case with the dichotomy between Brutus and Marc Antony's speeches. the speeches both are given to sway the crowd to one side, and both use the tools of pathos, ethos, and antithesis to lead the country to their rallying cry. The use of pathos is an obvious and common one. Brutus claims that were Caesar living, the crowd would "[D]ie all slaves . . ." but that with him dead they could "live . . . free men"(act 3, scene 2, 2). He evokes the crowds sense of liberty and dignity, appealing to their base desire to live as free men. this is the first step needed for the Romans to feel as though Caesars death was just. Antony appeals to the crowds sense of kinship with Caesar, "when the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept"(act 3, Scene 2, 5). He makes the crowd feel not like they had lost a ruler, but a friend. he reminds the plebian that Caesar was their kinsman and friend, a contrast to the contempt the plebians hold for the ruling class. …show more content…

. . " and that "as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it"(act 3, scene 2, 2). He humanizes himself to the crowd and swears that he loved Caesar just as they did. He also builds upon his existing reputation of honesty and nobility. Antony appeals to his own credibility by reminding the crowd of Caesars, reminding them of when "[he] thrice" offered to Caesar a crown and that "thrice [Caesar] refused" (Act 3, Scene 2, 4). He restores the image of Caesar as a humble man, which hes uses to undermine Brutus. At the same time, he earns good will with the plebians he cries out to, seeming as noble supporter of