How Does Antony Use Ethos In Julius Caesar

There are very strong, well-used persuasive strategies used during the speeches at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus, a Senator of noble birth, creates a powerful but concise speech while relying on structure and strategy to carry his words. Antony, a Roman general, uses emotions and eloquent language to deliver his stirring message. By examining the persuasive techniques of both speakers, it is clear that Brutus is more effective in his speech than Anthony.
Brutus and Antony both have compelling examples of ethos, but their methods of implementing the technique are different. Brutus relies on his reputation among the common Roman populace. He persuades his audience to listen to his words because they know him to be honest, noble, and overall likeable.

Brutus says to his audience, “Had you rather Caesar [live] and die all slaves, [than he] were dead, to live all free men?” (III.II.22-23), following with “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him” (III.II.24), “As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it” (III.II.24), and “As he was valiant, I honor him” (III.II.25), to show the audience that he is deeply troubled by his actions, and does not feel good about murdering his friend. Antony stirs the audience’s hearts to feel sorrow for him and anger at Brutus. One of the most emotionally charged phrases in his speech, “My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar / And I must pause till it come back to me”, is a very critical point because it sways the audience in Antony’s favor more than most of his previous statements (III.II.104-105). He then states, when declaring that he has Caesar’s will, that reading it “will enflame you. It will make you mad.” (III.II.142). Antony uses the powerful emotions of sorrow and grief to his advantage, promoting the anger that resides in the hearts of the Roman people. Brutus relied on anger and energy to convey his message, actually giving Antony more ground to persuade his

Whilst speaking of Caesar’s murder, Brutus states that “The question of his death is enrolled in the capitol” (III.II.35-36). His death is a fact and nothing can change it. But, in his conclusion, Brutus says, “With this, I depart: that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome…” (III.II.41-42), therefore proving that his actions were for his country and not a malicious attempt to gain power or satisfy jealousy. It also was a statement containing the fact that Brutus was good friends with Caesar, which shows that he is thinking about his country before himself or his personal relations. He also points out Caesar’s fatal flaw: “But, as he was ambitious, I slew him” (III.II.25-26). He wishes to persuade the audience to believe that he saw Caesar’s flaw and thought it would harm the country—and the only solution was to remove him permanently. Antony attempts to counter these claims, stating that “The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was ambitious” (III.II.75-76) and following his statement with things Caesar did to benefit Rome, such as “He hath brought many captives to Rome” (III.II.86). In context, though, his statement could actually benefit Brutus. Brutus claimed that Caesar would make the people slaves, and Antony proved that he has brought captives and conquered others during his time as general. His statement that Brutus says Caesar was ambitious, though