How Does Brutus Use Ethos In Julius Caesar

Cassius' argument that he presents to Brutus in order to get him to join the conspiracy is effective in appealing to Brutus' love of democracy because he uses pathos and develops ethos. Cassius establishes his credibility to his friend Brutus by flattering him, so that Brutus does not suspect that he is being manipulated. As he prepares to use careful language to tip Brutus to his side, Cassius takes a moment to sing Brutus' praises, so Brutus will believe that all Cassius has to say is in his best interest. He begins by telling his friend, "...since you know you cannot see yourself / So well as by reflection, I, your glass, / Will modestly discover to yourself / That of yourself which you know not of" (Shakespeare 1.2.67-70). In a clever

This helps Cassis develop ethos early on by showing Brutus that he is held in the highest regard by his friend. This pattern is continued when Cassius compares Brutus to Caesar, saying that truly he is as noble as the powerful new leader. After giving his main arguments, Cassius poses a carefully thought out question to Brutus, asking, "'Brutus' and 'Caesar.' What should be in that 'Caesar'? / Why should that name be sounded more than yours? / Write them together, yours is as fair a name; / Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; / Weigh them, it is as heavy" (1.2.142-146). Cassius continues in his adulation of his friend, in contrast to the mockery of Caesar. By showing loyalty and feigning agreement with Brutus' love of democratic government, Cassius develops ethos further and re-establishes his role as a dear friend. Though it is implied that Cassius is in the conspiracy because of his disdain for Caesar himself and not for a monarchy in

After carefully worded flattery, Cassius begins to expose Caesar as a frail and fragile man through his stories. He tells one particular story about a time when Caesar dared him to swim to a point, so they both jumped in and made their way. But then he tells Brutus "But ere we could arrive at the point proposed, / Caesar cried, 'Help me, Cassius, or I sink!'...and this man / Is now become a god, and Cassius is / A wretched creature that must bend his body / If Caesar carelessly but nod on him" (1.2.110-111, 116-118). By telling this story, Cassius makes a contrast between the towering, all-powerful figure Caesar claims himself to be and the reality: he is a mortal man with physical handicaps and sickness. By pointing out that he was stronger than Caesar, and yet has to worship him like a god, Cassius points out the unfairness by which Caesar came to power. and exposes the foolishness in Caesar's claims. By using pathos, Cassius also appeals to Brutus' dislike for a monarchy by pointing out that no man, especially Caesar, should have the power to rule all of Rome. Cassius expands on this point by telling another story about a time when Caesar was sick in bed, saying, "I did hear him groan. / Ay, and the tongue that bade the Romans / Mark him and write his speeches in their books. / Alas, it cried, 'Give me some drink, Titinius,' / As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me / A man of such a feeble