How Does Brutus Use Rhetoric In Julius Caesar

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The play Julius Caesar, written by Shakespeare, includes various amounts of literary elements, the main element being persuasion and rhetoric. Throughout the play, the characters are constantly persuading, and in most cases, manipulating too. While there are other forms of persuasion and rhetoric in Julius Caesar, manipulation is the most significant form. Scene Two opens with Cassius and Brutus having a heated conversation about the Roman king, Caesar. During their discussion, Cassius uses many modes of rhetoric to persuade Brutus to go against Caesar, and join the conspiracy. In his convincing, Cassius states, “What should be in that ‘Caesar’? / Why should that name be sounded more than yours?” (1.2.142-143). Cassius uses the technique of manipulation in these questions, forcing Brutus to contemplate whether or not Caesar should truly be in power. Another instance of Cassius’ manipulatory ways comes from his soliloquy, in which he reveals his devious plans for Brutus. “I will this night/ In several hands, in at his windows throw/ As if they came …show more content…

During his funeral oration, Antony addresses Brutus’ speech often, manipulating the people into seeing why Brutus is wrong about his ideas. Antony states, “When that the poor have cried. Caesar hath wept/ Ambition should be made of sterner stuff/ Yet Brutus says he was ambitious/ And Brutus is an honorable man” (3.2.93-96). Antony makes it seem as if Brutus was lying when he said Caesar was ambitious, causing the crowd to turn against Brutus. Further into his speech, Antony reveals Caesar’s will to the crowd, but says, “And being men, hearing the will of Caesar/ It will inflame you, it will make you mad” (3.2.144-146). Antony is tricking the crowd, making them crave the will’s contents more and more. It is clear that Antony is manipulating the crowd; he makes the them disbelieve Brutus, and also convinces them to praise him as he has the power to read Caesar’s