In Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Cassius uses ethos and pathos in order to persuade Brutus into overthrowing Caesar so that they will not have to live under a cruel dictator in the future. While Caesar is being offered the crown; Cassius is convincing Brutus to overthrow Caesar. Cassius uses ethos and his reliability to help persuade Brutus into getting rid of Caesar. Cassius states, “So well as by reflection, I, your glass, / Will modestly discover to yourself / That of yourself which you yet know not of.” (JK 1.2.73-76).
Cassius uses pathos, by building up Brutus’s arrogance because he doesn’t think that Caesar is a good ruler for
Cassius makes a point to describe Caesar as having “coward lips” (Shakespeare, 1.2. 122), and with this, pairs his cowardly character with the insight that those very lips are the ones to “bade the Romans” (1.2.125). With the use of imagery, Shakespeare and, therefore, Cassius provides a vivid image of Julius Caesar’s character. The juxtaposition of the two roles of Caesar, a coward and a ruler, is used as another rhetoric device to convey the meaning and theme of manipulation that is shown throughout the play. By juxtaposing these two sentences, Cassius’ intention of engineered influence and the idea that one, especially if noble, can be swayed easily is
This is powerful in manipulating Brutus, because Brutus is an honorable man, and he is always concerned with what the most honorable decision is. Moreover, Cassius distorts Brutus' view of Caesar by telling Brutus that, "[Caesar has] become a god," and that Cassius "is a wretched creature," that if, "Caesar... [nods at] him," he, "must bend his
In their introductory scene a discussion is taking place about Caesar's claim to the throne. Through this discussion the audience learns a lot about Cassius and Brutus’s values . It is revealed that Brutus is an honorable man who believes in the general good of mankind. He states, (1.2 84-89)“ What is it that you would impart to me?/ If it be aught toward the general good, / Set honour in one eye and death
Cassius 's persuasion of depicting the same person entices Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar even more. By making Brutus feel just as important as Caesar also increases Brutus ' ego.
Cassius made this claim to get Brutus in the mindset of being stronger and more independent than Caesar. Manipulating Brutus' image of Caesar was just one of the many strategies in his plan. The strategies used in Cassius' plotting were subtle but
Cassius' ambition is to turn Brutus' view of Caesar a full 180 degrees. Therefore, he is able to convince Brutus of how good of a friend he is and how he will not lead him in the wrong direction. With this in mind, “ Your hidden worthiness into your
He was being aware that Brutus was acting differently toward him and questioned Brutus’ actions. It may seem as a great leadership quality “TEDx,” provide that he is caring about others and trying to understand others. However, in reality it is more so Cassius is trying to confirm that Brutus is “weak” at the
He preys upon Brutus's sense of righteousness and moral integrity, appealing to his ego and convincing him of the righteousness of their cause. Cassius's manipulation of Brutus underscores his belief in his own superiority and his willingness to exploit others for his own gain. Cassius urges Brutus, "Let me have men about me that are fat, / Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o' nights: / Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; / He thinks too much: such men are dangerous" (Act 1, Scene 2), highlighting his distrust and disdain for those he perceives as
Most of this play centers around the conspirators in the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar, and the main conspirator was Cassius. During the first half of the play Cassius’ main goal was to convince Brutus to betray his best friend Caesar and join the conspiracy. Cassius’ best skill in speaking skill was manipulation; in order to get Brutus on his side Cassius lies and manipulates Brutus by telling stories about Caesars weaknesses and praising Brutus on his honor. Cassius boosts Brutus’ on many occasions, starting his story about Caesar stating, “I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,/ As well as I do know your outward favor./ Well, honor is the subject of my story” (1.2.92-94).
Cassius uses ethos to gain power. Cassius the puppeteer used the people as his dolls and Brutus as his puppet. Cassius wrote a letter from the “people” to Brutus saying that they want Caesar dead for the sake of Rome. Cassius tugs at Brutus’s friendship with Caesar versus his nobleness to people, he does this by exposing Brutus. By saying that he isn 't living to his full potential, he could be more than just a noble
Cassius manipulates Brutus to the point of making him feel as if there are several people wanting Brutus to do something about Caesar. Cassius also wants to convince Brutus that “Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at” so they can eliminate his power for fear that “worse days [may] endure”. Cassius is not the only senator wanting to eliminate Caesar’s growing
In Cassius’s eloquent speech against Caesar, he primarily utilizes persuasion through tools such as pathos, rhetorical questions, and compare and contrast. Cassius uses pathos to begin his monologue when he claims, “I know that virtue be in you, Brutus, / As well as I do know your outward favor” (Shakespeare 1.2.95-96). By expressing that Brutus has “virtue” and “outward favor”, Cassius appeals to Brutus’s emotions, but not to an exaggerated extent. This emotional appeal is a persuasion technique because it is used in moderation and in pertinent locations. The context is appropriate since rather than using it as a tool to feed on Brutus’s emotions, Cassius only uses it to get Brutus’s attention as an appropriate hook.
Unfortunately, Cassius uses Brutus’ altruistic characteristic and devout loyalty against him by sending fake letters with concerns regarding the crowning of Caesar for Brutus to read and be persuaded to join the conspirators. Cassius’ manipulation of Brutus serves as an example of how Shakespeare
