Julius Caesar Ethos Pathos Logos

By comparing the use of ethos, logos, and pathos, in the speeches made by Brutus and Antony, it becomes clear that Antony is more persuasive. Even though the speech made by Brutus had some moments where it was superior overall it wasn’t as persuasive and Antony’s. Antony’s speech successfully convinces the crowd through the three elements being examined.
Ethos is credibility for the speaker, by having ethos it becomes easier for the speaker to convince the crowd of something. Brutus and Antony both have several examples of ethos in their speeches but Antony’s are more convincing. First of all, Antony establishes his credibility by leveling himself with the crowd he’s speaking to. “Shall I descend? and will you give me leave?” (3.2.117)

Considering this element only, the better speaker here would be Brutus. Brutus uses mortality as a tool many times throughout his speech. “But yesterday the word of Caesar might Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,” (3.2.116) By saying this Brutus is essentially allowing the crowd to relate to the position Caesar was in, it makes them think about how it easily could have been them. Antony, however, still has some strong points, however, they’re not as strong. Antony appeals to the crowd very well in a patriotic manner. “Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him I have offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him I have offended.” (3.2.113) This tactic is being used to make the crowd feel proud of their country, and guilty if they don’t agree with Antony. One of the things that makes Brutus better, when concerning these criteria, is that he openly expected a reaction from the crowd which inclined them to give him one. “If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle. I remember The first time ever Caesar put it on. ’Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent. That day he overcame the Nervii. Look, in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through. See what a rent the

In this area Antony is, once again, superior mainly due to his questioning of those who are against him. Antony uses the will of Caesar to back up what he’s stating. “Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves? Alas, you know not! I must tell you then. You have forgot the will I told you of.” (3.2.119) By asking the question and answering, he’s establishing a right and wrong side, his side being right. Brutus, however, also does a good job of establishing logos, by showing the people what is the effect of Caesar’s death. “Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth, as which of you shall not? With this I depart, that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome,” (3.2.113) When Brutus states what they’re receiving the benefits of his death, he’s also saying that Julius living would be negative, essentially telling them they should be happy that he’s dead. Regardless of all this, Antony still persuades the crowd more with direct evidence from the will of Caesar. “To every Roman citizen he gives, To every several man, seventy-five drachmas… Moreover, he hath left you all his walks, His private arbors, and new-planted orchards, On this side Tiber; he hath left them you, And to your heirs forever — common pleasures, To walk abroad and recreate yourselves.” (3.2.119)