The Dishonorable Brutus In Mark Antony’s persuasive speech to the townspeople of Rome, William Shakespeare utilizes ethos, logos, and pathos to argue that the trusted Brutus and his conspirators that assassinated Julius Caesar are not noble, but envious and traitors to the Roman empire. First, Antony uses ethos throughout the beginning of his speech to persuade the townspeople of Rome that he as a source is credible- he begins with:
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him (3.2 71).
He immediately tells the Romans he's on their side and is trustworthy. He then further proves his credibility by reassuring the audience:
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts. I am no orator, as Brutus is,
But as you know me all, a plain blunt man
That love my
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They are wise and honorable,
And will no doubt with reasons answer you (3.2 208-11).
At this point in the speech Antony has already caused great chaos, so convincing the crowd that the conspirators are honorable is impossible. This further proves his point of them being traitors. Most importantly, Mark Antony uses pathos to turn a crowd of conspiracy supporters to mourners. Early on in the speech Antony begins frustratedly: You all did love him once, not without cause:
What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him? Oh judgment! Thou Art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me (3.2 99-104).
Antony almost immediately urges the crowd to grieve for their once humble leader, and additionally gives them a moment to reflect on themselves and their opinions. Furthermore, Antony commences describing the most minute details of Caesar's assassination:
Look, in this place ran Cassius's dagger through.
See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this, the well beloved Brutus stabbed;
And as he plucked his cursed steel away,
Mark the blood of Caesar follow it (3.2