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Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis

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Rhetoric persuades people to a great extent as it can change their entire mindset. The persuasion and rhetoric in the play, Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, revolves around the idea of Julius Caesar, a powerful leader of Rome, and the plot to kill him. The rhetoric is utilized to add the necessary aspects and views to persuade characters; and engage the audience with elaborate points. The rhetoric of the different characters provides intensity to the arguments being made. Mark Antony convinces the Roman people that the killing of Caesar was a dishonorable act with the use of repetition. This indicates that Antony wants to get the matter across so he restates the same ideas to make sure the people of Rome comprehend them. Far from Antony, …show more content…

Across the play, examples of rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques alter the characters’ opinions on matters. Similar to the purpose of mind control, statements adjusted to be spoken to a crowd of people can influence the overall mindset of individuals. One person’s thoughts can impact many and when the same idea is expressed constantly it will have a greater effect. The model from the play, Julius Caesar, occurs with Antony speaking at the funeral of Julius Caesar after Brutus articulates why the killing of Caesar was not a movement of hate. Mark Antony has the advantage of winning the audience over Brutus because he speaks after him indicating he can use the same statements as him but counter-argue them. He starts his speech by reaching the people’s attention and clarifies that he has come to speak with the …show more content…

To adequately compare Caesar with something of great power that ignores what's beneath them, Cassius analogizes Caesar walking “bestride the narrow world” which articulates his authority roaming the entirety of Rome (1.2.142). As Cassius’ persuasion carries on with his conversation with Brutus he finalizes his rhetorical intellect, with the usage of a simile. Therefore, he names Caesar “like a Colossus'' which signifies a giant (1.2.143). This illustrates his power with rhetoric as he “walks” on the entire civilization. He simplifies how he and Brutus are affected by Caesar’s influence. Also, Cassius describes how they are insignificant people who are beneath the giant Caesar and do not get buried with honor. This ultimately maintains persuasion from Cassius to Brutus because he is constant with the idea that Caesar impairs Rome and its people. This reaches the endpoint, for Cassius is able to overthrow Brutus’ thoughts so he denies maintaining Caesar in

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