Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar was written about four hundred years ago. This story demonstrates the corruption of Roman government in 44 BC. Rhetoric and theatrics are the main tools that current politicians, and ancient politicians use to gain popularity, commandeer power, and make crucial relationships. Important Roman political figures such as Brutus, Cassius, Antony, and Caesar along with present-day politicians use these rhetorical methods to accomplish their goals. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare demonstrates how rhetoric and theatrics largely affect politics and political relationships. These mechanisms were so powerful that it changed the Plebeians’ beliefs, and persuaded them to support both Brutus and Antony. Rhetoric and theatrics were also used to persuade Brutus to team up with Cassius. …show more content…

For example, Brutus asks the Plebeians if they would rather have Caesar living “and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all freeman?” (III. ii. 24-26.) This quote demonstrates how Brutus used the rhetorical strategy, Logos, to gain more supporters. This form of rhetoric helped the Plebeians put the dangers of Caesar as king into perspective. The Plebeians were easily persuaded to support Brutus. Rhetoric was the main mechanism to gain support as a political figure hundreds of years ago and today. For example, after making his first rhetoric-filled speech, Brutus gained the support of almost every Plebeian, even though they hated him just moments before (III. ii. 1-57.). This proves how gullible and fickle the public can be. Commoners choose to support politicians based on how persuasive they are, despite what the politicians endorse. This proves how important rhetoric is in politics. Brutus was able to utilize rhetoric in his speech in order to gain more political