In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Portia delivers a powerful speech to her husband Brutus, urging him to confide in her and share the weight of his secret plan to assassinate Caesar. Portia’s speech is a masterful display of persuasive language, as she employs rhetorical strategies to appeal to Brutus’ sense of honor and duty. This essay will analyze the rhetorical devices used in Portia’s speech and their effectiveness in convincing Brutus to trust her.
Portia’s speech begins with an appeal to Brutus’ sense of duty and responsibility as her husband. She establishes her credibility by reminding Brutus of her loyalty to him, saying “I grant I am a woman, but withal a woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter” (II.i.305-306). Portia then employs an emotional appeal, expressing her concern for Brutus’ well-being, saying “I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might” (II.i.315). Through this rhetorical device, Portia emphasizes her ability to handle difficult situations and appeals to Brutus’ protective instincts.
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She states, “Think you I am no stronger than my sex, / Being so fathered and so husbanded?” (II.i.308-309). This rhetorical device is a form of logical appeal known as an appeal to equality, as Portia argues that she should be treated as an equal to Brutus and entrusted with his secrets. This appeal to equality is particularly effective in the context of the play, as Brutus is portrayed as a noble and honorable man who values justice and