Julius Caesar Rhetorical Devices

There is a phrase, “judge, jury ad executioner”; the speeches from The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 2 bring the phrase to mind. It signifies that the person referred to is in command of every decision made, and they have the power to be rid of whomever they choose. In this case, Brutus fits this description except for the fact that he brings mistakingly brings his case to the people, the plebians who are the real jury and with the inconvenient interference of a shrewd prosecuting attorney he looses the power to do whatever he wants. He does not control the outcome of his crime/murder. Brutus and Cassius, the two head conspirators indeed lose the larger fight that they had initiated. In the resolution of the play, they are defeated by

But it is just an act as the sharp reader quickly figures out. He uses a number of rhetorical devices to stir the ire of the crowd, but they are forms of trickery and also meant to appeal to the Romans’ emotions, which at this moment are running high. He relies on pathos, more than logos or ethos to persuade his listeners. He is conniving and manipulative. He reminds me of a real great attorney. One example is his use of paralipsis. He draws attention to Caesar’s will by seeming to not want to bring it up. …..This strategy excites the crowd to demand to hear what Caesar laid down in his will. The truth of the generosity and kindness of Caesar is indisputable as he leaves to the citizens of Rome, money, fountains, parks, etc. He bequeaths so much to the people of Rome that it would be impossible for them to think ill of

Brutus had to dehumanize Caesar, for if he didn’t, he would never have been able to kill his friend in cold blood. He doubles down unwittingly, continuing to dehumanize Caesar by remaining stoical and logical in public. But there is no defense for murdering Caesar as he did. The name AMBITION became a substitute for the true complicated individual, who was birthed, Julius Caesar. Caesar became a concept or principle in Brutus’ mind, not a friend or person managing a very difficult job. Antony does the heartfelt thing by bringing Caesar’s accomplishments and good nature back to the forefront of the issue. Brutus is thus a traitor and a murderer no matter according to common sense and Caesar was the ultimate victim of poor judgment at best and lack of any humanity at worst. An odd type of justice is served, more like the chickens come home to roost at the end of the play. Brutus is defeated, he commits suicide and Caesar’s rightful heirs take control. Brutus, true to the end, feels he did the right thing for Rome, even if it