Julius Caesar Rhetorical Devices Essay

A rhetorical device is defined as “A rhetorical device is a use of language that is intended to have an effect on its audience.”(Vocabulary.com). Rhetorical devices may help a speech, poem, or any form of writing get the main point across, exaggerate a point, or even manipulate the readers feeling. In Antony’s speech in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Antony uses sarcasm, pathos, and rhetorical questions to persuade the puebloans to believe that Caesar was incredibly noble and what Brutus and the other conspirators did to Caesar was ignoble. In Mark Antony’s speech, he uses sarcasm to get his point across that Brutus is not an honourable man without directly stating it. “But Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man…” (Shakespeare Act 3, Scene 2: 86-87). By Antony saying that Brutus is honourable he is conveying his point that Brutus is in fact not a honourable man as he killed an innocent man; Caesar. It is made apparent that he uses sarcasm as it contrasts with what he is saying about Brutus and Antony repeats

“You all did see that on Lupercal. I thrice presented him a kingly crown,. Which he did thrice refuse; was this ambition?” (Shakespeare Act 3, Scene 2: 95-97). Antony uses rhetorical questions so the audience may become involved and assure themselves that they believe that Caesar was not ambitious. With Antony questioning the audience the puebloans become involved in the speech and begin to understand his point. “You all did love him once, not without cause;. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?” (Shakespeare Act 3, Scene 2: 102-103). With this line Antony questions the puebloans behaviors which cause them to question their beliefs and whether the puebloans believe Brutus or Antony. With Antony’s specific examples and questioning, the audience starts to agree with Anthony as he has questioned their reasoning and