Julius Caesar

play by Shakespeare

Comparing the rhetorical devices used by Antony and Brutus in each other their speeches to the Roman people.

Speech Analysis: Brutus and Antony

by Katy Z. 
5 April 2013
 

         “If an eloquent speaker speak not the truth, is there a more horrid object in creation?” quote Thomas 
 Carlyle. The way the speaker presents his opinion on the issue, can have major effect on the way the audience perceives it. The speeches that were given to the Roman citizens after Caesar’s death showed how dangerous persuasion could be. With the use of some ethos rhetoric, Brutus was easily able to prove to the Roman people that Caesar was a tyrannous ruler from the start. Antony, just as easily, through the heavy use of pathos rhetoric and descriptively laden statements, managed to rouse the same audience into revenge against Brutus for killing beloved Caesar.  Although both characters were magnificent in delivering persuasive speeches, Antony’s was in some degree more actuating.

       
        Antony’s speech was well backed up with facts to support his argument that Caesar was indeed a wonderful  ruler and that Brutus was wrong to have killed him. He uses logos to present examples. For instance, “I thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse” (III. ii. 95-96). Antony presented hard facts when Brutus was relying on a nagging feeling in his gut. Antony’s speech was embedded with pathos rhetoric, expressing grief and tears for Caesar, making the audience feel guilty, and regretful for the loss of a ruler with such a generous will. For example, “For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!” (III. ii. 176-177). He depicted Brutus as this hypocritically “honorable” man who killed the one friend who loved him most. Ultimately, Antony won the award for the more persuasive speech of the two.