Cassius Emotional Appeal In Act 2 Of Julius Caesar

Cassius has the ability to utilize powerful emotional appeal in act 1 scene 2 of Julius Caesar. Cassius is speaking to Brutus about his potential as a leader, and he would be much better than Caesar. He said, “O, you and I have heard our fathers say, there was Brutus once that would have brooked th’ eternal devil to keep his state in Rome as easily as a king” (1.2.159-161). This statement is saying that Brutus would be better a king that Caesar would be and he can put an end to the terrible reign of Caesar. It is a strong emotional appeal because it is essentially saying that Brutus can bring an end to suffering. With Caesar being compared to a devil has definite negative connotation, it says that only maliciousness comes Caesar and Brutus could bring good. This statement also is ethos appeal because it is basically authorized by their fathers, and they can be looked to for advice. Cassius takes the respect from the elderly and says Brutus can be their savior creating an

He is explaining that he and Caesar were swimming, “but ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried ‘Help me Cassius, or I sink!’ I, as Aeneas, our Great ancestor, did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder the old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber did I the tired Caesar” (1.2.110-5). Cassius is accounting a story of how he saved Caesar from drowning just like their ancestor did for an old man. Essentially, he compares Caesar to an old man Aeneas had to carry, and Cassius uses the emotions associated with the pride of their country and their origin to sway Brutus. Cassius takes the story that all of Rome knows stirring emotions of pride in one’s country saying that we should not have someone weak, like Anchises, in charge. Cassius is an effective speaker because of the way he plays on the feelings associated with the pride of their