Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis

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Cassius utilizes pathos, ethos, and logos to undermine Caesar’s credibility and persuades both Brutus and the audience that Caesar is not as strong as he seems to convince Brutus to overthrow Caesar. Cassius initially is able to appeal to Brutus’s emotions by explaining, “Therefore good Brutus, be prepared to hear. And since you cannot see yourself as by reflection, I, your glass,” (Shakespeare 1.2 72-74) Through this approach, Cassius intends to make Brutus trust him by using flattery, making him believe that he has hidden knowledge about Brutus that he otherwise would never get to know. This sparks curiosity and opportunity in Brutus, and it could spark the thought that Brutus could potentially be more powerful than Caesar with the help of Cassius. …show more content…

Cassius questions Brutus about his ethics, “And, after, scandal them, or if you know that I profess myself in banqueting to all the rout, then hold me dangerous.” (Shakespeare 1.2 79-81) This passage displays a hyperbole, as Cassius displays an exaggerated reason for why Brutus would not trust him. Cassius does this to demonstrate that if Brutus does not trust him, Brutus believes the exaggeration he gives. This creates a moral dilemma for Brutus, as well as makes him believe that Cassius would not give this opportunity to anyone and that he must go along with Cassius’s plot. To further undermine Caesar's credibility, Cassius explains what he would do to help Brutus, “Will modestly discover to yourself that of yourself which you do not yet know of.” (Shakespeare 1.2 72-73) Cassius describes how he would realistically help Brutus discover more about himself, without exaggerating anything or telling him something untrue. This displays Cassius as a logical, honest person in the eyes of Brutus, and it provides logic to Cassius’s

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