Julius Caesar Rhetorical Analysis

Classical appeals
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar written by William Shakespeare which appears to be a classic. In this poem there are many important events that occur. One of many, the speeches given at Julius Caesar's funeral. Both Mark Antony and Brutus speak to the audience in hope of comfort for all. The speeches also serve to persuade and convince the people of the truth. Each say their own story and convince the audience, but only one truly succeeds. Although they both use ethos, pathos and logos, classical appeals, only one is able to use them to his advantage and accomplish his goal. The one speaker who achieves his goal is Mark Anthony because he uses the classical appeals to connect to the audience, make facts useful and is able to make the audience and himself all feel equal and united.
When making the appeal to ethos, Mark Anthony decided to demonstrate how credible and trustworthy he is. In both speeches this process happens in the beginning. Brutus made the appeal by calling the audience,"Romans, countrymen and lovers! hear me for my cause, and be

silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that
you may believe"(3.2.16-18).

Antony did something similar, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him" (3.2.52-53). Although they seem almost identical, Antony called them friends with gives them more of a connection with each other. Also he makes sure to watch what he says to not offend Brutus. Anthony lets them know that he isn't here to praise all that Caesar did, but to burry him and move on. Brutus tells them to believe him for his reputation he has, yet Antony decides to leave his reputation up to the citizens. By saying this, the audience listens to him and put some trust in what he is going to say. This allows Antony to be more efficient by making them seem close friends and instead of ordering them to listen, he asks, which makes him more trustworthy and credible in his reputation as the

speaker.
In the appeal of pathos, Antony makes sure to give the audience facts that will persuade them into his view. Antony knows that the facts the will says will convince the citizens to revolt and kill the conspirators. Antony gives them the last push into action by saying, "But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar; I found it in his closet, this his will" (3.2.108-109). In the will it states that each citizen is to receive 75 drachmas and that Caesar's orchards are open to the public. This makes the audience believe that Antony wants the best for them. On the other hand, all that Brutus had said was that Caesar was ambitious, and Antony delivers them an example, just like the many before, that change the mind of the citizens. Antony also recalls on when Caesar refused the crown three times. Antony accomplishes his goal by telling them about the will, knowing that they will be interested and it will serve him for his benefit.
Lastly, Antony uses pathos to convince the audience by challenging their inner emotions which will truly make them feel guilty of any opposing thoughts. By using emotions, Antony is showing his feelings and gaining their trust. Antony says,"When the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept" (3.2.70). This gives another example that is later proven even stronger with the will. It tells the audience that Caesar was killed for a ignorant reason with no evidence behind it. Any evidence that Brutus could have given is useless with all the examples Antony has stated. The reason of ambition that Brutus kept on emphasizing is contradicted in every plausible way by what Antony's examples.
Having the ability to use the classical appeals in a speech helps the speaker connect with the audience and persuaded them in his subject. Both Antony and Brutus used them to their advantage but there are plenty of reasons that made Antony's speech more sufficient. Not only going last in speaking but also the great evidence behind each point he gave allowed his point to get across to his audience. Having relevant and credible evidence behind each point enables the audience to connect, get affected and moved by the speech. Brutus may have had a well done speech but not being able to connect and change the audience's minds was the down point of his speech. Using the classical appears will improve the probability to get your point across to the audience and succeed.