Rhetorical Analysis

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Throughout literature and history itself, the powerful language strategy of rhetoric has been applied to both good and evil. Even the most loyal and honorable of men can be led astray by rhetoric, if used successfully. In Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the character Cassius, a conniving and jealous man, successfully uses the “dark side” of rhetoric to beguile Brutus, a friend of Julius Caesar, to conspire against Caesar along side of him. Cassius and a group of other men feel if Caesar is to acquire power and rule Rome, it would destroy the Roman Empire. They believe the only way to ensure that does not happen is to murder Caesar. Cassius uses ethical fallacies such as flattery to persuade Brutus even more. Even though Brutus is loyal, Cassius’ attempts are effective, so he believes he is doing this for the good of Rome and its people. With his correct usage of the art of seduction, Cassius is successful and appeals to Brutus’ pride, honor, and emotion. Cassius makes a very successful, thought out plan, which he reveals to only a select few. The ones that are not to become aware of this scheme are Julius Caesar himself and Mark Antony, Caesar’s right-hand man. He has chosen Brutus to promote his idea and plan for various reasons. One of them includes the fact that Brutus is a close friend of Caesar’s. If Cassius get close to Brutus, he is given a direct line and is even closer to Caesar. Also, if he can persuade the loyal Brutus to go against Caesar, he can convince the people of Rome. Another reason Cassius has chosen him, is because of his popularity among the people. If he gets him onto his side, he can have all of Rome on his side as well. The people trust Brutus with his decisions and wise words. Cassiu... ... middle of paper ... ...uld underneath the rule of Caesar. However, he does not make his final decision just yet. He asks of Cassius if he could stop with his persuasion for the time being, and that he will let him know of his choice on the topic a further time. In the end, his decision ends up with him being on the side of Cassius. Rhetoric is one of the most powerful language devices ever known. Whether it is for good or evil, it will not be effective unless used correctly. In this play, it is used so successfully that even the most loyal of men can be seduced. Cassius uses pathos, ethos, and logos to persuade Brutus and accomplish his goal of the fall of Caesar, through the dishonest use of rhetoric. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. McDougal Little. 2009. Print. Romm, Joseph J. Language Intelligence. North Charleston : CreateSpace, 2012. 183-1. Print.

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