Julius Caesar Funeral Rhetorical Analysis

Julius Caesar’s Funeral Julius Caesar is one of the best known historical figures to come out of ancient Rome; he is also the basis of William Shakespeare’s tragedy called Julius Caesar, although this heavily contrasts the actual events. Taking place in ancient Rome; the main character of Brutus begins to fear for the future of Rome when he learns that his arrogant, and presumptuous friend, Julius Caesar, could possibly become king. In response to this he goes along with a conspiracy to kill Caesar. After Caesar has died Brutus, and Caesar's dear friend Antony speak at his funeral. At the funeral Brutus gives a speech about why Caesar needed to die, conversely Antony gives a speech about why the killing of Caesar was appalling, pertinent and unnecessary. He presents a much more intensive and persuasive speech, using plentiful rhetorical devices. One illustration of how Antony’s speech is superior to Brutus’ speech, is Antony’s application of

Ordinarily Brutus tries to appeal to the ethics of the people, by expressing his personal opinion. Antony also uses an ethical appeal, but he supports it with factual events. Throughout his speech he doesn’t once mention his opinion, instead he just gives examples of facts that would cause people support his side, without making them realize that's his intent. By specifically telling them just his opinion without supporting it with facts Brutus basically told the people what to believe, while Antony told them that these are the facts, but they can believe what they wish. The facts Antony tells are all, instances the plebeians know to be true, consequently his logos has an even greater effect. A couple examples of this are Caesar’s refusal of the crown, and the fact that the people addressed were once in support of him. Near the end of the speech, Antony brings up Caesar’s