Speech Analysis #1

                                                            “No, Not an Oath”

            As Brutus talks to his new followers, he is trying to make up his mind how to get rid of Caesar in an honorable way. In the process of convincing his new followers, Brutus incorporates rhetorical devices as a method of persuasion. Pathos and ethos are used. To show emotional attachment Brutus says: “The sufferance of our souls and time’s abuse-/ If these be motives weak, break off betimes.” (Caesar 2.1. 115-116) What this quote brings is belief in the upcoming task and a reason to follow Brutus. This was an example of pathos. The audience can now understand that the murder will be difficult emotionally and they start to feel uncomfortable( I did. ). The next rhetorical device used is ethos. As Brutus tries to convince his new fellows (and himself) that this gruesome killing will be for the better he states: “To think our cause, did need an oath… if he do break the smallest particle/ of any promise that hat pass’d from him.” (Caesar 2.1. 134-140) What this brings to the table is a realization of how serious the situation is. If the situation they are in now (under the rule of Caesar) is not enough to fuel their passion for righteousness, then they might as well not try to kill Caesar. We as readers give credit to Brutus to still find the good in bad, and know that the killing of Caesar will be for the better. Through these two rhetorical devices, Brutus not only convinces his new followers to believe in their motives, but he also assures himself that this is the right thing to do. Emotionally, Brutus goes through a hard time making the decision to get rid of such a “great” ruler, however he still finds a way to do the murder in an honorable way.