Antony's Use Of Ethos In Julius Caesar

The phrase in presidential speeches, “My fellow Americans,” have been sustained and used numerously for oratory purposes that draws the attention of the targeted audience. As a matter of fact, this type of speech opening can be traced back countless years to the deliverance of Brutus and Antony from the story of Julius Caesar, as they both try to induce the audience’s perception for their own means after the death of Caesar. Brutus and Antony had opposing purposes that was deviated from the eyes of the Roman people through the use of their cunning skills, each having distinct techniques and articulation to change the public’s view on the death of their present dictator. While both had compelling speaking talents to win the hearts of the common people, …show more content…
Despite Brutus’s dominating introductory speech, Antony was still able to grasp onto the hearts of the mob after his subsequent talk, persuading them that the murder of Caesar was unjust. This was accomplished through his rich use of irony and the application of pathos in his spoken words, for he was able to cover up his real intent without alarming the multitude of people. While standing in front of the crowd with Caesar’s body, Antony speaks, “When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man. You all did see that on the Lupercal, I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And sure he is an honorable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, But here I am to speak what I do know.” Although Antony repeatedly compliments Caesar for not being ambitious, but he also persisted that Brutus is a honorable man and that he asserts Caesar to be ambitious, which creates an ironic effect to his meaning. Using irony to these

Show More