The Importance Of Brutus Speech In Julius Caesar

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Persuasive devices are important throughout all pieces of literature and speech, evoking emotion and thoughts. Understanding how these devices work and how to use them effectively is important for any individual. These devices change the meaning of the words depending on the context and being able to identify and understand them allows for a reader to understand the author’s true intent. The effectiveness of Brutus’ speech in Julius Caesar and John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration Speech(1961) lie within their use of rhetorical questions and word choices to support their views of patriotism and influence the emotions of their audiences.
In both Roman and American cultures patriotism is a valued and expected trait within an individual. Brutus uses …show more content…
After already establishing the idea of himself being a ‘perfect roman’ Brutus casts questions out that would automatically cause repulse by the Romans due to their culture. He challenges his audience, “Who here is so vile that would not love his country?” and “Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?”. Roman culture only has one answer to this question due to the stigma that has been created, meaning every man will come to the same idea of disgust at opposing these ideas. The idea Brutus is stressing is that he made the proper Roman decision. He is not forcing his beliefs onto the public, but enforcing something he know they will not deny and is manipulating them to think one way about he did.
On the other hand, Kennedy’s speech uses rhetorical questions to provoke individual thinking rather than subdue it. In his famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you-- ask what you can do for your country.” This quote has gone on to be extremely influential in American culture. Kennedy calls for individual thought, the exact thing one will need to stop what is warring against it. Kennedy creates more questioning and forward thinking with just this suggestion. This question also provokes citizens to take action and begin supporting him, and if not, at least voice their opinions on the
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