Persuasion in Julius Caesar Analysis of Speeches and Use of Persuasion/Argument By: Mrs. Russell

Marullus’ and Flavius’ persuasion of the people Act 1 scene 1 1.1

Marullus and Flavius Rhetorical Questioning: Why are you rejoicing? What captured prisoners has Caesar brought home? What money has he brought to Rome? You hard hearts – knew you not Pompey? You used to love Pompey. You used to climb up to the rooftops with babies just to see him pass in the streets. You sat there all day waiting to see him pass You used to shout loudly and joyfully when he passed.

Marullus and Flavius More Rhetorical Questioning: Now you put on your best clothes? Now you make a holiday? Now you love Caesar for destroying Pompey and his sons? Go home and pray that the gods don’t send a plague because of your disloyalty and ingratitude. Go home and then go cry your tears in the Tiber river.

Cassius’ persuasion of Brutus Act I scene ii 1.2

Cassius’ persuasion of Brutus Cassius wishes to convince Brutus to join conspirators. Flattery: I wish you could see yourself as others see you, as honorable. Let me be your mirror. Comparisons: Caesar is no better than you or I. They are all free Romans.

Cassius’ persuasion of Brutus Points out Caesar’s physical weakness: Support = 2 anecdotes: Caesar swimming and nearly drowning, crying for help, Spain-having a seizure, & crying for a drink like a sick girl. Sarcasm: “This god did shake.” Comparison: He is a colossus and we walk under his legs. It is our fault. Comparison: “Brutus” is just as good a name as “Caesar.” More flattery.

Cassius’ persuasion of Brutus Challenge: Your ancestor, Brutus, got rid of a tyrant King. Implied Rhetorical Question: “Can you?” Cassius plans to forge letters to Brutus that seem to be from other people. The letters will all speak highly of Brutus and seem concerned about Caesar's growing ambition.

Brutus’ Soliloquy – Persuasion of himself Act II scene I 2.1

Brutus’ Persuasive Soliloquy Brutus convinces himself that Caesar must die. “It must be by his death.” He has no personal reason. Has to be done for general good of Rome. Crown may change his nature- turn him into a tyrant? Metaphor: He compares Caesar to an adder (snake).

Brutus’ Persuasive Soliloquy Caesar has never let emotions rule him, but power changes people. Metaphor: Ladder – People climb the ladder and forget about those they climbed over, who may have helped them get there, or those at bottom. Simile: “think him as a serpent's egg” - Crush it before it hatches and bites you.

Brutus’ persuasion of conspirators Act II scene I 2.1

Brutus’ persuasion of conspirators Brutus disagrees with the conspirators over the particulars of the plan. Three conditions No Oath Do this for Rome and not personal reasons. If we are noble Romans, then we do not need to swear. Our word should be enough.

Brutus’ persuasion of conspirators Will Cicero join us? NO He will not follow others’ plans. Kill Antony? NO NO Let us be sacrificers, not butchers. Antony is only an arm of Caesar. Let us not cut off the head and then hack off the limbs.

Portia’s persuasion of Brutus Act II scene I 2.1

Portia’s persuasion She gets on her knees to convince her husband to tell her his secret. Questions him about his mental state. Series of questions – “Is Brutus sick?” Uses her beauty, love, and vows of marriage. Guilt: Am I your true wife or am I just a harlot?

Portia’s persuasion Lists her strong points/ assets in comparison to other women: I’m just a woman, but: I’m the wife you chose, Brutus. I’m the daughter of Cato. I’m stronger than most. Stoicism: gives herself a voluntary wound in the thigh, showing no emotion, to prove her loyalty.

Calphurnia’s pleading Act II scene ii 2.2

Calphurnia’s pleading She also falls on her knees and tries to convince her husband to stay home and not go the capital. She uses her fear. Off stage, she had told him of her dream: Caesar’s statue with many spouts was flowing blood and many Romans were bathing their hands in his blood. She tells him of the terrible events of the storm and the unnatural sites:

Calphurnia’s pleading Unnatural events: Lioness giving birth in the streets, the undead (zombies), warriors in the clouds, blood drizzling on the capital, ghosts… She claims these are the sign’s of the death of a great man – comets. She begs him to tell them it was her fear that kept him home.

Decius’ persuasion of Caesar Act II scene ii 2.2

Decius’ persuasion of Caesar He convinces Caesar to go to the capital. Flattery: Appeals to his pride and ego. He claims the dream was misinterpreted. You will give new life to Rome. Ambition: Senate will give you a crown, but may change its mind. Pride: Does your wife tell you what to do? Is Caesar afraid?

Colossus

Colossus

Colossus Return