Question

Which speech made a stronger use of the appeal to ethics? Write two paragraphs that compare and contrast both speeches in terms of their appeals to ethics.

Answer 1

To begin, Brutus’s speech was formal and more directed to the Romans. In his introduction, he starts with “Romans, countrymen, and lovers!” This was used to join everyone together and later help him justify Caesar’s death. Throughout the text, he describes Caesar as an “ambitious” man. Calling Caesar ambitious makes it seem that Caesar only thought about himself. On the other hand, Antony’s speech was more personal and sarcastic. In contrary to Brutus he opens his speech with “Friends, Romans, countrymen…”. This sets up his later statements of being Caesar’s friend. Throughout his speech, he uses paralipsis and repetition to poke at Brutus but at the same time save Caesar’s reputation. Throughout Antony’s speech, he uses devices, tactics, and his sympathy to his advantage. Brutus only had one point, which was that he killed Caesar for Rome, to stand on. All in all, Antony’s speech was better and more persuasive than Brutus's.