Question

What could Brutus have done to give a more effective speech? Write two paragraphs that describe his use of persuasive appeals, comparing and contrasting with the speech Antony gave. Provide specific examples from the text to support your point. Use proper spelling and grammar.

Answer 1

Brutus relied heavily on emotional appeals in his speech. There were many futile attempts at a logical plea and Brutus's desperateness was clearly apparent.  

"Romans, countrymen, and lovers!"

This is clearly pathos being implemented. Brutus uses endearing terms to start his speech. Brutus may have been using this phrase to show Rome that he was still loyal -- still faithful to his country, but this type of appeal has many drawbacks.  

Brutus had just murdered Caesar. Caesar, leader and lord of Rome had been slaughtered by assassins led by Brutus. Caesar, beloved ruler to many had been stabbed 23 times until he was lifeless. Apparent to both Brutus and Antony, these two traitors* attempt to broad-brush the crude actions with foul sentiments. You cannot stab a great man 23 times and then call his followers "friends." Brutus's beginning statement was weak and despite his attempt at warmth, inclusion, and sincerity, I the reader saw his appeal as inconsiderate, cold, and hypocritical.  

Antony's speech was slightly better than Brutus's. While he appeals with emotion, he also appeals with reason. Nevertheless, it was still a bunch of hot air.  

"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;"  

His beginning statement is just as Brutus's but let's lend out ear to him for a minute.  

I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.  

The evil that men do lives after them;  

The good is oft interred with their bones;  

So let it be with Caesar.

Antony gave a very cold approach which should have gotten a drastic response. Brutus at least had the sagacity to praise Caesar more openly. Antony however skipped the niceties and went straight to the point. While I applaud his bluntness, Antony was evil to appeal this way. He makes Brutus look like a saint -- and maybe that was the point but how would you tell a loved one the someone special died? Would your eulogy be ridden and flagrant with evil-biddings and stories of deceit. I ask not Antony to lie, but to tell the truth in love.  

*I say traitor because I do not agree with Brutus's methods. I also say so for Antony due to his negligence to pick a side.