The key to obtaining a desire is from the work of rhetoric. Rhetoric, or the act of persuasion, is used in everyday language to help people convince or sway someone to a particular view or do a certain thing. In Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, one of the main characters named Cassius uses rhetoric to it is full extend in turning Brutus against Caesar. The method used by Cassius is unique due to his use of ethos, pathos, and logos. What is so eyeing is how he present these techniques so smoothly and uses other elements to help make his words more effective.
Cassius’ s introduction was in a playful manner, as he asks Brutus about the game, making the conversation friendly and open-ended. But he slowly slides into a more chivalrous way as he plants the first seed of his argument by playing with Brutus’s desires and well being. Brutus feels praised and welcomed as Cassius places him on a pedestal by telling him there are some hidden potential and worthiness of being Caesar’s equal. This type of pathos is used continuously by referring to Brutus as “good,” “gentle,” and “dear,” breaking the walls between Cassius and Brutus.
Furthermore, Cassius establishes ethos in the form of addressing himself as equal and even lower than Brutus as he calls himself dangerous and someone not to be around. The tipping point to Cassius’s persuasion was presented with stories that exemplify Caesar being unfit for the ruler of Rome. This form of logos makes Brutus question himself and even consider the idea of betraying Caesar. From the use of rhetoric and techniques, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, Cassius was able to shift Brutus to a crossroad of betraying or siding with Caesar.
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