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Persuasion in Julius Caesar

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?

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Persuasion in Julius Caesar

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

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

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Cassius’ persuasion of Brutus Act I scene ii 1.2

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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

  10. 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).

  11. 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.

  12. Brutus’ persuasion of conspirators Act II scene I 2.1

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Portia’s persuasion of Brutus Act II scene I 2.1

  16. 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?

  17. 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.

  18. Calphurnia’s pleading Act II scene ii 2.2

  19. 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:

  20. 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.

  21. Decius’ persuasion of Caesar Act II scene ii 2.2

  22. 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?

  23. Colossus

  24. Colossus

  25. Colossus Return

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