Cassius's Speech: An Effective Form of Persuasion - Book Report/Review Example

Lines 4 to 7 deal with his concept and outlook about life. He says he does not know Brutus's or others' points of view about it but for him, life is not to be lived only for his own personal honor or gain. In lines 8 to 10, he begins to compare himself and Brutus to that of Caesar's status in life, showing their similar conditions as free men and that they are fed well and they endure the same cold winter. Then he narrates his past experience with Caesar when they both swam the "angry flood" of Tiber.

He proves that Caesar is physically weak because he almost drowns had it not for Cassius' help. He magnifies his own capabilities by mentioning his glorious ancestors: "I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor, /Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder/The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber/Did I the tired Caesar." After which he contrasts their present political positions: that of Caesar being exalted while he, Cassius, is to bow down before the "god" Caesar-like a "wretched creature" of lowly position.

He is like to one who is so low, begging for Caesar's recognition even just a nod from him. Then again he cites another proof of Caesar's helplessness in the past and Cassius' second attempt at saving him. Lines 30 to 38 illustrate Caesar as a "coward" when he was shaking with fever "as a sick girl." He is specific in naming the parts of Caesar's body like his lips, eyes, and tongue which are some of his instruments for attaining his eloquence and greatness.Finally, he concludes by stating his doubt why such a weak person is so promoted to such a high position and be given all the recognition and fame.

How effective is Cassius' persuasion It is very effective that it resulted in Brutus' killing of his own beloved friend Julius Caesar?Similarly, we can find Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral in Act 3, scene 2 to be of equal effect. When everybody seems to have been convinced by Brutus' justification of his action and has turned their hearts against Caesar, Antony delivers his powerful speech. This speech resulted in a more devastating end: mutiny or rebellion and the exile of Cassius and Brutus ("I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius/ Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome").

Antony commends the listeners' self/ego by complimenting their sentiments and that of Brutus' honor. This is recorded in lines 1 to 12. Then gradually and point by point he subtly counters Brutus' accusations in lines 13 to 27. He finely delivers it that the Plebeians are led to follow his pattern of thinking. He keeps repeating that Brutus is an "honorable man" without forgetting.