Brutus's funeral speech for Julius Caesar
In William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the character, Marcus Brutus, makes a speech to the Romans, Countrymen, and Lovers of Caesar, explaining why he killed Caesar, and to prove to them that he did it for the good of Rome. His speech is successful due to the use of Logos and Ethos in his speech.
In his speech, Brutus uses Ethos to show the Romans the feeling he had towards killing Caesar. “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (III, ii, 22-23) This shows Ethos because he’s saying that he puts his country first, before anything else, even a friendship. He would rather commit suicide, than stay alive knowing his best friends is turning everyone in Rome into slaves. “As I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death.” (III, ii, 46-48) Brutus is making it clear that he will do anything for Rome, even if that meant killing his best friend. He doesn’t care if he has to die for doing it.
Also in his speech, Brutus uses Logos to prove why he killed Caesar. “Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?” (III, ii, 23-24) Brutus knows nobody wanted to be a slave, so he makes this statement to tell the Romans that if Caesar were still alive, all of you might became slaves once he is crowned “King of Rome”. He killed Caesar for them, so everyone and their children can have a better life. “Who here is so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman?”(III, ii, 29-32) Brutus knows everyone loved Rome the way it was, and didn’t want to become a slave to someone who could take advantage of them.
Although his speech is already successful, it could have helped him if he used Pathos in his speech. If he showed some of his emotions to the Romans maybe they could understood him...