1. Pathos (Emotional Appeal):
a) Brutus appeals to the conspirators' sense of honor, invoking the image of Caesar as a growing threat to their freedom and the republic. He plays on their emotions by asking, "But what of Caesar? Shall he live? Live? Ay, when there are so many reasons why he should not."
2. Logos (Logical Reasoning):
a) Cassius employs logical arguments to present a rational justification for their actions. He presents the idea that Caesar is ambitious and aims to become a king, which goes against the republican values of Rome. Cassius warns, "If he be Caesar, we must be courtiers; if not, the first and best of us must be his slaves."
3. Ethos (Ethical Appeal):
a) Brutus portrays himself as a virtuous and honorable man who places the interests of Rome above his personal ambitions. He emphasizes that his decision is not driven by personal jealousy or hatred but by a desire to preserve the republic and prevent Caesar's tyranny.
4. Appeals to Authority:
a) Brutus refers to the ancient Roman tradition of "tyrannicide" to lend weight to their argument. He mentions examples of tyrants like Tarquin who were rightly overthrown by the Roman people.
5. Use of Rhetoric and Oratory:
a) Brutus and Cassius both employ skillful oratory to present their arguments in a compelling manner. They utilize rhetorical devices like repetition, parallel structure, and imagery to make their appeals more persuasive and emotionally resonant.
6. Fear of Consequences:
a) Cassius plays on the conspirators' fears of the consequences of inaction, warning that Caesar's increasing power will lead to the erosion of their freedom and privileges as Roman citizens.
These persuasive techniques work collectively to influence the conspirators' decision-making process and ultimately lead to their agreement to join the plot against Caesar.