Example of Julius Caesar Speech Analysis

Suzy Sample, Ernie Example, and Randy Reference Mrs. Reichert

English 10 Honors – Period 6/723 Apr 2014

Manipulation:

The art of skillful or artful management.

Thematic Subject

Through the words of Cassius, Antony and

Decius, characters in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare develops the theme that manipulation can lead otherwise law-abiding citizens to commit treasonous and unlawful acts.

Thesis

'Tis just:And it is very much lamented, Brutus,That you have no such mirrors as will turnYour hidden worthiness into your eye,That you might see your shadow. I have heard,Where many of the best respect in Rome,(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of BrutusAnd groaning underneath this age's yoke,Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

Context: Cassius and Brutus have stayed behind as the rest of the citizens and senators have gone with Caesar to watch the Feast of Lupercalia races. They both fear what Caesar may do if he is crowned emperor.

Audience: Cassius is speaking to Brutus.

CassiusAct I, Scene 2, Lines 54

- 62

'Tis just:And it is very much lamented, Brutus,That you have no such mirrors as will turnYour hidden worthiness into your eye,That you might see your shadow. I have heard,Where many of the best respect in Rome,(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of BrutusAnd groaning underneath this age's yoke,Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

CassiusAct I, Scene 2, Lines 54

- 62ETHOS

'Tis just:And it is very much lamented, Brutus,That you have no such mirrors as will turnYour hidden worthiness into your eye,That you might see your shadow. I have heard,Where many of the best respect in Rome,(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of BrutusAnd groaning underneath this age's yoke,Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

CassiusAct I, Scene 2, Lines 54 -

62

PATHOS

'Tis just:And it is very much lamented, Brutus,That you have no such mirrors as will turnYour hidden worthiness into your eye,That you might see your shadow. I have heard,Where many of the best respect in Rome,(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of BrutusAnd groaning underneath this age's yoke,Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

CassiusAct I, Scene 2, Lines 54 -

62

LOGOS

Connection to Thesis:

Cassius wants Brutus to join his conspiracy. He is trying to show Brutus how worthy he is of

the titles Caesar is receiving. His use of the idea of the “mirror” and “hidden

worthiness” shows that he is attempting to: Show Brutus how worthy he is of the same titles. Show him how other see him as worthy as well.

Thus, Cassius begins his attempt to manipulate Brutus into participating in something unlawful and treasonous.

CassiusAct I, Scene 2, Lines 54 -

62