Question

Look at the following speech by Brutus. In three to five sentences, explain how he attempted to persuade the crowd. Cite specific lines from his speech and explain how he could have done better.

Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my
cause, and be silent, that you may hear: believe me
for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that
you may believe: censure me in your wisdom, and
awake your senses, that you may the better judge.
If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of
Caesar's, to him I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar
was no less than his. If then

Answer 1

be any in this assembly, any dear friend of
Caesar's, to him I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar
was no less than his. If then that friend demand
why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:
Ð Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and
die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live
all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him;
as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was
valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I
slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his
ambition. Who is here 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? If
any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so
vile that will not love his country? If any, speak;
for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.

Answer 2

"Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more." Here's my problem with this statement. If I were a Roman listening to Brutus, I would be asking myself "How can I believe that just because Brutus says he had to kill Caesar for the good of Rome, he's telling the truth, or that it's really true? For all I know, Brutus just killed Caesar so Brutus could gain more power."

Answer 3

Brutus' point was to say that Caesar was the best emperor yet. Then you would give examples from the text