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.

Answer 1

The speech?

Answer 2

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 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 3

Are you their?

Answer 4

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.
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?
He's basically saying that as much as everyone loves Caesar, He was going to ruin Rome, and it's people. He was using the Romans' pride for their empire to agree with him. And also using their pride of their laws, and sense of freedom, and social status , for he knows no one wants to die a slave. He could have done better on:

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.

Because that said that he was a close friend, and he back stabbed Caesar by betraying and murdering him. The Romans at that time had pride of being there for their friends, for being loyal, and never giving up due to different views. That is helps keeping them united. So that shows, in a sense, that Brutus was a bit unstable, and therefore not really good for the economy, as they know at the time this speech was made, the economy wasn't at it's peak.

Answer 5

And yes, I'm here. :)

Answer 6

I appreciate this soooo much. I was on the right path but I needed a little extra push to help me .

Answer 7

No problem... and besides what grade is this anyways?

Answer 8

10th

Answer 9

Oh. Ok.