What reason does Brutus give for killing Caesar?
Do you think his justification is
convincing? Why or why not?
Answer: Brutus says he killed Caesar because he cared more about the future of
Rome than about Caesar as a person. He feared that if Caesar gained more power,
it would harm the people.I would say that his justification was not convincing as he
bases his speech on assumptions that haven’t happened yet.
How does Brutus try to persuade the crowd that he acted out of love for Rome
rather than hatred for Caesar?
Answer: Brutus explains that he respected Caesar and cried for his death, but he
believed Caesar’s actions were becoming harmful. He claims he chose the good of
the people over his personal feelings and love for Brutus.
Antony repeats the phrase “Brutus is an honourable man.” What effect does this
repetition have on the audience?
Answer: At first, it seems respectful, but as Antony gives examples that challenge
Brutus’s claims, the phrase becomes sarcastic. It makes the crowd begin to doubt
whether Brutus is truly honorable.
What examples does Antony use to challenge the idea that Caesar was ambitious?
Do they support his argument effectively?
Answer: Antony says Caesar brought money to Rome, cried for the poor, and
refused a crown three times. These actions make Caesar seem caring and humble,
which goes against the idea that he wanted too much power. Thus supporting
Antony’s argument.
Why do you think Antony says, “I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him,” even
though he goes on to praise him?
Answer: Antony says this to appear neutral and respectful of Brutus at first. It helps
him avoid upsetting the crowd too quickly while he slowly leads them to question
Brutus’s story.
Techniques of Persuasion
Compare how Brutus and Antony both use rhetorical questions. What impact do
they have on the audience?
Answer:Brutus uses questions to challenge anyone who disagrees with him, like
“Who is here so base…?”However, Antony uses questions to create doubt, like “Did
this in Caesar seem ambitious?”Brutus’s questions try to shut down disagreement
while Antony’s questions make people think and question what they were told.
How does each speaker appeal to the audience’s emotions (pathos)? Give specific
examples.
Answer:Brutus appeals to people’s sense of duty by saying he acted for their well-
being and for the future of Rome whereas Antony uses strong emotion by
mentioning Caesar crying for the poor and showing his stabbed body. This creates
sadness, anger, and guilt in the crowd.
Which speaker uses more logic and reasoning (logos) in their speech? Provide
evidence.
Answer: Brutus uses more direct reasoning. He clearly lays out his argument: he
loved Caesar, but Caesar’s ambition was dangerous. He points out specific actions
that Caesar took which don’t match the idea of him being ambitious: Refusing the
crown presented three times, crying with the poor and bringing home wealth to
Rome. Not for his own benefit but for the country.
Both speeches mention Caesar’s ambition. How do Brutus and Antony define and
interpret ambition differently?
Answer:
o Brutus describes ambition as wanting too much power and control.
o Antony suggests that if Caesar were truly ambitious, he wouldn’t have
helped the people or refused the crown.
7. What persuasive technique is Antony using when he says “I speak not to
disprove what Brutus spoke…”? Is he being sincere?
Answer: Antony is using irony. He says he won’t argue with Brutus, but
everything he says is meant to challenge Brutus’s words. He is not being
sincere—this is a clever way to make people question Brutus without directly
attacking him.
Critical Thinking & Evaluation
11.Who do you think is more persuasive overall—Brutus or Antony? Why?
Answer: Antony is more persuasive. He uses stories, emotions, and clever
language to turn the crowd’s opinion. His speech is powerful and changes
how people feel about Caesar’s death.
12.If you were in the crowd, how would each speech influence your opinion
about Caesar’s death?
Answer: Brutus might convince me at first because he speaks with confidence
and calmness. But Antony’s emotional examples and questions would
probably change my mind and make me feel sorry for Caesar.
13.What role does tone play in the effectiveness of each speech? Describe the
tone of each.
Answer:
o Brutus’s tone is serious, calm, and controlled.
o Antony’s tone starts respectful but becomes emotional and intense. His
tone helps stir the feelings of the crowd.
14.Do you think Antony’s speech is fair to Brutus? Why or why not?
Answer: It’s not completely fair. Antony pretends to praise Brutus while
actually making people doubt him. But in the context of a public speech, it’s
a smart way to make his point.
15.How do these speeches show the power of language in shaping public
opinion?
Answer: The crowd supports Brutus at first, but after hearing Antony, they
completely change their minds. This shows how powerful words, questions,
and emotions can change what people believe—even very quickly.
