Rhetoric
What is rhetoric?
The art of persuasive and effective speaking or writing.
In Brutus' soliloquy, what innermost thoughts and fears does he reveal about Caesar? By the end of the soliloquy, what does he conclude needs to be done about Caesar's rise to power?
Brutus questions Caesar's ambition and believes he must be stopped before he gets too much power.
What omens are present in scene ii? What are they meant to foreshadow?
Calpurnia's dream and the augurer's sacrifice foreshadow bad omens to come if Caesar leaves the house.
What dramatic irony is revealed in both scenes iii & iv?
The conspiracy is no longer a secret.
How is the theme of power shown in this act?
Caesar is about to become an all-powerful dictator and the conspirators plan to stop this from happening.
What mode of persuasion does Calpurnia use to try to persuade Caesar?
Pathos
For what reasons does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy? Why is Brutus against including Cicero in the conspiracy? Hint - Cicero was the man with "silver hair"
Cicero is a great orator, or speaker, and is deemed him wise. Brutus believes he will not follow something started by others.
What is Calpurnia concerned about? What occurs in her dream and what does it suggest?
Calpurnia is concerned about Caesar's life. Her dream shows Caesar's statue pouring blood while the Romans smile and bath their hands it in. This foreshadows Caesar's death to come and the dramatic irony the audience is aware of.
What significance does Scene 3 have regarding the intended outcome of the conspiracy's plan?
The conspiracy's plan in unraveling as more and more people become aware of harm intended towards Caesar.
How is the theme of pride show in Act II?
Caesar's hubris clouds his ability to see the warning signs others are showing him.
What mode of persuasion convinces Brutus to take action against Caesar?
Ethos
For what reason does Cassius propose that Antony is also a threat to Rome’s power? Why is Brutus against killing Antony?
Cassius believes that Antony's position as Caesar's close confidant gives him power. Brutus believes Antony is "but a limb of Caesar" and will not have power once Caesar is assassinated.
What rhetoric and modes of persuasion does Decius use to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol on the Ides of March?
Decius appeals to Caesar's ego by using logos (Caesar cannot be crowned if he is not present) and ethos (attacking Caesar's credibility by causing him afraid).
What rhetoric does Artemidorus’ use in his letter to Caesar?
His rhetoric is based on ethos, asking him to question the credibility of his friends and make a mention of conspiracy.
How is the theme of gender shown in Act II?
Portia's and Calpurnia's voices are ignored by their male counterparts and are treated as inferior to their husbands.
How does Brutus use rhetoric in scene i? Is he successful and why?
Brutus uses his rhetoric to persuade the conspirators and establishes himself as the leader of the conspiracy. The conspirators listen to him because of his honor?
Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators? What does this show about his character? What does this show about his role in the conspiracy?
Brutus believes that the assassination of Caesar is an "honorable" feat and should not require an oath. Brutus is justifying his actions and marking himself as the leader of the conspiracy.
How is Caesar’s hubris revealed in this scene?
Caesar's ego and extreme self-confidence is shown through his comparison to "danger" itself and his refusal to listen to any warning signs (omens).
What type of conflict is Portia experiencing in this scene?
Portia is experiencing a self-conflict stemming from her views on her gender.
How does the theme of manipulation unfold in Act II?
Brutus is being manipulated by the conspirators as he is trying to manipulate Caesar.
Identify all the characters that used rhetoric to attempt to persuade another character.
Brutus
Decius
Portia
Calpurnia
Artemidorus
How is Brutus’ character challenged by his conversation with Portia? How does each character assert their power or strength?
Portia demands to know what is afflicting Brutus and confronts him about his dishonesty. Portia stabs herself to show that she is not weak, and Brutus keeps his secret to himself.
What two literary device is present in the conversation that takes place between Caesar and the conspirators at the end of the scene?
Dramatic irony and foreshadowing are revealed as Caesar believes that his friends are there to celebrate his crowning yet Trebonius' aside reveals their intent to kill Caesar.
Compare and contrast the characters of Portia and Calpurnia in Act 2. How are their conversations with their husbands similar and how do they differ?
Portia and Calpurnia both attempt to use rhetoric to persuade their husbands:
They express concern for their husbands, plead on their knees, and struggle to persuade them.
Brutus is the only one that lies.
How is the theme of fate vs. free will shown in Act II?
All of the omens foreshadow a fate of death to be coming for Caesar. If Caesar were to listen to the warning signs, he may be able to avoid his death by using his free will to stay home instead of going to the senate to be crowned king.