Marc Antony’s Speech Analysis Worksheet
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (http://www.cambio.com/2011/10/03/julius-caesar/)
Describe ethos, logs and pathos with relationship to an equilateral triangle.
Answer these questions as you watch the video.
1) How does Shakespeare portray the commoner’s?
2) Who are the 3 main male characters?
3) Why does Cassius need Brutus on his side? What persuasive technique is that (ethos, logos, pathos)? Explain.
4) By sending fake letters to Brutus, what persuasive technique is Cassius using (ethos, logos, pathos)? Explain.
5) Why does Portia say “Women are Powerless in Roman society” ? What evidence does she have?
6) What persuasive technique do the nobles use to convince Caesar to go to the Senate despite all the warnings
(ethos, logos, pathos)? Explain.
7) What is Caesar’s tragic flaw? Explain.
8) What is Brutus’ persuasive goal and what technique does he use (ethos, logos, pathos)? Explain.
9) What is Antony’s persuasive goal and what technique does he use (ethos, logos, pathos)? Explain.
10) In your opinion, which technique is more powerful? Explain.
The three central questions of the play are listed below. Answer each one as if you were Shakespeare
analyzing the Roman’s government. Use details from the video to help you explain your response.
Who is in charge?
Who ought to be in charge?
How well are those in charge doing?
Now, read Act III, Scenes 1-3 of Julius Caesar and answer the questions for both of the main speeches in
this passage (Brutus’ and Antony’s)
Brutus’ Speech
Antony’s Speech
What is the context of the speech? (when/where/why)
Analysis of persuasive techniques: Your job is to identify at least one example of one of Aristotle’s three
modes of persuasion. It is certainly appropriate to use quotations from the speech to support your points.
Rhetorical Devices: identify at least 1 rhetorical device and explain its effectiveness (Rhetorical Question,
Antithesis, Repetition, Restatement, Parallelism)
Conclusions (You will probably need a separate sheet of paper for your responses. These should each be
good sized paragraphs).
1) In your opinion, why is Antony’s speech considered idyllic persuasion? Please explain your answer with
specific reasons.
2) Do you agree with Shakespeare’s portrayal of the “common man” as being easily manipulated? Use specific
examples from life and literature to defend your response.
3)What really killed Caesar? Pride? Greed? Persuasion? Explain using details from your readings, viewings,
and experiences.
Don’t forget!!!
ETHOS: These are appeals based on the credibility and manner of the speaker.
LOGOS: These are appeals to logic and fact, or to the power of reason.
PATHOS: These are appeals to the emotions of the audience.
If you use and direct quotes from the text, use the following format (Act. Scene. Page #)
Example: As Caesar dies he looks pitiably at his best friend before uttering, “Et tu, Brute? Then Fall, Caesar!”
(III.i. page 1).