Question

Read the excerpt below from act 3.2 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and answer the question that follows.

ANTONY:
If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
You all do know this mantle1. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on.
‘Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii2.
Look, in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through.
See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed;

1. A cloak.
2. One of Caesar’s military conquests.

Which rhetorical appeal does Mark Antony use in the above excerpt?

A. Mark Antony uses an appeal to ethos by first recalling the memory of Caesar’s military success and then showing his body stabbed by the conspirators.

B. Mark Antony uses an appeal to pathos by first recalling the memory of Caesar’s military success and then showing his body stabbed by the conspirators.

C. Mark Antony uses an appeal to logos by first recalling the memory of Caesar’s military success and then showing his body stabbed by the conspirators.

D. Mark Antony uses an appeal to symbolism by first recalling the memory of Caesar’s military success and then showing his body stabbed by the conspirators.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B.
Antony appeals to the emotions of the citizens in this speech. This particular speech by Antony is an excellent example of all rhetorical appeals, showing both egos and logos as well; but, in this particular excerpt, is using a pathological appeal.