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Irony
Definition of Logos
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Act 1, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Logic of Honor:
Though Cassius may be duplicitous, self-serving, and power-hungry, he is a cunning conversationalist and a highly affective speaker. In Act 1, Scene 2, as Cassius attempts to bring Brutus into his conspiracy against Caesar, he pays careful attention to Brutus's doubts and incorporates them into his argument. Using the rhetoric of logos (appeal to reason), and laying the foundations of his case on and a reasonable appeal to Brutus's sense of honor, Cassius recruits Brutus to his cause.
BRUTUS:
For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death.CASSIUS:
I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favor.
Well, honor is the subject of my story.
I cannot tell you what you and other men
Think of this life; but, for my single self,
I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Logic of Treachery:
In Act 3, Scene 2, Brutus addresses the assembled crowd after Caesar's death. He uses the rhetorical device of logos to explain the reason for the conspiracy against Caesar that has led his assassination.
Unlock with LitCharts A+Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my
cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me
for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor
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
friends 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: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more.
Related Themes:
