Writing Resources
Literary devices are often used in literature to engage the reader in the text by making it more alluring while adding more depth and meaning In the tragedy of Julius Caesar written by Shakespeare a conspiracy rises against Caesar which is lead by Caesar s good friend Cassius Cassius effectively gets more characters to join the conspiracy through his ability to persuade through language Throughout the tragedy the author uses many literary devices including imagery metaphors and personification to emphasize the art of persuasion Cassius uses to make the pitch to join the conspiracy more convincing to other characters Shakespeare use of metaphors allow him to advance the central message of persuasion by making Cassius have the ability to convince characters to join the conspiracy against Caesar through metaphors Cassius attempts to convince Brutus to join his conspiracy against Caesar because he doesn t believe Caesar is worthy of becoming king Cassius asks Brutus is he can see his own face which he obviously replies that he can t unless he has a mirror in which Cassius goes on to say And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection I your glass Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of I II 72 75 Cassius uses this metaphor to persuade Brutus by telling him that he can be Brutus's mirror to show him how great he can be if they overcome Caesar
