The Power of Argumentation in Julius Caesar

Arguments are the pinnacle of progress, development and change. Folks with conflicting suggestions and beliefs engage in this activity constantly. However, did you know that arguments actually come down to a science? In 4th century B.C.E, Aristotle theorized that a nicely formed argument have to contain the following: ethos (an appeal to ethics, what is proper vs. what is wrong), pathos (an appeal to emotion), and logos (an appeal to logic and sense). This theory, so widespread, has even shaped the success of arguments in Shakespeare’s plays. In act II of Julius Caesar, Decius and Calpurnia butt heads on no matter whether Caesar need to attend Senate. Even though Calpurnia used robust pathos, Decius utilized pathos and logos in mixture which turned out to be a lot more strong (as he appealed to Caesar’s pride and supplied logical reasoning), and eventually led Caesar to attend Senate.

Calpurnia’s 1st try to convince Caesar to not attend Senate comes in the type of really detailed imagery of her terrifying dream. She hopes that by using pathos, she can scare him out of attending the meeting. 1 component of her description says, “Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol” (9). She is attempting to tell Caesar that her dream foreshadows the death of him in a way that would provoke fear. Although Caesar is a man of war and violence she recognizes he has a softer side and she wants to appeal to that aspect of him. However, Caesar responds that he does not fear death which forces Calpurnia to try from a different viewpoint. Calpurnia’s second attempt to convince Caesar comes in the form of yet another Pathos appeal. She begs him to not go forth to the senate and pleads, “Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this.” (34). Following realizing that Caesar does not care about his own security, Calpurnia informs him that it will upset her quite considerably if he goes and she is willing to take any blame for his absence. She is hoping that Caesar will care much more about the feelings of his wife and be prepared to adjust his mind for her.

Decius, on the other hand, takes a various method than Calpurnia. He starts his argument by supplying an logical, alternate interpretation of Calpurnia’s dream, “Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, in which so a lot of smiling Romans bathed, signifies that from you excellent Rome shall suck reviving blood” (47-50). Decius’ use of easy logos to explain the meaning of the dream is quite strong in convincing Caesar. If the dream was in fact a prophecy of Caesar’s accomplishment, why would he try to challenge it? Decius’ argument is also supported by the fact the he is known as an intelligent man and has advised Caesar closely in the past. Moreover, Decius also utilizes pathos to counteract the pleas made by Calpurnia. He makes use of his expertise of Caesar’s desires and foreshadows, “To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.” (56). Not only is Decius telling Caesar that if he goes to senate he will be rewarded with what he wants most, energy, he is also playing to his pride by calling him, “mighty Caesar.” Decius is very clever with the way he structures his words which make Caesar desperate to stick to his suggestions. By making use of such private and strong pathos, Caesar plays appropriate into Decius’ hands.

Decius had a far more persuasive argument because he utilized each a robust pathos and logos whereas Calpurnia only had a semi-powerful pathos argument. Decius’ argument was rapid, clever, logical and exactly what Caesar wanted to hear. There are a lot of examples of Decius’ intelligent persuasive tactics but one particular that stands out from the rest is, “If you shall send them word you will not come, their minds may possibly modify [in reference to crowning Caesar].” (58-59). This little fragment of his argument is the epitome of Decius’ genius. Right here he has appealed to Caesar’s desire to be crowned king and at the very same time, logically stated that his most extreme want will no longer be possible with out his attendance. It is due to the powerful mixture of tactics in Decius’ arguments that let him to effectively convince Caesar to go to Senate.

The arguments produced by Calpurnia and Decius highlight the potential that Aristotle’s ethos, pathos and logos carry. Arguments need to include a selection of perspectives to be influential, persuasive and convincing. A strong argument will contain an appeal to a person’s feelings and emotions and a logical reasoning behind each and every of their statements. An even more powerful argument will contain ethos, it will vouch for what is “right.” Arguments are a vital portion of human interaction and it is clear that they are an art rooted in a effective psychological science.