Arguments are the pinnacle in progress, development, change. This activity is a constant for people with opposing beliefs and ideas. You may not know, but arguments are actually science. Aristotle, in the 4th century B.C.E., suggested that an argument should include the following: ethos, pathos, logos, and logic. This widespread theory is responsible for the success of Shakespeare’s arguments. Calpurnia was arguing with Decius about Caesar’s attendance to Senate. Calpurnia was a strong advocate of pathos. Decius, however, used logos and pathway in combination. Decius appealed more to Caesar’s pride than he did logic and eventually led Caesar into the Senate.
Calpurnia uses very specific imagery from her terrifying dream to convince Caesar that he won’t be attending Senate. She hopes to scare Caesar away from the meeting by using her pathos. She describes the Capitol as “Which poured blood upon it” in one part. Caesar is told that she dreams of his death and that this would be a cause for concern. She recognizes Caesar’s violent side, and wants to appeal to it. Calpurnia is forced to look at Caesar’s response and find that he doesn’t fear death. Calpurnia makes a second attempt at convincing Caesar with another Pathos appeal. She pleads with Caesar to stay at home and refuses to go to the Senate. (34). Calpurnia tells Caesar that Caesar doesn’t care about her safety. Calpurnia hopes Caesar will be more sensitive to her feelings and open to changing his mind. Calpurnia’s dream was explained to him by Decius. His argument begins with his logic: “Your statue spewing blood in many piping, in which so few smiling Romans bathed,” means that Rome great will suck blood reviving. Decius’ simple logos are a powerful way to convince Caesar. He would not challenge the dream if it were a prophecy for Caesar’s success. Decius’ argument also supports the fact that he has been known as an intelligent person and has advised Caesar extensively in the past. Decius can also use pathos in order to resist Calpurnia’s pleas. Decius uses his knowledge and foreshadowings of Caesar’s wishes to give “To this day a Crown to mighty Caesar.” Decius tells Caesar that if Caesar goes as senator, he will be rewarded by power. Caesar, however, is more interested in Decius’ clever structuring of his words. Caesar plays right into Decius by using such powerful and personal pathos.
Calpurnia had only a weak logos argument, but Decius was able to present a persuasive argument. Decius’ argument sounded exactly like Caesar expected. It was smart, clever and logical. Although there are many examples of Decius’ persuasive skills, one standout is “If they shall send them word that you will not arrive, their minds might change [in reference of crowning Caesar].” (58–59). This is the essence of Decius’ genius. This is where he appealed both to Caesar’s desire for a crowning king, while simultaneously logically stating that Caesar’s greatest desire would not be possible without him attending. Decius’ persuasive arguments combine powerfully to convince Caesar to attend the Senate.
Calpurnia and Decius argue for Aristotle’s potential. Arguments should be persuasive, convincing and persuasive from many perspectives in order to be effective. A strong argument should appeal to people’s emotions and provide logic behind their statements. The ethos is a stronger argument. It will affirm what is right.
