Tragedy of Julius CaesarIn the play Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, these two characters, Calpurnia and Decius, try to persuade Caesar either to continue to live, or betrayal and death. Calpurnia had a vision that Caesar would die if he went to the Senate. Opposing Calpurnia's dream, Decius promised Caesar the crown if he went to the Senate. Calpurnia had to support her argument with her appeal to ethos and her fear for Caesar's life. She spoke from her heart, but lacked logic in her dream. Decius took advantage of his vision and knew that Caesar would not refuse anything that guaranteed power, success and wealth. Decius managed to persuade Caesar with seductive lies and evil tactics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Calpurnia used vivid detail and made strong appeals to ethos to support her argument. Calpurnia's credibility was established by the simple fact that she was the wife of Caesar, one of the greatest men in Rome. She hoped to attract Caesar's attention by warning him of the terrors she saw in her dreams. For example, she tells us: “A lioness gave birth in the streets, and tombs yawned and gave up their dead; Fierce fiery warriors fought on the cloud” (5-7). Caesar was influenced by Calpurnia's dream, but it wasn't enough to make him stay at home. Calpurnia concluded her argument before Caesar by stating: “Your wisdom is consumed in trust. Don't go out today. Call it my fear” (29-30). Unfortunately, Calpurnia's appeal to ethos could not affect Caesar. Being married to an overconfident person, Calpurnia should have known that Caesar wouldn't believe her. He had very few fears; he especially did not fear her death because he knew that God had control over her. Caesar was too sure of himself and Decius took advantage of his arrogance. Decius' motivation for getting Caesar to go to the Senate was based on his philosophy. He was a member of a group of conspirators whose plan was to kill Caesar in the Senate. Decius was able to manipulate Caesar by turning his wife's entire dream into a positive one. “This dream is misinterpreted; it was a just and happy vision” (45-46). Decius appeals to Caesar's ethos. He knows that Caesar is greedy and seeking eternal glory. Decius concluded his argument by explaining to Caesar: “And know this now, the Senate has decided to give a crown to the mighty Caesar today. If you let them know you won't come, their mind might change” (56-58). Promises of wealth and success were all Decius needed to influence Caesar. Decius explains what Caesar will miss if he stays at home. Decius uses ethos because it appeals to the character of Caesar. He knows that Caesar is greedy, fame-seeking and striving to become a legend. Decius simply tells Caesar whatever he wants to hear and easily deceives him that way. Both arguments were strong, but in this case Decius knew Caesar better. Calpurnia and Decius each had a close relationship with Caesar, and they were both equally capable of persuading Caesar. Caesar was neither fearful nor emotional, and therefore Calpurnia's emotional argument had little effect on him. Decius was sure that Caesar would not refuse anything that would make him prosperous or superior to others. Decius was right, and ultimately believing that Decius's lies would cost Caesar his life..