In act 2 scene 2 of Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, you see Caesar's wife Calpurnia and another character Decious trying to persuade Caesar on whether he should stay home or go to the Senate house. As you compare the two arguments there are clear reasons as to why Decious argument is more effective than Calpurnia's.
In Calpurnia's argument one of the strategies she uses are scare tactics. She tells Caesar of the dream that she has been having “She dreamt tonight she saw my statue, Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts, Did run pure blood. And many lusty Romans Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it.” (Lines 39-42). She also uses her knowledge of him and brings his superstition into the equation. She speaks to him of omens and signs from the Gods of why he should stay home “A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets, And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead. Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds In…show more content… Although the difference was Calpurnia use it in a way to show her love and understanding but Decious used this in a way to manipulate Caesar and show him harm. Calpurnia said “Do not go forth today. Call it my fear that keeps you in the house, and not your own.” (Line 30-31) She shows here that she understands that his care for what others think about him is what will keep him going out the house, so she offers him the ability to blame it on her so he wouldn't look like a coward. Decious, however, used his pride to manipulate him by saying things as “Besides, it were a mock apt to be rendered for someone to say, “Break up the senate till another time when Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.” If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper, “Lo, Caesar is afraid”?” (Lines 57-62). This is the final line that Decious tells Caesar before Caesar decides to go out
