Essay On Persuasion In Julius Caesar

Persuasion- the act of causing people to do or believe something. Persuasion is used at various points throughout the story such as when Cassius convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy or Antony’s compelling speech to the plebeians. In addition, when Decius convinces Caesar to arrive at the Capitol for his impending assassination. The language of persuasion is used extensively and adequately throughout William Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” ultimately impacting the history in the city of Rome. The first use of language as a means of persuasion was Cassius alluring Brutus into the conspiracy of assassinating Julius Caesar. Cassius entices Brutus using various clever techniques to persuade him. He blackmails Brutus with forged letters from the citizens of Rome describing how Brutus should assassinate Caesar and become the new ruler of Rome. The letters read, “Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself./ Shall Rome, etc. Speak,
Caesar was not planning on going to the Capital because his wife, Calpurnia, had an ominous dream that a fountain of Caesar, with a hundred holes, had blood pouring out with many happy Romans washing their hands in it. However, Decius manipulates Calpurnia’s dream into a positive implication. “This dream is all amiss interpreted/ It was a vision fair and fortunate” (2.2.83-84). He says that the dream meant that great men will strive on Caesar’s blood. Decius also intrigues Caesar by mentioning that there may be and offering of the crown by the senate today. “And know it now: the senate have concluded/ To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.” (2.2.93-94). Getting the crown would mean much prestige to his name, and also becoming the king of Rome. Decius wraps up by basically calling him scared and frightened of some absurd and ludicrous