How does Decius Brutus persuade Caesar? (Julius Caesar)
How does Decius Brutus persuade Caesar? (Julius Caesar)
Decius persuades Caesar by appealing to his ambition, telling him the senate intends to give him a crown that day, and warning him that the senators' minds might change and mock him if he stays home.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for mentioning the promise of the crown and/or the reinterpretation of the dream and the fear of the senate changing their minds.
Hint
Decius uses three tactics: he reinterprets a nightmare, reveals what the senate plans to offer Caesar, and warns about what senators might think if Caesar stays home.
Quick Oral Answer
Decius Brutus persuades Caesar by reinterpreting Calpurnia's dream positively, telling him the senate plans to give him a crown that day, and warning that if he stays home, the senators might change their minds and mock him.
Analysis & Explanation
Tests understanding of Decius Brutus's persuasion strategy in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' (Act II, Scene 2).
Concept — three-pronged strategy
- (i) Reinterprets the dream — he turns Calpurnia's nightmare positive, claiming the blood flowing from Caesar's statue means Rome draws reviving blood from Caesar, a symbol of greatness rather than a death omen.
- (ii) Appeals to ambition — he reveals the senate plans to offer Caesar a crown that day; this is the decisive argument, since Caesar's desire for power is his greatest weakness.
- (iii) Fear of ridicule — he warns that if Caesar stays home due to his wife's dreams, senators will mock him and whisper that he is afraid.
Why it works
- This strategy succeeds because Decius understands Caesar's vanity, ambition, and fear of appearing weak, illustrating manipulation and flattery as a central theme of the play.
Common mistakes
- Simply saying 'Decius flattered him' is too vague; students should mention at least two of the three strategies, with the crown/ambition being the most important, and cite the specific detail about the senate's potential change of mind.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing Decius Brutus with Marcus Brutus. Decius is the one who comes to Caesar's house and persuades him to go to the senate. Marcus Brutus is the friend who later stabs Caesar.
- 2Only mentioning flattery without specifying HOW Decius flatters Caesar. The specific details matter: he reinterprets the dream, mentions the crown, and warns that the senate's minds may change.
- 3Forgetting to mention the crown as the primary motivator. While the dream reinterpretation and fear of ridicule play supporting roles, the promise of a crown is the most powerful argument that ultimately convinces Caesar.
Interesting Facts
Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' was written in 1599 and was likely the first play performed at the newly built Globe Theatre in London. The real assassination of Julius Caesar took place on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BCE.
The historical Decius Brutus (actually named Decimus Brutus) was indeed one of Caesar's most trusted generals. Caesar had named Decimus as a secondary heir in his will, making his betrayal particularly shocking to the historical Caesar.
The persuasion scene in Act II, Scene 2 is studied in rhetoric classes worldwide as a masterclass in manipulation. Decius uses three techniques in rapid succession: reinterpretation (of the dream), flattery (Caesar's greatness), and fear of shame (being mocked for listening to his wife).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Caesar initially decide not to go to the senate?
Caesar decided to stay home because his wife Calpurnia had terrible nightmares in which she saw his statue spouting blood like a fountain. She begged him not to go, interpreting the dream as a warning of danger, and Caesar initially agreed.
How does Decius reinterpret Calpurnia's dream?
Decius cleverly reinterprets the dream positively, saying the blood flowing from Caesar's statue signifies that Rome draws life and vitality from Caesar. He turns a nightmare of death into a vision of Caesar's greatness and importance to Rome.
What is the difference between Decius Brutus and Marcus Brutus?
Decius Brutus (Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus) is one of the conspirators who persuades Caesar to come to the senate. Marcus Brutus is the more famous conspirator, Caesar's close friend, whose betrayal is the emotional centre of the play. They are different historical figures.