Julius Caesar Superstition Essay Example

another sign is witnessed during Caesar's meeting with the Augerers, who can be thought of as "psychics" of their time. They find that there is "No heart in the beast", which they interpret as an advice for Caesar to stay at home. However, Caesar brushes off this advice, thinking it to be a joke from the gods and dismissing it as hearsay. However, the next morning, his wife Calphurnia wakes up frightened after having a terrible nightmare. She informs Caesar about a battle taking place in the heart of Rome, resulting in blood spilling onto the Capitol and Caesar's painful death. This vivid nightmare is seen as a celestial omen indicating the death of rulers. While Caesar acknowledges Calpurnia's genuine concern for his well-being, he seeks an alternative interpretation, believing that the person dreaming the dream may not be the wisest in interpreting its meaning.Later, Caesar informs Decius about the vision he saw. Decius interprets it differently, believing it to be a positive and fortunate vision. He suggests that today is an auspicious day for Caesar, a day where he will receive praise and admiration rather than face any danger, as Calpurnia had feared. Caesar agrees with Decius, as most people prefer to believe in the more optimistic interpretation. After Caesar is assassinated by Brutus, Cassius, and the other conspirators, Brutus and Cassius flee to the countryside. There, they witness several superstitious signs indicating their upcoming defeat in battle. In a dream, Brutus sees Caesar's ghost, which he takes as an omen of his own defeat. He also notices that the usual eagles on the ensign are replaced by ravens and kites, which he believes

to be another sign of their loss at Phillipi. Unsurprisingly, Caesar's death is eventually avenged through the double suicide of the two conspirators. The play highlights the presence of superstition throughout and suggests that irrational beliefs about the causes of events and how to avoid them ultimately lead to Caesar's downfall and subsequent revenge.Mark Antony, a loyal supporter and friend of Caesar, described him as a gentle soul. He believed that Caesar possessed such a unique combination of qualities that even Nature itself would acknowledge him as a remarkable man.