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Questions and Answers
What does Calpurnia urge Caesar to do?
What does Calpurnia urge Caesar to do?
What does Caesar believe about the truth?
What does Caesar believe about the truth?
What does Calpurnia's dream symbolize according to her interpretation?
What does Calpurnia's dream symbolize according to her interpretation?
What advice does Decius Brutus give to Caesar regarding Calpurnia's dream?
What advice does Decius Brutus give to Caesar regarding Calpurnia's dream?
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What is the significant event planned by the Senate for Caesar on this day?
What is the significant event planned by the Senate for Caesar on this day?
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What does Caesar imply about the moment if he does not attend the Senate?
What does Caesar imply about the moment if he does not attend the Senate?
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Who does Caesar intend to send to inform the Senate of his absence?
Who does Caesar intend to send to inform the Senate of his absence?
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How does Caesar feel about Calpurnia's fears by the end of the discussion?
How does Caesar feel about Calpurnia's fears by the end of the discussion?
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What does Caesar ask for shortly before leaving?
What does Caesar ask for shortly before leaving?
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How does Decius Brutus use Calpurnia's dream to persuade Caesar?
How does Decius Brutus use Calpurnia's dream to persuade Caesar?
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What is Calpurnia's main concern about Caesar going out?
What is Calpurnia's main concern about Caesar going out?
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Which of the following does Caesar compare himself to when discussing danger?
Which of the following does Caesar compare himself to when discussing danger?
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What does the Servant bring back regarding the augurers' predictions?
What does the Servant bring back regarding the augurers' predictions?
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What does Calpurnia say happens when beggars die?
What does Calpurnia say happens when beggars die?
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What does Caesar imply about death in his conversation?
What does Caesar imply about death in his conversation?
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What significant event does Calpurnia describe that adds to her fears?
What significant event does Calpurnia describe that adds to her fears?
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What does Caesar dismiss when he states, 'the gods do this in shame of cowardice'?
What does Caesar dismiss when he states, 'the gods do this in shame of cowardice'?
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How does Caesar feel about the omens Calpurnia describes?
How does Caesar feel about the omens Calpurnia describes?
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What does Calpurnia describe witnessing in her dreams that frightens her?
What does Calpurnia describe witnessing in her dreams that frightens her?
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How does Caesar respond to Calpurnia's fears about going out?
How does Caesar respond to Calpurnia's fears about going out?
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What does the Servant report about the augurers' findings?
What does the Servant report about the augurers' findings?
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What metaphor does Caesar use to compare himself when discussing danger?
What metaphor does Caesar use to compare himself when discussing danger?
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What does Calpurnia suggest about the signs from the heavens when beggars die?
What does Calpurnia suggest about the signs from the heavens when beggars die?
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What philosophical view about death does Caesar express in his conversation?
What philosophical view about death does Caesar express in his conversation?
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What does Caesar say about cowardice and the gods' actions?
What does Caesar say about cowardice and the gods' actions?
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According to Calpurnia, what unusual occurrences does she witness that contribute to her fear?
According to Calpurnia, what unusual occurrences does she witness that contribute to her fear?
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What does Calpurnia plead with Caesar to do regarding his attendance at the Senate?
What does Calpurnia plead with Caesar to do regarding his attendance at the Senate?
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What interpretation does Decius Brutus provide regarding Calpurnia's dream?
What interpretation does Decius Brutus provide regarding Calpurnia's dream?
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How does Caesar initially respond to Calpurnia's concerns about the dream?
How does Caesar initially respond to Calpurnia's concerns about the dream?
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What reason does Caesar give for not wanting to send a false message to the Senate?
What reason does Caesar give for not wanting to send a false message to the Senate?
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What does Caesar say is his reason for not attending the Senate?
What does Caesar say is his reason for not attending the Senate?
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What is the Senate planning to do for Caesar on the day of the meeting?
What is the Senate planning to do for Caesar on the day of the meeting?
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How does Decius Brutus appeal to Caesar's ambition in his argument?
How does Decius Brutus appeal to Caesar's ambition in his argument?
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What does Caesar ask for before he leaves to attend the Senate?
What does Caesar ask for before he leaves to attend the Senate?
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What does Calpurnia's dream foretell according to her belief?
What does Calpurnia's dream foretell according to her belief?
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How does Brutus react to Caesar's decision to go to the Senate?
How does Brutus react to Caesar's decision to go to the Senate?
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Study Notes
Caesar's Decision to Go to the Senate
- Caesar is plagued by unsettling dreams and omens, with Calpurnia predicting bad events through visions of a statue of Caesar that runs with blood.
- The soothsayers warn Caesar not to attend the senate, and the entrails of an offering bear no heart, emphasizing a bad omen.
- Calpurnia pleads with Caesar to stay home, citing the portentous dreams and warnings.
- Caesar initially hesitates but eventually decides to ignore Calpurnia's pleas.
- Caesar prioritizes duty and reputation over personal safety, asserting that cowardice is more dangerous than danger itself.
- Decius Brutus argues against staying home, claiming a positive interpretation of the dreams, persuading Caesar to go to the senate.
- Decius convinces Caesar that a crown awaits him, while also reminding of negative repercussions of staying home.
- Decius highlights the potential negative perception and whisperings that avoiding the senate will invoke.
Omens and Portents
- Nighttime disturbances and unsettling events (e.g., a lioness whelping in the streets, graves opening, warriors fighting on the clouds, ghostly apparitions) foretell doom.
- Calpurnia interprets these events to be dire warnings, urging Caesar to stay home.
- The soothsayers and the entrails of the offering further amplify these warnings.
- Caesar believes the visions and portents are universal and not uniquely directed at him.
Caesar's Character and Motivations
- Caesar displays confidence and a sense of invincibility, disregarding the ominous portents and warnings.
- Caesar is portrayed as stubborn and resolute, unwilling to be deterred by fear or superstition.
- Caesar prioritizes his duty and public image (e.g., telling the senators a lie instead of staying home). Caesar believes he's more powerful than danger itself
- Caesar's strong sense of self-importance and ambition is underscored by his words and actions.
Interactions and Relationships
- Calpurnia is portrayed as a concerned and persuasive figure, ultimately unsuccessful in dissuading Caesar.
- Decius Brutus acts as the opposing voice, expertly persuading Caesar to attend the senate.
- The scene showcases the complex interplay between Caesar's confidence, Calpurnia's concerns, and the powerful influence of other characters.
Preparation for the Senate
- Caesar's entourage, including Brutus, Antony, and others, prepares for his departure to the senate, indicating the anticipation and the looming threat.
- Trebonius, while outwardly expressing loyalty, harbors a deception.
- Caesar plans his speeches, demonstrating a determined spirit.
- The overall scene is brimming with tension and foreshadowing, with characters showing their motivations and actions.
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Description
Explore the pivotal moment in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' when Caesar grapples with ominous dreams and warnings from Calpurnia. Despite her pleas and the soothsayers' forecasts of doom, he ultimately decides to attend the senate, prioritizing his reputation over safety. This quiz delves into themes of fate, ambition, and interpretation of omens.