Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: Key Themes

In Act 2, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar, despite ominous warnings and Calpurnia's troubling dream, Caesar is determined to go to the Senate. Calpurnia dreams of Caesar's statue running with blood, and the augurs find no heart in a sacrificed animal. Initially swayed by Calpurnia's fears, Caesar decides to stay home. However, Decius reinterprets the dream positively and persuades Caesar to go, promising a crown. Brutus regrets Caesar's trust in the Senate, which is actually plotting against him. Shakespeare uses repetition to highlight Caesar's indecision and explores themes of fate and human agency, leaving open the interpretation of Caesar's end. The scene also draws a parallel between the worries of Portia and Calpurnia for their husbands.

What is Caesar's initial reaction to the storm and omens?

• He consults with the augurs.

• He is determined to go to the Senate.

• He sends a messenger to the Senate.

• He decides to stay home.

What does Calpurnia dream about?

• Caesar being crowned.

• A peaceful Rome.

• Caesar's statue running with blood.

• A storm destroying the Senate.

How does Decius reinterpret Calpurnia's dream?

• As a warning of danger.

• As a sign of Caesar's impending death.

• As a good omen for Rome.

• As a message to stay home.

What does Decius tell Caesar about the Senators?

• They plan to arrest him.

• They will give him a crown.

• They are plotting against him.

• They want him to stay home.

What does Brutus regret in his aside?

• That Caesar trusts the Senators.

• That he didn't interpret the omens.

• That he is part of the conspiracy.

• That he didn't warn Caesar.

What literary device does Shakespeare use to highlight Caesar's indecision?

• Metaphor

• Repetition

• Irony

• Alliteration

What is Caesar's stance on omens?

• He fully believes in them.

• He dismisses them entirely.

• He is conflicted about them.

• He is indifferent to them.

What question does Shakespeare raise about Caesar's actions?

• Is Caesar's fate predetermined?

• Is Caesar's ambition his downfall?

• Is Caesar's courage genuine?

• Is Caesar aware of the conspiracy?

What is the parallel between Portia and Calpurnia?

• Both are concerned for their husbands' safety.

• Both are indifferent to their husbands' fates.

• Both have dreams about their husbands.

• Both try to stop their husbands from going to the Senate.