Shakespeare's Themes in Julius Caesar

In Act 2, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar, the storm and omens foreshadow Caesar's fate. Despite Calpurnia's ominous dream and the augurs' warnings, Caesar initially decides to stay home. However, Decius persuades him to go to the Senate by reinterpreting the dream positively and appealing to Caesar's ambition. Brutus regrets Caesar's trust in the Senators, who are actually his enemies. Shakespeare uses repetition to highlight Caesar's indecision and the tragedy of his fate, raising questions about fate and human agency. The scene also parallels the relationships of Portia and Calpurnia with their husbands.

What is Caesar's attitude towards the storm and omens at the beginning of the scene?

• He consults with the augurs for advice.

• He is determined to go to the Senate despite them.

• He is fearful and decides to stay home.

• He ignores them and goes back to sleep.

What does Calpurnia dream about?

• A storm destroying the Senate.

• A peaceful day in Rome.

• Caesar's statue running with blood.

• Caesar being crowned by the Senators.

What initially convinces Caesar to stay home?

• A letter from Brutus.

• Calpurnia's dream and pleading.

• A message from the Senate.

• A warning from a soothsayer.

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 meaningless vision.

What does Brutus regret in his aside?

• That Caesar trusts the Senators.

• That he didn't warn Caesar earlier.

• That he is part of the conspiracy.

• That he didn't interpret the omens.

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

• Repetition

• Metaphor

• Irony

• Alliteration

What questions does Shakespeare raise about Caesar's actions?

• Whether Caesar trusts his wife.

• Whether Caesar loves Rome.

• Whether fate or human agency drives him.

• Whether Caesar is truly ambitious.

What is the parallel between Portia and Calpurnia in this scene?

• Both express concern for their husbands' safety.

• Both are indifferent to their husbands' fates.

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

• Both have dreams about their husbands.