Question

Significance of the Opening of Act I Scene 2.

Answer 1

The opening of Act I, Scene 2 is important because it introduces Julius Caesar and several major characters of the play for the first time. Caesar enters in a grand procession during the feast of Lupercal, surrounded by Calpurnia, Antony, Brutus, Cassius, Casca and others. His commanding position is immediately established when Antony says, ‘When Caesar says “Do this,” it is perform’d.’

The scene also reveals important aspects of Caesar’s character. He appears powerful and authoritative, but he is also superstitious, as he asks Antony to touch Calpurnia during the holy race so that she may be cured of her infertility. At the same time, his arrogance is shown when he dismisses the soothsayer’s warning, ‘Beware the Ides of March’, by calling him a ‘dreamer’.

Most importantly, the opening prepares the ground for the conspiracy against Caesar. Brutus expresses his fear that Caesar may become king, and Cassius uses this opportunity to influence him. Thus, the scene introduces Caesar’s power, his weaknesses, the growing political tension in Rome and the beginning of the conspiracy that drives the plot forward.