Question

The Roles of Fate, Predictions and Tragedy are dominant in the play - (with reference to Caesar, Calpurnia, Brutus and Cassius).

Answer 1

Fate, predictions and tragedy play an important role in Julius Caesar. Caesar receives several warnings about his death, especially from the soothsayer, who tells him to ‘Beware the Ides of March’. Calpurnia also dreams of Caesar’s statue running with blood and begs him not to go to the Capitol. However, Caesar ignores these warnings and meets his tragic end.

Brutus too seems caught in fate. Caesar’s Ghost appears to him and says that they will meet again at Philippi. This prediction comes true when Brutus is defeated and dies there.

Cassius first rejects omens, but later becomes superstitious when eagles are replaced by ravens, crows and kites before the battle. He takes these as signs of approaching defeat and death.

Thus, Shakespeare uses predictions, omens and supernatural signs to create suspense and show that the tragic fate of Caesar, Brutus and Cassius seems unavoidable.