Commentary Commenced by Caesar
William Shakespeare shows the underlying theme of decision making of a human being within Julius Caesar. The process of decision making of a human being is based upon the way one is able to be persuaded. This is shown through Shakespeare’s use of characterization and response to that portrayal, diction, foreshadowing, and rhetoric. Characterization gives the character a chance to express one’s view based upon how they see the situation. The reaction of the public displays if the character has a jaded personality or if they have advanced articulation and can woe a crowd. Word choice is used to manipulate one into a decision. Foreshadowing adds tension to the play by building anticipation about the character’s …show more content…
For example, when Caesar comes home to announce the defeat of Pompey, the mood in the streets of Rome is noisy and frantic. There are already games going on because it is the feast of Lupercal. Then, there is flourish when Caesar marches in with his soldiers. The cobbler says they are celebrating, “to rejoice in his [Caesar’s] triumph” (I. 1. 34). Using the word “triumph” expresses that the mood is celebratory and victorious. Next, the Soothsayer goes up to Caesar and announces that the Ides of March will be dangerous for him. The soothsayer repeats, “Beware the Ides of March” (Shakespeare 15). This simple wording creates an ominous mood added onto the play. A triumphant mood has been replaced with this creepy, menacing one. On the other hand, foreshadowing plays an important part in affecting one’s perception. Most importantly, Calpurnia's dream is an example of foreshadowing. She dreams of the murder of an important man, which gives one a direct hint that Caesar will die. After explaining the components of her dream, Calpurnia proclaims, “these things are beyond all use, and I do fear them” (II. 2. 25-26). Calpurnia gives a clear warning to Caesar and expresses her will to take precautions, but even after all of this evidence from beyond, Caesar’s ego drives him to go to the Capitol and collect his crown. Furthermore, more foreshadowing is presented when the Augurer sacrifices a bull, and finds no heart. The servant says, “They could not find a heart within the beast” (II. 2. 43). This is another clear sign that it is dangerous for Caesar to appear before the Senate. He accepts that there is nothing he can do to tamper with fate. Lastly, the aggressive thunderstorms serve as caution for Caesar. The swelling of the ocean, fire, and winds all vouch for Caesar to stay inside. Even Calpurnia says, “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the
William Shakespeare shows the underlying theme of decision making of a human being within Julius Caesar. The process of decision making of a human being is based upon the way one is able to be persuaded. This is shown through Shakespeare’s use of characterization and response to that portrayal, diction, foreshadowing, and rhetoric. Characterization gives the character a chance to express one’s view based upon how they see the situation. The reaction of the public displays if the character has a jaded personality or if they have advanced articulation and can woe a crowd. Word choice is used to manipulate one into a decision. Foreshadowing adds tension to the play by building anticipation about the character’s …show more content…
For example, when Caesar comes home to announce the defeat of Pompey, the mood in the streets of Rome is noisy and frantic. There are already games going on because it is the feast of Lupercal. Then, there is flourish when Caesar marches in with his soldiers. The cobbler says they are celebrating, “to rejoice in his [Caesar’s] triumph” (I. 1. 34). Using the word “triumph” expresses that the mood is celebratory and victorious. Next, the Soothsayer goes up to Caesar and announces that the Ides of March will be dangerous for him. The soothsayer repeats, “Beware the Ides of March” (Shakespeare 15). This simple wording creates an ominous mood added onto the play. A triumphant mood has been replaced with this creepy, menacing one. On the other hand, foreshadowing plays an important part in affecting one’s perception. Most importantly, Calpurnia's dream is an example of foreshadowing. She dreams of the murder of an important man, which gives one a direct hint that Caesar will die. After explaining the components of her dream, Calpurnia proclaims, “these things are beyond all use, and I do fear them” (II. 2. 25-26). Calpurnia gives a clear warning to Caesar and expresses her will to take precautions, but even after all of this evidence from beyond, Caesar’s ego drives him to go to the Capitol and collect his crown. Furthermore, more foreshadowing is presented when the Augurer sacrifices a bull, and finds no heart. The servant says, “They could not find a heart within the beast” (II. 2. 43). This is another clear sign that it is dangerous for Caesar to appear before the Senate. He accepts that there is nothing he can do to tamper with fate. Lastly, the aggressive thunderstorms serve as caution for Caesar. The swelling of the ocean, fire, and winds all vouch for Caesar to stay inside. Even Calpurnia says, “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the