Essay On Omens In Julius Caesar

In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Caesar’s arrogance and inability to heed the bad omens leads to his death which ultimately could’ve been avoided. Throughout the play, Shakespeare foreshadows tragic events, however Caesar focuses more on his public image, than his ruling of Rome, which is a tragic flaw, allowing him to be vulnerable to unsuspected attacks; his slaying. As the plot unfolds, it is clear that the omens warn events, however they are only to be shrugged away. Most of the omens, target Caesar specifically, however he believes the omens could easily apply to anyone in Rome. The strict and hardworking reputation that Caesar upholds lacks, when dealing with these omens, disregarding them as ‘misinterpretations’. Many characters of Julius Caesar are present during the annunciation of the omens, however, they fail to heed these omens and belittle them as they believe nothing can harm the colossus, Caesar. …show more content…
During the ides of March, Calpurnia convinces Caesar not to participate at the senate meeting due to the horrific vision she had the night before. Calpurnia’s unrest is also confirmed by the Augurers who tell Caesar ‘They could not find a heart within the beast’ Calpurnia also mentions a vision where the statue of Caesar had’ a fountain with an hundred spouts,Did run pure blood. And many lusty Romans
Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it’.’ Caesar submits to these reasons and decides not to go to the senate, however, with the arrival of Decius Brutus, Caesar’s decision changes drastically. In order to please his friends and protect his public image Caesar quickly dismisses Calpurnia, as a ‘misinterpretation’ as he was convinced after Decius Brutus suggesting Rome will question, “Lo, Caesar is afraid.’ It is shown Caesar cares more about his public image, then his wife, which outlines his recklessness, which leads to his