Lecture on Julius Caesar's Character in Shakespeare's Play

Scene Overview

• Setting: Caesar's house
• Main Event: Caesar is restless, contemplating Calpurnia's dream.
• Calpurnia's Dream:
  • She cries out thrice about Caesar's murder.
  • Requests Caesar to stay home due to ominous signs.
• Strange Events in the City:
  • Lioness birthing in the streets.
  • Graves opening and the dead rising.
  • Battle imagery with blood raining and ghostly sounds.

Caesar's Reaction

• General Attitude:
  • Dismisses omens and danger.
  • Claims he is unafraid of death or destiny.
  • Sees danger as his inferior.
• Famous Line: "Cowards die many times before their deaths."
  • Paralleled later by Gabbar Singh's line: "Jo dar gaya, samjo wo mar gaya."

Caesar's Character Traits

• Power and Weaknesses:
  • Uses third person to refer to himself, indicating pomposity.
  • Vanity and pride in his supreme will.
  • Fear of power getting to his head.
• Greed for Power:
  • Desires Rome's crown, leading to his downfall.
  • Believes Decius Brutus’ story about the Senate crowning him.

Noble Traits

• Love and Respect for Calpurnia:
  • Attempts to comfort her.
  • Initially decides to stay home to reassure her.
• Friendship:
  • Invites friends to drink and be merry.
  • Openly shares concerns due to trust.

Vulnerability

• Trust in Friends:
  • Easily convinced by Decius Brutus.
  • Shares Calpurnia’s dream with him.

Contrasts and Irony

• Contrast with Assassins:
  • Open nature vs. secretive plots of his enemies.
• Bravery and Wisdom:
  • Philosophical acceptance of death.
  • Overcomes initial hesitation to go out.

Calpurnia's Persuasion

• Calpurnia’s Nightmare:
  • Sees Caesar's body as a fountain of blood.
  • Mighty Romans dipping hands in it.
  • Convinces Caesar on her knees until he agrees to stay initially.