Calpurnia in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

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Dreams can come true. Calpurnia Pisonis had a tremendous opportunity to stop the murder of the most adored man in Rome, though she did not succeed. Julius Caesar, Calpurnia’s husband, typically listens to his wife when an important event is about to take place, but not this time. Likewise in history, Calpurnia had entered the same situation as William Shakespeare unfolded her into during The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
Calpurnia is portrayed as a polite, middle aged woman married to Julius Caesar, one of Rome’s most famous generals. She was Caesar’s third wife and the two wedded in 59 BC and was together until his life ended on March 15, 44 BC. Caesar had great respect for his wife, as well as she did for him. They treated each other fairly and loved each other dearly. Although Caesar had children of his own, Calpurnia was not able to produce a child like his previous wives had been able to. Being infertile does not only cause a rift in the marriage; it causes a sense of disappointment because Caesar will not have a heir in the family. Caesar demands Calpurnia to “Stand you directly in Antonius’ way;/ When he doth run his course” (I.ii.5-6) because Caesar believes that if Mark Antony touches Calpurnia during the race in the play; she will be cured from being infertile. There was always hope for her to bore a child, though that day could never come for them during their marriage.
Calpurnia is considered to have precognition, which is being able to foresee future events in dreams. Precognition allows her to dream of her husband, Julius Caesar, being brutally killed in the Capitol by Romans. During her dream, she dreamt that “Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds;/ In ranks and squadrons and right form of war;/ Which drizzle...

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...key, but compelling at the same time. Infertility had a small role in the play, but a large role in their life. Precognition occurred in the play. It allowed Calpurnia to make her husband realize it was too bad of a day to go outside of the house. Caesar could not seem to agree with her decision and the influence from his friend is what killed him. Calpurnia displays caution in every way that she can; through her voice, her gestures, and her concerns to other people. The history of her brother and father never really influenced her life in any way. She developed as a person on her own and did not need help from others. Calpurnia’s dream was significant because Caesar could have prevented his own death by listening to her, but he chose not to. Calpurnia quietly says “Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies;/ Yet now they fright me” (II.ii.13-14). Dreams do come true.

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