Superstition in Julius Caesar

Superstition was an important concept in the Roman times, as it was the driving force in countless actions of the populace at that time. Shakespeare conveys the idea that many people tried to circumvent what the future held, such as unfortunate events, by being superstitious. This is exceedingly eminent in Julius Caesar, as it influences the basic daily life of the Roman citizens. From naked thonged men to ghosts, almost every person has to deal with superstition, a task that many seem to take as life changing. In Julius Caesar, superstitious feelings within the characters alter their choices regarding life, death, and revenge.

The setting of the first scene with Caesar is based upon a superstitious belief, The Feast of Lupercal. Marullus states “You know, it is the feast of Lupercal” (I.i.67). This was a time of sexual glorification when infertile women attempted to procreate while fertile women sought more offsprings. Caesar’s apprehension concerning his wife’s infertility is illustrated here when he commands Antony, “Forget not in your speed, Antonius/ To touch Calphurnia.”(I.ii.6-7) He greatly anticipates that she will bear him a child as a result, which exhibits pronounced superstition. However, he (like many others) will change his view on superstitious actions. In the beginning of the scene, a soothsayer, old in his age, cautions Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March,"(I.ii.18) an admonition of Caesar's portending death. Out of Caesar’s haughtiness, and his low regards towards the old man, he overlooks it saying he is a dreamer.

However, it was not only Caesar who took superstition into account; many other citizens were afflicted by their conviction in omens as well. Casca’s chronicle of the seven portentous phenomenon he witnessed gives notice to the fact that he believes it is a message from the gods that an evil was going to befall Rome. “Do so conjointly meet, let not men say/ 'These are their reasons; they are natural; / For, I believe, they are portentous things.”(I.iii.29-31)

Furthermore, people sometimes couldn’t make decisions on their own, so they would go to the Augerers. Augerers were what you would call today, “psychics” and people would often seek their counsel on crucial affairs. When Caesar requests consultation with them after getting an earful of Calphurnia’s shrieks whilst asleep, he does not like what he hears. His servant returns and relays to him, “They (the Augerers) could not find a heart within the beast.”(II.ii.40). This unfavorable omen implies that calamity awaits Caesar should he leave his house that day.