Julius Caesar · Chapter
Scene II explained
At Caesar's house during a storm, Calpurnia pleads with Caesar not to go to the Senate due to her ominous dreams and portents.
What happens
At Caesar's house during a storm, Calpurnia pleads with Caesar not to go to the Senate due to her ominous dreams and portents. Caesar initially agrees to stay home, but Decius Brutus reinterprets the dream favorably and mentions the Senate plans to crown him, persuading Caesar to go. The conspirators arrive to escort him, and Trebonius hints at betrayal.
Themes in this chapter
Fate vs. Free Will
Caesar debates whether to heed omens and his wife's warnings or assert his own will, ultimately choosing to go to the Senate.
Manipulation and Rhetoric
Decius Brutus manipulates Caesar by reinterpreting Calpurnia's dream and appealing to his ambition for the crown.
Public vs. Private Self
Caesar's private fears are overridden by his public persona and desire to appear fearless before the Senate.
Characters to notice
- Julius Caesar
Defiantly insists on going to the Senate despite Calpurnia's fears, but is swayed by Decius's flattery.
- Calpurnia
Pleads with Caesar to stay home, recounting her terrifying dream and other omens.
- Decius Brutus
Reinterprets Calpurnia's dream positively and persuades Caesar to attend the Senate.
- Mark Antony
Arrives to escort Caesar, greeted by Caesar.
- Marcus Brutus
Arrives with the conspirators; aside, expresses inner conflict about Caesar.
- Caius Cassius
Present among the conspirators escorting Caesar.
- Casca
Arrives with the group to accompany Caesar.
- Trebonius
Arrives with the conspirators and hints at betrayal in an aside.
Key passages
“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”
Those who are afraid experience death many times in their minds, but the brave only die once.
Caesar dismisses fear of death as cowardly.
“When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”
Ordinary people die unnoticed, but the death of great leaders is marked by celestial signs.
Calpurnia argues that omens are significant for Caesar's fate.
“This dream is all amiss interpreted; It was a vision fair and fortunate: Your statue spouting blood in many pipes... Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck Reviving blood.”
Your dream has been misunderstood; it actually means that your blood will bring new life and honor to Rome.
Decius reinterprets Calpurnia's dream to flatter Caesar.