Superstition in Julius Caesar :: Classics, Literary Analysis, Shakespeare

Superstition was an important opinion in the popish times, as it was the driving force in unnumberable actions of the populace at that time. Shakespeare conveys the idea that many people tried to falsify what the future held, such as unfortunate events, by being superstitious. This is passing 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 ground 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 inner glorification when infertile women attempted to procreate while fertile women try more offsprings. Caesars apprehension concerning his wifes infertility is illust rated here(predicate) when he commands Antony, Forget non 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 articulate superstition. However, he (like many opposites) 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 condemnation of Caesars portending death. Out of Caesars 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. Cascas explanation 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 collectively meet, let not men say/ These are their reasons they are vivid / For, I believe, th ey are portentous things.(I.iii.29-31)Furthermore, people sometimes couldnt restore 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 going-over of Calphurnias 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 accident awaits Caesar should he leave his house that day.