superstition or truth
Superstitions are thought to be irrational, and resulting from either ignorance, or fear of the unknown. Some believe that superstitions can take control of their life, for instance, if a black cat crosses you're path, you will have bad luck. Most regard this as folklore and witchcraft. In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, superstitions took hold and played an important part of many people's lives. The characters believed that they were getting a vision into their future. Each character dealt with the superstition differently, some feared them, and some disbelieved them. These superstitions not only gave the characters, but also the audience quick looks at what is to come. They are important, and help shape the way the play was performed, and interpreted. The first superstition, which was clearly visible, is the soothsayer, who in the first act tells Caesar beware the ides of March. This is a superstition, because it is irrational, and it comes from a situation of high risk, and involves influences, which are unseen. This also shows Caesar's arrogance, its not just that he is not superstitious, but he also does not even let the soothsayer explain himself. He laughs at the soothsayer, and
Caesar recalls the dream to the other men. There was also another warning Caesar received. " The soothsayer is warning him of his own death date, and he laughs at him. Calpurnia here, my wife stays me out home. This superstition foretells of his own down fall. Caesar's arrogance cost him his life, and showed that superstitions sometimes do come true. He is fearful of death, and of Caesar. He knew that the ghost was an omen of his ultimate downfall, however he does not want to be regarded as a fearful or superstitious person, so he chose to ignore the omen The superstitions about dates, and events play a more important role, then apparent in this play. The omens these characters received might have seemed supernatural, or impossible, but for many people, they rely upon superstitions, and omens to make decisions. This is what makes them superstitions. Everyone, other then Caesar, and in the audience, could clearly see that he should have not left his home that day, but Caesar believed he was smarter then any omen, or superstition.
Common topics in this essay:
March Caesar,
William Shakespeare,
Brutus Calpurnia's,
Philippi171-173 Brutus's,
Truth Superstitions,
ides march,
caesar's arrogance,
thou art,
superstition irrational,
tells caesar,
own death,
believe beast,
foretell future,
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Acceptance Essays
