Calpurnia's Character Development

In Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, Calpurnia’s horrific dream of Caesar is the

significant event which ultimately causes Caesar’s death and advances the plot.

Shakespeare uses character development to expand on Caesar’s character, conflict

between public and private life to initiate the events leading up to Caesar’s death, in

addition to a variety of omens and portents to create suspense while the plot advances.

Through character development, readers are able to deduce that Caesar’s desire

for the crown is what causes him to go to the Senate, where he is killed. Caesar shows

a very arrogant and prideful personality, and is very reluctant when Calpurnia asks him

to stay at home: “And Caesar shall go forth” (Shakespeare 2.2.48).

It is this behaviour

that results in Caesar going to the Senate where he is killed, thus advancing the plot. To

further show Caesar’s egotistic nature, he calls Calpurnia’s fears foolish after Decius’

new interpretation of the dream: “How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!

/ Give

me my robe, for I will go” (2.2.105-107). Not only does this statement expand on

Caesar’s character, it shows conflict between his personal and public life, and ultimately

leads him to his death.

Conflict between private and public life also influence Caesar’s decision and help

to advance the plot. When Caesar is first confronted by Calpurnia, he is inclined not to

go and listens to Calpurnia: “I will not come today” (2.2.64). However, his decision is

influenced when Decius gives his interpretation of the dream. Caesar feels it is

imperative for him to receive the crown, so he changes his mind and decides to go to

the Senate. Although he was once in agreement with Calpurnia, he felt his public

reputation was at stake, and decided to go to the Senate. This is significant as we see

two different sides of Caesar: one caring for his wife, and one showing a strong desire

for the crown. This conflict between personal and private life advances the plot as his

ultimate decision to disagree with his wife and travel to the Senate causes his

death.

The use of omens and portents in the scene also contribute to Caesar’s decision

in travelling to the Senate. The various bad omens put Caesar in a predicament, as he

is now influenced by both the omens and his wife. Although Caesar first finds the omens

as a mere “test” by the gods, it provides a great influence as it is Calpurnia’s final

statement that inclines Caesar to stay home: “Your wisdom is consum’d in confidence. /

Do not go forth today. Call it my fear” (2.2.49-50). The use of omens and portents, such

as the animal without a heart, combined with Calpurnia’s fear causes Caesar to stay at

home. This decision also advances the plot as it creates an opportunity for Decius to

convince Caesar that it is imperative he travels to the Senate to receive the crown.

The use of omens and portents, conflict between private and public self, as well

as character development all assist in advancing the plot forward, causing Caesar’s

death, and the events following it.