How Does Shakespeare Use Language In Julius Caesar

Shakespeare’s use of language in his play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is carefully chosen to remain pivotal in the establishment and development of his characters. Throughout the second scene of the second act, the motivations and attributes that structure the character of the Roman emperor are clearly exhibited. His scepticism and apprehension toward his wife, Calpurnia, coupled with his complete conviction regarding Decius Brutus, illustrate the fickle and irresolute disposition that ultimately befalls his demise. Accompanying this, the ease of manipulation within the chosen scene, between all three central characters, is incessant. This is especially prevalent between Caesar and Calpurnia, due to the differing social standing due to gender,

Throughout the second scene of act two, Caesar’s beliefs and position are constantly in flux. Initially, he expresses disdain and abandon for the opinions and beliefs of his wife, Calpurnia, stating “Yet Caesar shall go forth, for these predictions / are to the world in general as to Caesar.” (Shakespeare 38-39) indicating his belief that he only faces the same risks that face any other citizen of Rome. After the return of the servant, stating the outcome from the augers’ ritual to concur with the opinion that “they would not have [Caesar] stir forth today” (Shakespeare 48), Caesar ultimately alters his position once more, agreeing to remain at home. This fickle nature continues for the remainder of the scene, with him quickly altering his opinion for a third time when coerced by Decius, saying “… this way you have expounded it well.” (Shakespeare 92). Caesar’s temperamental and unpredictable opinion is also echoed in his referral of himself in the third person. The use of third person, when referring to himself, allows the audience to observe the otherworldly and godlike self-perception that Caesar possesses. Such an ethereal self-image is strongly evident succeeding the return of the servant, where the reference and the obvious egalitarian view of Caesar and the roman gods is distinct, saying “The gods do this in shame of cowardice. / Caesar should be a beast without a heart / If he should stay at home today for fear.” (Shakespeare 41-43). Shakespeare’s use of metaphor here dehumanises Caesar and outlines his clear godlike self-perception. Apropos of Caesar’s divine implication of himself, Shakespeare uses the personification and notion of danger to express the power and invincibility that Caesar believes he retains, stating “… Danger knows