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All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 2Scene 2
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“blaze”
Wordplay
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 26b-31

An explanation of the pun on “blaze” in Act 2, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Caesar

                                  What can be avoided
Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods?
Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictions
Are to the world in general as to Caesar.

Calpurnia

When beggars die, there are no comets seen;
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.

The pun on blaze gives this line two possible readings:

  • Calpurnia reminds Caesar of the folklore belief that unusual astrological events, such as a blazing comet, signify a significant political event.
  • But "blaze" also meant to sound a trumpet blast to get people’s attention before making an official proclamation, such as—in Calpurnia's example—the death of a prince.