Act 2, Scene 2

Back to the Play
Caesar dismisses all the signs he shouldn't go to the Senate and his wife's pleas to stay home
Summary: 

Caesar remarks on the stormy night and his wife’s bad dreams. He asks the priests to do an animal sacrifice to see what the future holds for him. Calpurnia enters and begs Caesar not to go to the senate that day, as she has a strong feeling he will be in danger after having a dream about Romans drinking Caesar’s blood. Caesar insists that he is unafraid--everyone dies anyway. The priests report that they found no heart in the sacrificed animal--a traditionally bad omen--which Caesar interprets as the gods rebuking any potential cowardice. Still, Calpurnia insists once more and Caesar agrees to stay home and let Mark Antony explain to the senate that he is unwell.

Decius Brutus arrives and Caesar tells him to announce to the rest of the senators that he will not come that day, simply because he doesn't want to. Decius says that is not enough of a reason; he fears the senators will mock Caesar, especially if they know the true reason. Decius interprets the dream in a more favorable light, and Caesar agrees to go to the Capitol. A group of the conspirators, and Mark Antony, arrive to walk with Caesar. Caesar invites them in for wine before they go.

 

Interview: Caesar and Calpurnia

myShakespeare | Julius Caesar 2.2 Interview: Caesar and Calpurnia