Julius Caesar Group

Question:


starprincess
Student
High School - 12th Grade

How can I compare and contrast the scene between Portia and Brutus with the scene between Caesar and Calpurnia?

julius ceasar

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Posted by starprincess on Friday April 18, 2008 at 7:12 PM and tagged with brutus, caesar, calpurnia, compare, contrast, julius caesar, portia.

Answers:

  1. slshcolnik
    slshcolnik Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Read over the scenes between both couples - Brutus and Portia's conversation is in Act II, Scene i, and Caesar and Calpurnia's conversation is in Act II, Scene ii. You can also look for line-by-line "modern" translations of the scene online (google or such) to aid in your understanding if you have difficulty with the language.

    To compare, look at the fact that both wives are trying to convince their husbands to do something - Portia is trying to convince Brutus to confide in her, and Calpurnia is trying to get Caesar to remain at home for the day. Look for other similarities in how the women talk to their husbands - they both are meek and appeal to their husband's love, etc.

    To contrast, examine the husband's reactions to their wives and also the reasons the wives give to appeal to their husband's feelings. Portia appeals to her faithfulness as a wife and tries to make Brutus feel guilty about not "trusting" her. Calpurnia says a dream warned her Caesar should not go out.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/jc/act-ii-scene-1-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/jc/act-ii-scene-2-summary-analysis

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    Posted by slshcolnik on Sunday April 20, 2008 at 9:20 AM


  2. cummra Student
    High School - 10th Grade

    • both the couples having the different oppinion both the wifes are convience their husband portia is trying to convuece brutus calpurnia is trying to get caesar to remain at home at the ides of march because of her bad omens

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    Posted by cummra on Monday January 26, 2009 at 5:09 AM