Editor's Choice
In Act 2 of Julius Caesar, what is the purpose of Calpurnia and Caesar's conversation?
Quick answer:
The conversation between Calpurnia and Caesar in Act 2 serves to humanize Caesar, showing him as an ordinary man with vulnerabilities, rather than a public figure of immense power. Calpurnia's fears for his safety and her instructions to remain home highlight his mortality and the personal stakes involved. This scene contrasts with the political perception of Caesar, emphasizing that his potential death is also the personal tragedy of a husband and wife.
Put simply, this scene humanises Caesar, who has only appeared up to now (in the play) as a public figure, or in other people's descriptions. We've heard Cassuis pronounce him a "colossus", bestriding the world, we've seen him lead the festivities of Lupercal - and we've heard lots of conversations about him.
Suddenly, in this scene, Caesar is just a man with a wife: and a wife who is worried about him, and who fears for his safety. He isn't immortal, but just another man at the whim of the fates and the gods. Calpurnia - his wife - even gives him instructions:
You shall not stir out of your house today.
What is the point of the scene? It reminds us that, even if Caesar didn't think so, he is just an ordinary man without any supernatural powers. It reminds us that his death is not simply (as Brutus argues) a political move against the "spirit" of Caesar, but the murder of an old man.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.