Essay about Julius Caesar Superstition, Sacrifice,...

Superstition is considered a myth to most people, but for the ancient Romans, this was a historical belief. For the Romans, believing in superstition was a very ordinary thing. To them superstition explained the supernatural and strengthened their relationships with the gods (The Roman Empire). In the play Julius Caesar, the author William Shakespeare uses superstition repeatedly to affect the plot as well as the characters. Superstition in the play is used to foreshadow Caesar’s death, impact Brutus’ actions in the battlefield and to emphasize the Roman’s connection to superstition and fate. One of the biggest superstitious beliefs in Rome at that time was the power to see the future; which Caesar’s future was to die. Julius Caesar was†¦show more content†¦This form of writing and effect was found very entertaining for people of the theatre during the Elizabethan times (Alchin). Without superstition, and the culture beliefs of the public back the n implemented into the play, nobody would have watched or read Julius Caesar, thus making it a failure. Superstition is not something used to only foreshadow events, but it also has a key effect on the characters and the actions that they take. One of the most notable characters that have been affected by superstition was Brutus. Brutus was a man who was a friend of Caesar and as the play went along he joined Cassius in the scheme to murder their leader, Caesar. After Caesar’s death Brutus was drowned with subconscious guilt and was visited by Caesar’s ghost. The ghost was a manifestation of Brutus’ guilt and it told Brutus that they will meet in Philippi. Due to this superstition, Brutus believed that he was meant to die to meet Caesar’s ghost, so he committed suicide after the battle (5.5.55). This showcases the importance of superstition in changing the characters actions and affecting their lives. By creating the ghost of Caesar, Shakespeare not only shows the effect superstition has on Brutus but highlights Brutus’ beliefs and how he would commit suicide for his belief. This act by Brutus sets the tone for the play which is one of the main reasons why the play is considered a tragedy. Without Brutus, the play would not be a tragedy, because Brutus