Julius Casar Symbols essays

Julius Casar Symbols essays Symbols are used constantly in all kinds of literature. At times there can be an enormous number of symbols to be interpreted in just one story. A symbol is an object, character, figure, or color used to represent abstract ideas or concept. A great example of the usage of symbols is in Shakespeares play, Julius Caesar. There are numerous symbols and signs that are to be interpreted throughout the play. During the play, omens and symbols reveal themselves constantly. On the night of the conspiracy, several omens and sign are apparent. For example, there was a very violent storm on the night the conspirators met, which is a universal omen for doom or death. Until Caesars death, each time an omen or nightmare is revealed, the audience is reminded of Caesars fate. The audience of course understands that these portents simply announce what is destined to occur, or what could happen if characters choose not to change their behavior. Characters throughout the play repeatedly fail to interpret the omens correctly. This is a plain example of how the characters in the play seem to have no power to change their fate, or recognize the symbols that we do. There are several instances in the play where events or statements predict a very accurate future. Yet, the characters almost entirely ignore these warnings despite their significance. One of the most prevalent examples of omens in the play is the Soothsayer. The Soothsayer first appears to give Julius Caesar the famous warning, beware the ides of March. The Soothsayer appears two more times in the play in order to remind the audience that Caesar is indeed destined to die. The vagueness of the Soothsayer's warnings seems to provide Caesar with an excuse to ignore them. This shows the audience how Caesar had been blinded by his great power, and thought of himself as invincible. Calphurnias vivid dream of Caesars inevitable fate was just another omen...