Question

Why does Caesar insist on going out to the Senate? Which aspect of Caesar's character is revealed by his action?

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, there are many omens and warnings that should have prevented Caesar from going to the Senate that day. First, he was warned by a soothsayer to "beware the Ides of March." Then, his wife Calpurnia has a bad dream that Caesar was murdered. Other bad omens have presented themselves as well.

However, Caesar vows to go anyway. He ignores his wife's pleading and says that "Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste of death but once." This shows his pride -- he is not a coward and he will not be taken for one.

At last, however, Calpurnia convinces him to stay home. When Decius comes to deliver a message to the Senate, Caesar makes it clear that he he CAN go -- he is choosing not to go. Again, this shows his pride, as he does not want to appear sick or weak.

But then Decius provides some powerful news: he tells Caesar that Senate was to crown him that day. Although this is an outright lie told to Caesar just to get him out of the house, Caesar is swayed by the promise of more power. This shows his greed for power, or his ambition. Had he not cared so much about a crown, he would have stayed home that day and likely kept his life.

Decius also implies that, if Caesar waits, the Senate might change their mind. He also hints that the Senate will laugh at Caesar and think him scared since he was so easily swayed by his wife's nightmares. Hearing these words, Caesar is convinced. He will now allow others to think of him as weak or scared. He tells Calpurnia he is going. And, although he does not know it, he will never return home again.