The Shakespeare Book

THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MAN 177

there is an overwhelming sense
of destiny throughout the play,
specifically with the many omens
that appear during the action.

Ominous portents
Casca expounds on the unnatural
events that led up to the ides of
March during an equally ominous
thunderstorm. Fire drops from the
sky, men walk around the streets in
flames, lions stalk the Roman roads,
and nightingales sing at midday.
Casca claims “I believe they are
portentous things” (1.3.31).
The signs of doom, as Cassius
and Brutus choose to interpret
them, echo the Soothsayer’s
warning to Caesar to “Beware
the ides of March” (1.2.25). Caesar
ignores the omen by dismissing the
Soothsayer, while the conspirators
take the omens as a sign to attack
Caesar, rather than a warning
about impending turmoil should
they proceed. Both Caesar and
Brutus misinterpret such signs and
go on to make decisions with tragic

consequences. It is no accident

that, when Casca expostulates

about portents, the senator Cicero

responds with a statement that

rings true for every individual

in this tragedy: “Indeed it is a

strange-disposèd time; / But men

may construe things after their

fashion, / Clean from the purpose of

the things themselves” (1.3.33–35).

There is, in other words, a greater

force at work forewarning these

men of their destinies, but the

power to interpret and act on those

warnings lies with the individual.

Ultimately, Brutus takes advantage

of chances thrown his way, and yet

still ends in defeat. Octavius and

Mark Antony will overcome Brutus,

just as Brutus took advantage of

Caesar’s decision to ignore caution

on the ides of March.

The intricacies of fate aside, the

play makes clear the respect that

these men have for one another.

Brutus’s love for Caesar prevents

him from overcoming his guilt at

Phillippi; Caesar’s trust in Brutus

prompts him to exclaim “et tu,

Bruté?” [you, too, Brutus?] (3.1.77)

upon his murder; Cassius is loyal to

Brutus despite taking advantage of

his integrity; and Antony respects

Brutus who, in his opinion, “was

the noblest Roman of them all”

(5.5.67). They recognize nobility in

one another. This is what separates

this tragedy from others, including

King Lear, Hamlet, and Macbeth,

because every character is capable

and deserving of redemption. ■

Julius Caesar

is stabbed.

Portia eats

hot coals.

Brutus stabs

himself.

Cassius stabs

himself.

DEATH TOLL

I love the name of honour

more than I fear death.

Brutus

Act 1, Scene 2

Cinna the Poet

is torn apart by

the mob.