Act 1 Scene 3 of Julius Caesar
Act 1, Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar has been made powerfully dramatic with the use of multiple elements, each of which contributes the dramatic appeal of the scene immensely. Shakespeare seems to have focused on four main elements that have been stressed upon throughout the scene, but it has impacted hugely on the conversation between Casca and Cicero.
Due to the play being written and first performed in the Elizabethan Era, a huge amount of supernatural elements have been used here. Supernatural occurrences were usually linked to bad omens or unholy oncomings, and Shakespeare has emphasized on the same in Casca’s lines, when he talks about a slave’s hand on fire and yet not burnt, men walking around the streets in flame and owls being sighted during the day, among other mentions. He has also manipulated the weather to add onto the negative and dramatic vibes that are exerted by this scene. Thunder and lighting, at night, could mean that something bad is about to happen soon.
The use of foreshadowing is also seen in many of the lines. Shakespeare seems to make a reference to Cassius’ soliloquy in the previous scene, showing us that this is a gathering of all those conspirating against Caesar. When Casca mentions the Gods probably sending them signs that something wicked is about to happen, Shakespeare foreshadows the impending death of Julius Caesar, as that is an event that is considered horrific by all those who support him.
Furthermore, Shakespeare has provided his Elizabethan audience with vivid imagery to convey the supernatural happenings. Casca’s description of all things unnatural is quite intense when he describes the women to be “ghastly” and “transformed with fear” when they see the “men all in fire” walk the streets. The owl has also been said to be “hooting and shrieking.” The lion “glared” at Casca and went by “surly.” These are a few examples of how Shakespeare has successfully used imagery to dramatize the scene.
Lastly, Shakespeare
Due to the play being written and first performed in the Elizabethan Era, a huge amount of supernatural elements have been used here. Supernatural occurrences were usually linked to bad omens or unholy oncomings, and Shakespeare has emphasized on the same in Casca’s lines, when he talks about a slave’s hand on fire and yet not burnt, men walking around the streets in flame and owls being sighted during the day, among other mentions. He has also manipulated the weather to add onto the negative and dramatic vibes that are exerted by this scene. Thunder and lighting, at night, could mean that something bad is about to happen soon.
The use of foreshadowing is also seen in many of the lines. Shakespeare seems to make a reference to Cassius’ soliloquy in the previous scene, showing us that this is a gathering of all those conspirating against Caesar. When Casca mentions the Gods probably sending them signs that something wicked is about to happen, Shakespeare foreshadows the impending death of Julius Caesar, as that is an event that is considered horrific by all those who support him.
Furthermore, Shakespeare has provided his Elizabethan audience with vivid imagery to convey the supernatural happenings. Casca’s description of all things unnatural is quite intense when he describes the women to be “ghastly” and “transformed with fear” when they see the “men all in fire” walk the streets. The owl has also been said to be “hooting and shrieking.” The lion “glared” at Casca and went by “surly.” These are a few examples of how Shakespeare has successfully used imagery to dramatize the scene.
Lastly, Shakespeare