Why Does Calpurnia Want Caesar to Stay Home?
In the classic play “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, Calpurnia, the wife of Julius Caesar, repeatedly tries to persuade him to stay home on the day of his assassination. This act of persuasion raises a significant question: why does Calpurnia want Caesar to stay home? Several reasons can be attributed to her motives, which intertwine personal concerns, political wisdom, and her intuition about the ominous signs surrounding the fateful day.
First and foremost, Calpurnia’s primary concern is her husband’s safety. As a devoted wife, she is worried about Caesar’s well-being and fears that he might face danger if he leaves the house. Her plea to stay home reflects her love and care for Caesar, as she tries to protect him from the impending threat that looms over him. This concern for Caesar’s safety is evident in her emotional appeal, “For the sake of Rome, for the sake of your dear life, tarry at home today.”
Secondly, Calpurnia’s request is driven by her political wisdom. As a woman of discernment, she is aware of the brewing conspiracy against Caesar and the potential consequences of his absence. She understands that Caesar’s presence at the Senate would make him a prime target for the conspirators, and thus, she pleads with him to stay away to avoid unnecessary danger. Her political acumen is showcased when she warns Caesar, “For there is a slipperiness in the way the stars do hang, / And under is a fog that doth hinder sight.”
Furthermore, Calpurnia’s intuition plays a crucial role in her desire for Caesar to stay home. She is a woman who possesses a keen sense of foresight and is able to perceive the ominous signs that the day holds. Her dreams and omens serve as a warning that something sinister is about to unfold, and she wants to protect her husband from the impending disaster. When Caesar dismisses her concerns, she replies, “I dreamt I saw my water troubled with a blote / And the apparition of Caesar’s spirit came / And by the side of him there stood a portent.”
In conclusion, Calpurnia’s desire for Caesar to stay home stems from her deep concern for his safety, her political wisdom, and her intuition about the ominous signs of the day. Her love for her husband, combined with her foresight and political acumen, drives her to plea with Caesar to remain at home and avoid the tragic fate that awaits him. This act of courage and devotion showcases the strength and resilience of Calpurnia, a character who plays a pivotal role in the tragic outcome of “Julius Caesar.
