LEC052022. Gopika.N. Critically discuss the significance of the reference to the ‘Ides of March’ in Julius Caesar
Critically discuss the significance of the reference to the ‘Ides of March’ in Julius Caesar
The short life span of Julius Caesar, holds utmost importance in the Roman history and so does this great Shakespearian tragedy in English Literature. Julius Caesar was initially published in 1623, in the First Folio. “The Ides of March” is the 74th day in the Roman Calendar, that is, 15th of March. Though this day is marked by various religious rituals, its utmost significance in the Roman history, can be marked since 44BCE, when Caesar was stabbed to death on this day. “Caesar enjoyed the triumph until he was defeated ultimately by the conspirators Brutus and Cassius”(Britannica). Julius Caesar being a fine tragedy, ‘Ides of March’ is the tragic flaw or Hamartia in it and ultimately in the history of Rome as well.
In the Act I, Scene II of Julius
Caesar, the soothsayer warns Caesar of the Ides of March, which in actual, was
a foreshadow of the tragic flaw and the eternal sleep of Caesar that follows.
But, unaware of these, Caesar who least expected a betrayal, neglected the
warning. On
the day of the Ides of March, another conversation happens between Caesar and
the soothsayer.
CAESAR. The ides of March are come.
SOOTHSAYER.
Ay, Caesar; but not gone. (III. i. 92)
As this scene comes to an end, Caesar was stabbed to death. The
soothsayer thus becomes the major foreshadow in the play which signifies the
unavoidable hamartia, along with other pagan omens and myths.
The dreams that Calpurnia encounters is an ideal example to state the
pagan omens portrayed by Shakespeare in the play. Fearful sights are seen by
Casca on a stormy night. Horrible visions like blood dripping on the Capitol,
the dear groaning in the graves and ghosts shrieking in the streets, were being
witnessed by the watchmen. And to Calpurnia, these are ill omens, which happens
to be proven as true, at the earliest. Even after the death of Caesar, a lot of
supernatural elements were depicted in the play. (p. 229)
In English literature, the Ides of March has undertones of betrayal, since its introduction in Julius Caesar. "For years, those who have read and studied the play, Ides of March has assumed several connotations, most importantly being that of betrayal. In fact, one of the most celebrated moments from Shakespeare’s play was of Caesar exclaiming in shock and remorse, “Et tu, Brute? Then fall Caesar”. He had said that when he saw his dear friend Brutus too as part of the co-conspirators. Seeing Brutus betray and stab him with the rest, Caesar accepted his fate – “Then fall Caesar”" (The Literary Significance).
Shakespeare did
perfectly blend together superstitions and history into literature, as he
brewed the best work of words, and one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies
ever. The Ides of March shall be considered as the base on which, the entire
tragedy was structured upon. The tragic flaw of the great hero is marked by the
Ides of march, decorated with Caesar’s hubris, and so is the downfall of the
Roman empire.
Works Cited
Primary Sources
Shakespeare,
William. Julius Caesar. M.G Publishers, 2015.
Secondary Sources
“The Literary Significance of The Ides of March.” The Indian
Express, 15 March 2020, https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/the-literary-significance-of-ides-of-march-6315265/. Accessed on 13 Jan 2021.
“William
Shakespeare” Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Shakespeare/Julius-Caesar
The hypothesis was clear. The concluding paragraph has restated the argument. The citations are also done according to the MLA format except in the part where a paragraph was to be indented.
ReplyDeleteThe historical significance of 'ides of march' is clearly stated. Hypothesis and argument are clear.
ReplyDeleteThe title of the work should be italicized.
Title of the essay should be italicized.Both the Hypothesis and the argument is clear.There is a smooth transition between paragraphs.The last paragraph should be indented.
ReplyDeleteThe essay is well structured. The title of the text should be italicized. The lines quoted in the third body paragraph is not intended.
ReplyDeleteA proper argument with hypothesis and supporting statements have justified the title. The transition in paragraphs is scheduled episodically. There is also a methodical approach to the subject. The works are cited in accordance with the guidelines of MLA but the formatting style is not systematic and the cited works are not intended. There is also some confusion regarding the in-text citation.
ReplyDeleteThe language of the essay is coherent, for the most part.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, the paragraph structure can be reworked, so as to accommodate a comprehensive analysis of the ideas introduced.
A finer use of linking sentences would have made the essay a smoother read.
Some content words in the title are not capitalised: “discuss”, “significance”, and “reference”. The name of text in title is not italicised.
There is a logical problem in the statement, “the ides of March is the hamartia… of Julius Caesar”.
In-text citation: Does not strictly follow the MLA format; it is unnecessary for a two line quotation (the dialogue between Caesar and the soothsayer) to be brought down to a separate paragraph.
Grammar: In the first line, the comma between “Caesar” and “holds” is unnecessary. Word rearrangement in the second line of the paragraph before the last would make it more comprehensible. It is best to use the present tense while narrating the events in a piece of literature.
The works cited do not strictly adhere to the MLA format.
The hypothesis and arguments are clearly stated. The title of the text should be italicized. MLA format is followed but in some places, indentation is not done properly. The works cited are not indented.
ReplyDelete