Julius Caesar

As the Ides of March approaches, a number of omens appear, heralding Caesar’s death. These omens include a violent storm, a lion in the middle of the city, an owl hooting in the daytime, and apparitions of men on fire and ghostly women. Along with these signs, Caesar was given warning by two fortunetellers and his own wife, Calpurnia, who dreamed that he died. Caesar’s ghost appears as an omen to Brutus on the eve of the battle with Mark Antony and Octavius’s forces.

These omens are interpreted in different ways, according to each character’s nature. Casca believes they are signs from the gods, casting doubt upon their enterprise. Cassius believes the signs are for Caesar alone; he even bears his chest to the storm, daring the lightning to strike him. In contrast, Brutus correctly interprets the apparition of Caesar’s ghost as a sign of his impending defeat. However, he does nothing to evade his fate. Brutus is honor-bound to see his campaign through to the end. 

The common saying “absolute power corrupts absolutely” is the driving idea behind the assassination of Julius Caesar and is a common motif throughout the play. Roman law reserved the right of the Senate to appoint a dictator to temporarily rule during times of crisis.