Despite their many similarities, the few different elements between the marriages of Caesar to Calpurnia and Brutus to Portia, characters in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, provide a striking contrast, add to the suspense of the plot, and show how the fatal flaws of the two husbands tie in to how they relate to their respective situations. Granted, these two marriages have similar components. Both husbands were high-ranking politicians and both wives were educated and persuasive women. In addition, there was communication in both marriages. This is seen when Portia rebukes Brutus saying, “Is it excepted I should know no secrets...” and Brutus tells her the conspiracy plot. Communication is understood with Caesar and Calpurnia when he …show more content…
This is seen when Portia asks Brutus, “Is Brutus sick…” and, “Make me acquainted with your cause of grief…” Another time is when Calpurnia orders Caesar to stay home for his own good. Nevertheless, the differences in marriage traits between these two couples are more numerous than these similarities. In Brutus and Portia’s marriage, there is mutual respect and selflessness. Portia kneels before Brutus and calls him, “my lord” as a sign of respect and he addresses her as “Good Portia” in turn. Sensitivity is understood when Brutus tells Portia the conspiracy plan even though does not want to, out of concern for her mental health and because of the need for secrecy. In Caesar and Calpurnia’s marriage, there is dominance and desperation. When Calpurnia orders Caesar to stay home and when he refuses three times, saying that he will go to the Senate, the quest for marital supremacy is clearly seen. Anxiety is found when Calpurnia repeatedly pleads, “Do not go forth today” and after Caesar repeats three times, “Caesar shall go forth,” anxious to go to the Senate. These conversations between husband and wife serve to add drama to the plot through building suspense by quickly switching between the two