Stereotypes In Julius Caesar

Favoritism Based on Stereotypes
Caesar’s interactions with Calpurnia and the conspirators emphasizes his value over one’s background as a factor in his acceptance of one’s opinion. His lack of acceptance in the ideas of those who have a lower social standing displays humanity’s dismissal of the guidance of those who hold a lower social status as opposed to those who hold power. Caesar illustrates his disregard for Calpurnia when he complains that, “Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight. / Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out, / ‘Help ho, they murder Caesar!’ Who’s within?”(Shakespeare 2.2, 1-3) The metaphor that compares his restless behavior, caused by Calpurnia, to “nor heaven nor earth” not having “peace tonight” demonstrates

His perception of her concern being an annoyance illustrates his overall degradation of women in general because he dismisses the overall point of Calpurnia disturbing his sleep, being her worry for her husband. After Calpurnia attempts to convince Caesar not to proceed to the Senate House, Caesar automatically rejects her guidance after hearing Decius’ opinion on the matter, although he originally strongly considered her suggestion. He responds to Calpurnia’s proposal saying, “How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!/ I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go.”(Shakespeare 2.2, 105-8) The irony of Caesar rejecting Calpurnia’s proposal after he told Decius that he would not attend the Senate House meeting shows that Decius’ social standing was a main factor in influencing Caesar’s decision. This is displayed after he calls Calpurnia’s idea “foolish” because Decius’ social standing, as a man, proved Calpurnia’s suggestion as inferior. The diction of “ashamed” further proves that Caesar thought himself foolish submitting to Calpurnia as a man and Calpurnia, a woman. However, the tone shift in Caesar’s tone of enragement and superiority as opposed to his nature when he in company with the conspirators shows how his respect towards another changes according