Question

read the passage. then answer the questions that follow.

caesar. calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home.
she dreamt tonight she saw my statue,
which like a fountain with an hundred spouts
did run pure blood; and many lusty romans
came smiling and did bathe their hands in it.
and these does she apply for warnings and portents
of evils imminent, and on her knee
hath begged that i will stay at home today.

• the tragedy of julius caesar, william shakespeare

what is the symbol in this passage?
a bloody statue

how does this symbol contribute to the meaning of this scene?

it shows that caesar is in danger.
it shows that caesar needs to listen to his wife.
it shows that romans like bathing in blood.

Explanation:

Identify the symbol in the passage

Using the Symbolism in Drama knowledge point
The passage describes Calpurnia's dream where she saw Caesar's statue "Which like a fountain with an hundred spouts / Did run pure blood." The dropdown menu has selected "a bloody statue" as the symbol.

Analyze the contribution of the symbol to the scene's meaning

Using the Foreshadowing knowledge point
Calpurnia interprets the bleeding statue as "warnings and portents / Of evils imminent." This foreshadows the physical danger and assassination Caesar faces if he goes to the Senate, showing that Caesar is in imminent danger.

Answer:

Question 1

• a bloody statue (Correct answer)

Question 2

• It shows that Caesar is in danger. (Correct answer)
• It shows that Caesar needs to listen to his wife.
• It shows that Romans like bathing in blood.