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

Explanation:

Identify the symbol in the passage

The passage describes Calpurnia's dream where she saw Caesar's statue running with pure blood like a fountain with a hundred spouts, while Romans bathed their hands in it. This central image represents the key Symbolism in the scene. The statue pouring blood is the physical object that carries deeper figurative meaning.

Analyze the contribution of the symbol to the scene

Using our understanding of Julius Caesar Plot and Foreshadowing, Calpurnia interprets this dream as a warning of imminent danger. The bleeding statue foreshadows Caesar's upcoming assassination at the Capitol, where the conspirators will literally spill his blood. It heightens the dramatic tension and creates a sense of foreboding, warning Caesar of his death.

Answer:

Question 1

The symbol in this passage is Caesar's bleeding statue (or Calpurnia's dream of the statue running with blood).

Question 2

This symbol foreshadows Caesar's death and assassination, warning him of the imminent danger if he leaves his home.