Shakespeare Studies. Name.

Superstition is considered a myth to most people, but for the ancient Romans, this was a historical belief. For the Romans, believing in superstition was a very ordinary thing. To them superstition explained the supernatural and strengthened their relationships with the gods (The Roman Empire). In the play Julius Caesar, the author William Shakespeare uses superstition repeatedly to affect the plot as well as the characters. Superstition in the play is used to foreshadow Caesar’s death, impact Brutus’ actions in the battlefield and to emphasize the Roman’s connection to superstition and fate.

The word superstition is often used very loosely, and should first be defined, before being used. “Derived from super 'above', and stare 'to stand', the Latin Superstitio signifies a 'standing over' or 'survival', describing an irrational or a credulous attitude towards magico-religious beliefs and practices in a modern civilized community long after these primitive ideas and customs have been abandoned by the more sophisticated section of society” (James 289). The exact definition of the word “superstition,” from the Gale database, tells us that the belief in superstitions was popular long after society had cast aside the thoughts from society. During this time, the belief of superstitions was growing more, as was the creation of plays and ghost stories. The belief in superstitions was caused mostly by ghost stories.

Caesar employs this quote to establish his power and to suggest his struggle. He stresses “for always I am Caesar” to allude to the idea that he has been given a new identity where he is responsible for projecting strength and bravery, and hence is unable to act upon warnings or even his own feelings. His arrogance can be noted when he dismisses the first portent when the soothsayer marks his death on the Ides of March. Caesar ridicules the Soothsayer and labels him as a “dreamer.” In addition, when he’s confronted with the Soothsayer, yet again, he taunts him by mentioning “The ides of March are come” (3.1.1). Caesar’s impertinent comments depict his excessive confidence as he continues to believe that he holds authority over his own fate. Caesar’s overweening haughtiness takes an immense toll on him once again, when he fails to listen to his wife’s plea. Calpurnia informs her husband that she envisioned Romans rinsing their hands in Caesar’s blood in a dream. However, Caesar is swayed when Decius Brutus interprets the dream as “a vision of fair and fortune” (2.2.95). Furthermore, aware that Caesar prizes his reputation, Decius Brutus toys with his pride, stating that if Caesar decides to not show up, the senate will whisper “Lo, Caesar is afraid?”

There were many different superstitions in the time of Julius Caesar. Many of these superstitions involved food, animals, or even ghosts and monsters. One superstition made the Roman children believe that “nasty monsters who would come to kill them if they misbehaved” (Froula,

Early on in the book Caesar, an egocentric man who is pliable only by stroking his ego, lets the reader get a sense of the type a man he is. He tells Antonio to "touch Calpurnia" for if she is touched it will cure her of her "bareness" (1.2 8-11). This shows that Caesar is superstitious.

William Shakespeare is a loved play writer and author by many people around the world. William Shakespeare born on April 26, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom, was one of the world's best known and most loved play writers, and poem writers. Shakespeare's parents were John Shakespeare (his father) and Mary Shakespeare (his mother). John Shakespeare was a leather and wool worker and money lender, and Mary Shakespeare was a stay at home mom. William Shakespeare was baptized at the Holy Trinity Church which was located in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

William Shakespeare was born on (or around the time of) April 23, 1564 and he lived in Stratford Upon- Avon, England. His parents were John Shakespeare and Mary Shakespeare. He lived with 5 siblings, three brothers and two sisters. William was the oldest in his house, he would have been the third oldest if his first two sisters didn’t die as babies. His family would have had 9 people in the same house, but with both of the sister’s deaths he had 7 people within his house.

Caesar fails to ignore the warning of a fortuneteller in Act I. The fortune teller says “Beware the ides of March” (1.2.21). As opposed

William Shakespeare is said to be the most famous influential author in English literature. He wrote thirty-eight plays, one hundred fifty-four sonnets and two poems, all of which are said to be a major force in developing the English language as we know it today. There is little known about the personal life of the famous author, but his works such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and King Lear have captivated the world for more than 400 years. It is hardly surprising that theories about the most famous author and his works have surfaced. Scrutinized for the authenticity of thirty-eight plays accredited to him, it was rumored that William Shakespeare actually claimed the work of others such as Christopher Marlowe, William Stanley, and Roger Manners, as his own.

Known as one of the best poets in the 16th century, William Shakespeare wrote many well-known plays we still act out today. Many people know of or have heard of William Shakespeare. His plays are used and taught in many schools all around the globe. Even though he wrote his plays back then, they still have meaning to us today. His whole life makes up who he is as a playwright.

William Shakespeare, arguably one of the most talented and prestigious English writers in history going back to the 1500’s. Shakespeare has written a total of 37 plays in his time. Most of the plays were widely popular amongst society and has challenged readers throughout time to fully understand the geniuses and the ideas of these plays. In this research one could find Williams Childhood, his education, his secret passion and an interesting theory that came across overtime.

The influence that William Shakespeare has on western culture and literature is undeniable. His legendary works are still in print and performed today. He is a pioneer of romantic and dramatic theatre as well as literature, and many quotes from his works are still widely quoted in pop culture today “400 years after his death, Shakespeare’s plays are as relevant today as they were when they were first written.” Through analysis and research this essay will answer the writer’s position that they are in fact still very much relevant today.

William Shakespeare is known worldwide as the greatest author, playwright, and poet ever in the English language. His plays are acted out worldwide. Literary devices and words the Shakespeare used have sculpted the English language. Many schools and colleges require that students read his novels. Despite all this, parts of his life are shrouded in mystery. Although many people believe that Shakespeare wrote his all his masterpieces, some people suspect that Sir Francis Bacon, Edward de Vere, or Christopher Marlowe used Shakespeare as a mask to secretly publish their own works.

William Shakespeare is a well-known writer for tragedies, histories, romances, and comedies. He is not only an inspiration for writers today, but influenced all literature after his writings. Shakespeare is the foundation of all literature today, proven by his huge contribution to the English language by inventing words such as gossip, lackluster, excitement, and many more. Although that is not well-known, his 3 pieces of literature called Romeo and Juliet, Julies Caesar, and Macbeth are very famous along with many other writings during the four time periods he had written in.

William Shakespeare was a popular English poet, playwright and actor. His plays are highly famous and continue to be studied and performed. Today, his plays such as Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet that are known all over the world.