Becca Cantor Mrs. Smith English 10 Honors March 1st, 2013

Rome-ances of Rome

• In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the relationship of Brutus with Portia compared to that of Caesar's with Calpurnia can be compared and contrasted in various aspects. Shakespeare used the method of juxtaposition to do just that in the play by placing two scenes next to each other to show the differences in each marriage. The issues of equality and trust stand out the most, but the type of bond between the individuals of each marriage are very different as well. Although there are a few similarities, the relationships between Caesar and Calpurnia and Brutus and Portia are essentially opposites.
• In Julius Caesar, the two relationships, Brutus and Portia, and Caesar and Calpurnia, are highly differentiated. Brutus and Portia have a more equal relationship than that of Caesar and Calpurnia. Calpurnia refers to Caesar as “my lord,” illustrating her obedience and willingness to accept his superiority. In contrast, Portia is not afraid to stand up to Brutus and speak her mind, such as when she demands that he treats her as “a woman well reputed.” This exemplifies her belief that she is not an inferior being compared to Brutus. The contrasting views on equality provide an interesting viewpoint into the separate marriages.
• The trust that exists between these pairs is on two opposite sides of the spectrum. Within Brutus and Portia’s bond, there resides a sturdy and constant trust. This trust can be seen when Portia gives herself a voluntary wound to show that she can conceal the secret even under torturous conditions. Brutus sees her determination and deems her “stronger than her sex,” and rewards her with loving respect and trust, dissimilar to the bond between Caesar and Calpurnia. Their bond exhibits very limited trust. Calpurnia has a dream that predicts Caesar’s death. In the dream, Caesar is seen spewing blood like a fountain with the people of Rome rejoicing around him. Caesar ignores her warning and is easily swayed against her views, demonstrating his non-existent trust for Calpurnia. In doing so, he humiliates her. In other words, trust is found in Brutus and Portia's marriage more than in Caesar and Calpurnia's.
• Finally, the emotional bond which exists in all relationships differs in each marriage found in Julius Caesar. Portia and Brutus share a marriage based on mutual love and respect. In their relationship, secrets are shared, not withheld. Brutus' respect for Portia can be demonstrated when Portia gets down on her knees and pleas, yet Brutus says, "kneel not, gentle Portia." On the other hand, Caesar doesn't show much respect or love towards his wife, Calpurnia. He doesn't listen to her or try to help her when she is concerned and scared. Although the men treat their spouses differently, both wives seem to care deeply for their husbands. Portia is worried about Brutus' strange behavior after the conspirators left their house. After Calpurnia's horrific dream, she was extremely determined to help save Caesar from his ultimate death. In conclusion, the emotional bonds and type of relationship differs in both marriages.
• As Portia once told Brutus, "that great vow

which did incorporate and make us one", marriage combines two individuals into a single being. All relationships are different, in real life and in literature, as are all people. Shakespeare did a wonderful job of displaying the couples side by side using juxtaposition in Julius Caesar. The marriages between Caesar and Calpurnia and Brutus and Portia are, indeed, slightly similar, but for the most part, they are two worlds apart.