Question

Caesar remarks on the stormy night and his wife’s bad dreams. He asks the priests to do an animal sacrifice to see what the future holds for him. Calpurnia enters and begs Caesar not to go to the senate that day, as she has a strong feeling he will be in danger after having a dream about Romans drinking Caesar’s blood. Caesar insists that he is unafraid--everyone dies anyway. The priests report that they found no heart in the sacrificed animal--a traditionally bad omen--which Caesar interprets as the gods rebuking any potential cowardice. Still, Calpurnia insists once more and Caesar agrees to stay home and let Mark Antony explain to the senate that he is unwell.

Decius Brutus arrives and Caesar tells him to announce to the rest of the senators that he will not come that day, simply because he doesn't want to. Decius says that is not enough of a reason; he fears the senators will mock Caesar, especially if they know the true reason. Decius interprets the dream in a more favorable light, and Caesar agrees to go to the Capitol. A group of the conspirators, and Mark Antony, arrive to walk with Caesar. Caesar invites them in for wine before they go.

Why doesn't Caesar want the people to be told that he will not go to the Capitol because he's sick?

Answer 1

Caesar wishes to maintain a strong and fearless image, avoiding any signs of weakness or superstition that being unwell might imply to the Roman public.

Step-by-step explanation:

Caesar does not want the people to be told that he will not go to the Capitol because he is unwell as it might display a sense of weakness or superstition, and could potentially undermine his image of fortitudinous leadership. In ancient Rome, leaders were expected to show courage and strength.

Caesar's insistence on being perceived as fearless, even in the face of bad omens and his wife's foreboding dreams, highlights his desire to maintain a reputation of invulnerability.

Caesar does not want the people to be told that he will not go to the Capitol because he is sick because he fears that the senators will mock him if they know the true reason.

Decius Brutus suggests interpreting Calpurnia's dream in a more favorable light, which Caesar agrees to, as it presents him in a stronger and more powerful position. Caesar wants to maintain his image of being fearless and unafraid of any danger.