During the life and times of William Shakespeare, prophecy had a strong influence on the Elizabethan people. The term prophecy represented the only certain method for predicting future events; Shakespeare uses this fact to his advantage in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Throughout the play, prophecy is used to aid in the development of main characters such as Caesar, Casca, Cassius, and Brutus, who will in turn emphasize important events in the tragedy. Until his assassination, Julius Caesar was characterized by his lack of interest. in warnings, especially those that take the form of prophecy. Near the beginning of the play, a soothsayer warns: “Beware of the Ides of March” (I.ii.24). Caesar replies: “He’s a dreamer, let’s leave him.” Pass” (I.ii.25). In doing so, the character of Caesar presents himself to the Elizabethan audience as scandalously audacious, a hamartia that will follow him throughout the remainder of the play. For example, when Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, dreams of Caesar's bleeding statue, she only says: "What can be avoided / Whose end is foreseen by the mighty gods?" » (II.ii.27-28). Later, when the matter is brought up again before leaving to attend the Senate meeting, he explains: The gods do this out of shame for cowardice: Caesar would have to be a heartless beast If he were to stay at home today today out of fear. No, Caesar must not; Danger knows very well that Caesar is more dangerous than him. (II.ii.41-45) At this point in the play, the audience would think that Caesar's death is easily avoidable without his boldness. Thus, Elizabethan viewers watch the assassination with much more distress than they would without Caesar's character flaw. Unlike Caesar, Casca's character is presented as entirely...... middle of paper...... prickly nature. . Because the ghost has said nothing about any harm happening to Brutus, he is not afraid of the ghost. This lack of response thus illustrates once again Brutus' admirable belief in the fundamental good of all. As with Cassius, the actions taken by Brutus following a prophecy serve to create more sympathy for him at the time of his death. To conclude, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is greatly enhanced by the character development presented through responses to prophetic events, particularly those referencing central figures such as Caesar, Casca, Cassius, and Brutus. Shakespeare has provided actors, audiences, and readers around the world with a work of art that fantastically presents the nature of people and their emotional demise. As such, Julius Caesar and his creator are known worldwide and recognized for their importance in the world of literature...