Proud Blonde!

Calpurnia and Portia both play a vital role in the political responsibilities of their spouses. Both are loving and concerned women that only want the best for their husbands, but Portia’s influence upon Brutus is that of much more consistancy and importance. Calpurnia was often shoved aside by Caesar for the advice and company of other men, something Portia never would have stood for in her marrige with Brutus. Therefore, Portia was not only Brutus’ partner in life, but also his career. Calpurnia simply put up with Caesar for his money and power more than her love for Caesar.

Personal questions I would have for a woman with the superiority and influence of that of Portia would include:
– Why did you chose a stoic such as Brutus as a husband?
– How do you and Brutus over-come times of hardship and deal with problems in your marrige?
– What do you make of this reign of Caesar amoungst your Roman Empire?
– When do you see your household becoming a home of children?
– Where do you see yourself and your husband in 10 years?

The answers to many of these questions for Portia are questions I may already know the answer to. Stoics should all have the same of very similar answers to these questions, as they are believers in their destined fate and devotion to the Gods and their rulings. These questions will not only show Portia’s dedication to her stoicism, but also to her husband and family. These questions are simply designated to test her and allow her to stay within her comfort area.

Other questions would result in quite a stir from most, but Portia’s stoic belief of containing her feelings will be put to the test. Indicating Rome to be in the possession of Caesar, or asking for her to reveal her problems and hopes for the future would cause intense, varying emotions from any stoic. These are the questions that will dive into her personal life and take her outside her normal safety zone.

The political structures, lifestyles, characters, and literature of the time of Caesar have created a very in-depth, informational act. We have uncovered many foreign traditions and languages that have very little meaning today, but in 44BC, these same traditions shaped the society, economy, and political structure of ancient Rome.

The 44BC Rome was one of much turmoil and confusion for all those alive at the time. The common people were searching for a way to receive more rights and privileges. The political figures and other influential people were fighting against this change happening to their Rome under the great influence of Caesar.

At times, like when Ceasar was talking to the plebs or when Cassius and Casca were insulting the plebian crowd, I had to look up adjacent information and get more background knowledge. When Caesar offered the crowd of plebs his ‘doublet,’ I had to find out that a doublet was a type of clothing worn by men during the Renaissance. During the scenes when Cassius and Casca called the plebs many names and insulted them with names like vulgar herd, idle creatures, or rabblement I had to look up these words and understand the language of the time. Other varying aspects I noticed during the act were the large differences put forth in the law and punishments for the people of the time. Even the judges (like Brutus) believed in the social hierarchy of the patricians, plebs, and slaves.

This act has set up a play which seems to be getting very tense and unsettled. Many of the characters are becoming more and more suspicious and I can see the play unraveling and becoming more coiled as the play continues.