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Portia vs. Calphurnia

They both care for their husbands:

Calphurnia: "Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,

Yet now they fright me. There is one within,

Besides the things that we have heard and seen,

Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.

A lioness hath whelped in the streets,

And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead.

Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds

In ranks and squadrons and right form of war,

Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol.

The noise of battle hurtled in the air.

Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan,

And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.

O Caesar! These things are beyond all use,

And I do fear them" (2.2.13-25).

Portia: "Nor for yours neither. Y' have ungently, Brutus,

Stole from my bed. And yesternight, at supper,

You suddenly arose and walked about,

Musing and sighing, with your arms across,

And when I asked you what the matter was,

You stared upon me with ungentle looks.

I urged you further, then you scratched your head

And too impatiently stamped with your foot.

Yet I insisted; yet you answered not,

But with an angry wafture of your hand

Gave sign for me to leave you. So I did,

Fearing to strengthen that impatience

Which seemed too much enkindled, and withal

Hoping it was but an effect of humor,

Which sometime hath his hour with every man.

It will not let you eat nor talk nor sleep,

And could it work so much upon your shape

As it hath much prevailed on your condition,

I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,

Make me acquainted with your cause of grief" (2.1.245-264).

In these passages, both Portia and Calphurnia are talking to their husbands. Portia is worried about Brutus, and Calphurnia is warning Caesar of danger.

Calphurnia believes in superstitions and omens:

Portia commits suicide:

"Impatient of my absence,

And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony

Have made themselves so strong—for with her death

That tidings came—with this she fell distract

And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire" (4.3.156-160)

"Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,

Yet now they fright me. There is one within,

Besides the things that we have heard and seen,

Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.

A lioness hath whelped in the streets,

And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead.

Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds

In ranks and squadrons and right form of war,

Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol.

The noise of battle hurtled in the air.

Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan,

And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.

O Caesar! These things are beyond all use,

And I do fear them" (2.2.13-25).

In this passage, Brutus is telling Cassius of Portia's death. She killed herself by swallowing hot coals.

Calphurnia is explaining the omens that she believes. These bad omens warn of Caesar's murder.

Portia

Calphurnia

  • commits suicide
  • superstitions and omens

Calphurnia is in a formal relationship:

Portia is in a loving relationship:

  • cares for husband

"Here, my lord" (1.2.4).

"You are my true and honorable wife,

As dear to me as are the ruddy drops

That visit my sad heart" (2.1.297-298)

  • in loving relationship
  • in formal relationship

This is Calphurnia's response to Caesar calling her. She calls him lord and listens to his commands.

  • married to noblemen

Brutus is speaking to Portia in this passage. You can see that he loves her deeply with the way her speaks to her.

  • communication
  • weak/has no say
  • strong/assertive/brave

Calphurnia is weak and has no say:

Portia is strong, assertive, and brave:

"How foolish do your fears seem now, Calphurnia!

I am ashamed I did yield to them.

Give me my robe, for I will go" (2.2.105-107).

"If this were true, then should I know this secret.

I grant I am a woman, but withal

A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife.

I grant I am a woman, but withal

A woman well-reputed, Cato’s daughter.

Think you I am no stronger than my sex,

Being so fathered and so husbanded?

Tell me your counsels. I will not disclose 'em.

I have made strong proof of my constancy,

Giving myself a voluntary wound

Here in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience,

And not my husband’s secrets?" (2.1.300-311)

Caesar is speaking to Calphurnia. After she tries to convince Caesar to stay for his own good, he responds and calls her fears pathetic. She has no say in what Caesar does.

In this passage, Portia is speaking to Brutus. She proves that she can be trusted with Brutus's secret by stabbing herself in the thigh. She also stands up for herself and explains to Brutus why she should be trusted. This shows how she is assertive, brave, and strong.

Communication is important to them:

Calphurnia: "Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,

Yet now they fright me. There is one within,

Besides the things that we have heard and seen,

Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.

A lioness hath whelped in the streets,

And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead.

Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds

In ranks and squadrons and right form of war,

Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol.

The noise of battle hurtled in the air.

Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan,

And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.

O Caesar! These things are beyond all use,

And I do fear them" (2.2.13-25).

Portia: "Nor for yours neither. Y' have ungently, Brutus,

Stole from my bed. And yesternight, at supper,

You suddenly arose and walked about,

Musing and sighing, with your arms across,

And when I asked you what the matter was,

You stared upon me with ungentle looks.

I urged you further, then you scratched your head

And too impatiently stamped with your foot.

Yet I insisted; yet you answered not,

But with an angry wafture of your hand

Gave sign for me to leave you. So I did,

Fearing to strengthen that impatience

Which seemed too much enkindled, and withal

Hoping it was but an effect of humor,

Which sometime hath his hour with every man.

It will not let you eat nor talk nor sleep,

And could it work so much upon your shape

As it hath much prevailed on your condition,

I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,

Make me acquainted with your cause of grief" (2.1.245-264).

In these passages, Calphurnia and Portia are communicating their feelings and fears with their husbands.

by: Matéa Parks

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