Caesar receives a stark warning to "beware the ides of March" from a soothsayer, yet he completely disregards this prophetic advice, dismissing the soothsayer as merely "a dreamer".
The Ominous Warning
In the play, Julius Caesar is twice cautioned by a soothsayer about a specific date. The warning explicitly states:
- "Beware the ides of March": This refers to the 15th of March, a significant day in the Roman calendar.
- The warning is delivered multiple times in Act I, emphasizing its importance and the soothsayer's earnestness.
Caesar's Dismissal of the Warning
Despite the direct and repeated nature of the prophecy, Caesar attaches no credibility to it whatsoever. His reaction clearly indicates his disdain and lack of belief in the soothsayer's foresight:
- He perceives the soothsayer as "a dreamer," implying that his words are fanciful, irrational, and unworthy of serious consideration.
- This dismissal shows Caesar's overconfidence and his tendency to ignore supernatural or unconventional warnings.
Summary of the Prophecy and Caesar's Response
The fundamental aspects of this interaction can be summarized as follows:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source of Warning | A soothsayer |
| Content of Warning | "Beware the ides of March" (specifically, the 15th of March) |
| Frequency | Delivered twice in Act I |
| Caesar's Perception | Considers the soothsayer "a dreamer" |
| Credit Attached | None; he does not lend credence to the prophet's words |
Caesar's casual dismissal of such a dire warning underscores his hubris and sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold on the very day he was advised to beware.
