PORTIA
I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House.
Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.
Why dost thou stay?
Explanation: Portia urgently asks Lucius (her servant) to go to the Senate House without delay, implying that she is anxious or worried. She does not want him to stop and answer her questions.
Language Device: Urgency and Command – The language used here is direct and commanding, showing Portia’s anxiety and her need for information.
LUCIUS
To know my errand, madam.
Explanation: Lucius is asking for clarification about what exactly he is supposed to do. He is respectful and obedient but needs some direction.
Language Device: Politeness and Obedience – Lucius responds in a polite, formal manner, highlighting the power dynamic between him and Portia.
PORTIA
I would have had thee there and here again
Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there.
Aside. O constancy, be strong upon my side;
Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue.
I have a man’s mind but a woman’s might.
How hard it is for women to keep counsel!—
Explanation: Portia is frustrated because she wishes Lucius had already completed his errand. She longs to act decisively, but she is struggling with her emotions. She wants to be strong and keep her thoughts hidden, but being a woman makes it harder for her to keep secrets.
Language Devices:
Metaphor (“Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue”): Portia wishes she could block her feelings from coming out. The mountain represents a barrier between her emotions and her speech.
Contradiction (“I have a man’s mind but a woman’s might”): Portia compares her strong will and intellect (traditionally seen as masculine traits) with her weaker physical power (associated with femininity). This highlights the struggle she faces as a woman in a patriarchal society.
LUCIUS
Art thou here yet?
Explanation: Portia asks again, showing her impatience as Lucius is still standing before her without completing the task.
Language Device: Repetition – The repetition of questioning reveals Portia’s anxiety and growing frustration.
LUCIUS
Madam, what should I do?
Run to the Capitol, and nothing else?
And so return to you, and nothing else?
Explanation: Lucius asks for clarification, seeking to understand what exactly Portia wants him to do. He is being thorough and wants to make sure he is fulfilling her request correctly.
Language Device: Repetition – Lucius repeats “nothing else,” emphasizing his desire to focus only on Portia’s command and not get distracted by other tasks.
PORTIA
Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well,
For he went sickly forth. And take good note
What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him.
Explanation: Portia wants Lucius to watch Brutus closely and report on how he is doing, as Brutus left sick earlier. She also asks him to observe what Caesar is doing and which people are seeking Caesar’s attention, possibly hinting at Caesar’s potential threat.
Language Devices:
Foreshadowing (“For he went sickly forth”): This suggests Brutus might be struggling with his role in the conspiracy, and Portia is concerned about him.
Command and Care: Portia gives Lucius clear instructions, showing both care for her husband and an intense focus on the events surrounding Caesar.
PORTIA
Hark, boy, what noise is that?
Explanation: Portia hears something and calls Lucius’ attention to it. She is alert and cautious, trying to sense any danger or unusual happenings.
Language Device: Suspense – The phrase builds suspense, making the reader or audience wonder what the noise is and how it relates to the unfolding conspiracy.
LUCIUS
I hear none, madam.
Explanation: Lucius does not hear anything, confirming that there is no immediate danger.
Language Device: Contrast – There’s a contrast between Portia’s heightened senses and Lucius’ calm, reflective nature.
PORTIA
Prithee, listen well.
I heard a bustling rumor like a fray,
And the wind brings it from the Capitol.
Explanation: Portia urges Lucius to listen more carefully, as she believes she heard something important—possibly a fight or disturbance—coming from the Capitol, hinting at possible unrest.
Language Device:
Imagery (“bustling rumor like a fray”): Portia creates a vivid image of chaos or confusion, increasing the sense of impending danger.
Personification (“the wind brings it”): The wind is given human-like qualities, suggesting that information is being carried from the Capitol to Portia.
LUCIUS
Sooth, madam, I hear nothing.
Explanation: Lucius dismisses Portia’s concern, still not hearing anything unusual.
Language Device: Reassurance – Lucius’ calm response contrasts with Portia’s growing unease, reinforcing the tension between their perceptions of the situation.
Enter the Soothsayer.
Explanation: The entrance of the Soothsayer adds to the sense of foreboding and reinforces the idea that something important is happening. Soothsayers in Shakespeare’s works often foreshadow events or provide guidance.
PORTIA
Come hither, fellow. Which way hast thou been?
Explanation: Portia immediately addresses the Soothsayer, eager to get information about what is happening, as she is deeply concerned about Brutus and Caesar.
Language Device: Direct Command – Portia’s directness shows her sense of urgency.
SOOTHSAYER
At mine own house, good lady.
Explanation: The Soothsayer explains that he was at home, indicating that he has not been directly involved in the events unfolding around Caesar.
Language Device: Simple Response – The Soothsayer provides a straightforward answer, further highlighting Portia’s desperation for more information.
PORTIA
What is ’t o’clock?
Explanation: Portia asks the time, signaling that she is keeping track of events and timing, possibly anticipating a significant moment.
Language Device: Curiosity – This question reveals Portia’s increasing anxiety about what is happening at the Capitol.
SOOTHSAYER
About the ninth hour, lady.
Explanation: The Soothsayer informs her of the time, adding to the tension as Portia knows the significance of timing in the conspiracy against Caesar.
PORTIA
Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?
Explanation: Portia is concerned about whether Caesar has left for the Capitol, as his actions are critical to the day’s events.
Language Device: Repetition of Concern – This repetition of questions reflects Portia’s anxiety and desire for answers.
SOOTHSAYER
Madam, not yet. I go to take my stand
To see him pass on to the Capitol.
Explanation: The Soothsayer informs Portia that Caesar has not yet left and that he plans to observe him. This shows the Soothsayer’s role in keeping watch over Caesar’s movements.
Language Device: Foreshadowing – The Soothsayer’s role as an observer hints that important events are still to come.
PORTIA
Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?
Explanation: Portia wonders if the Soothsayer has a personal petition to present to Caesar, showing curiosity about whether he has any agenda or insight into Caesar’s plans.
Language Device: Interrogation – This question emphasizes Portia’s anxious need to gather all possible information.
SOOTHSAYER
That I have, lady. If it will please Caesar
To be so good to Caesar as to hear me,
I shall beseech him to befriend himself.
Explanation: The Soothsayer says that he does indeed have a request for Caesar and hopes Caesar will listen. His request seems to be a plea for Caesar’s own well-being.
Language Device: Repetition and Irony (“To be so good to Caesar”): The Soothsayer repeats “Caesar” to emphasize his respect, though it may also hint at the irony that Caesar is in danger.
PORTIA
Why, know’st thou any harm’s intended towards him?
- Explanation: Portia is concerned and asks directly if the Soothsayer knows if harm is intended toward Caesar, suspecting that something dangerous may be happening.
- Language Device: Direct Question – Portia’s directness underlines her worry and the tension of the moment.
SOOTHSAYER
None that I know will be, much that I fear may
chance.
Good morrow to you.—Here the street is narrow.
The throng that follows Caesar at the heels,
Of senators, of praetors, common suitors,
Will crowd a feeble man almost to death.
I’ll get me to a place more void, and there
Speak to great Caesar as he comes along.
Explanation: The Soothsayer reassures Portia that he does not know of any harm intended toward Caesar, though he expresses fear that something may happen. He decides to leave and find a quieter place to observe Caesar’s procession.
Language Devices:
Foreshadowing (“much that I fear may chance”): The Soothsayer hints that danger looms, though he cannot specify what.
Imagery (“the throng that follows Caesar… almost to death”): The Soothsayer describes the dangerous crowds, showing the tension and potential for chaos.
PORTIA
I must go in. Aside. Ay me, how weak a thing
The heart of woman is! O Brutus,
The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise!
Sure the boy heard me. To Lucius. Brutus hath a
suit
That Caesar will not grant. Aside. O, I grow
faint.—
Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord.
Say I am merry. Come to me again
And bring me word what he doth say to thee.
Explanation: Portia reflects on her own emotional weakness, comparing it to her desire to act with strength like Brutus. She wishes Brutus success, even as she struggles with her own emotions. She sends Lucius off again, asking him to convey her well wishes to Brutus.
Language Devices:
Self-Reflection (“how weak a thing the heart of woman is”): Portia expresses frustration with her emotional vulnerability.
Imperative Language (“Run, Lucius”): Portia continues to give orders, revealing her anxiety and need for information.
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