In the play of Julius Caesar, the relationships of the two women with their husbands were important because they were the only two women presented in this play. The setting was in the Elizabethan era, which women were treated differently than men. The relationship of Calphurnia with her husband Caesar and the relationship of Portia with her husband Brutus are both similar and different. This play was unique because it demonstrated how women were treated and respected in this era.
First of all, the relationship between Calphurnia and Caesar could be described as a loving marriage, but not equal partners. Calphurnia was dependent on Caesar, they were loyal to each other, and had no heir to the throne. Caesar respected …show more content…
Portia was also dependent on Caesar, they were loyal to each other, and had no children. Brutus respected her and treated her as his equal by sharing information with her. “No, my Brutus,/You have some sick offense within your mind,/Which by the right and virtue of my place/I ought to know of. And upon my/knees”(2.1.287-291). Portia was concerned about Brutus and his health, because she could tell something bothered him. At first, Brutus didn’t want to share, but she was resourceful and reminded him that as his wife she deserved to be involved. She addressed him as “my Brutus” out of respect as her husband. She also pleaded with him by getting down on her knees. She wounded herself by stabbing her thigh to prove that she could keep the secret, since (to show) she was able to handle the pain like a man. “…shall partake/The secrets of my heart./All my engagements I will construe to thee,/All the charactery of my sad brows”(2.1.329-332). With Portia’s last action of voluntarily puncturing her leg, this allowed Brutus to open up to her. He told her that he would share the secrets that made him sad. Brutus treated her with respect and as an equal by sharing the secrets that burdened his heart. The playwright intended to show (such comparison and contrast to show) how women were treated and respected by men in this era. Brutus respected his wife and treated her as an equal by sharing information with her that would normally be shared with a