Discuss the element of superstition in Julius Caesar.

Rome in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
is a superstitious place. 

Caesar demonstrates his
superstitious beliefs when he arranges for Antony to touch the barren Calphurnia while
he runs the race in Act 1, because superstition suggests that the touch may cure
Caesar's wife of her inability to have children. 

Caesar
makes the mistake, however, of ignoring superstition when he fails to follow the
Soothsayer's advice to beware the ides of
March. 

Furthermore, the chaotic state of human affairs in
the play is reflected by bad omens.  A slave's hand appears to be consumed by fire one
minute, but not at all burned the next.  A lion is loose in the city by the capitol. 
Caesar's ghost appears to Brutus on the eve of
battle. 

Superstition in the play reflects the state of
Roman politics, highlights Caesar's refusal to accept advise and accept his fragility,
and foreshadows events to come.