Question

read the passage. then answer the questions that follow.
caesar. calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home.
she dreamt tonight she saw my statue,
which like a fountain with an hundred spouts
did run pure blood; and many lusty romans
came smiling and did bathe their hands in it.
and these does she apply for warnings and portents
of evils imminent, and on her knee
hath begged that i will stay at home today.
– the tragedy of julius caesar,
william shakespeare
what is the symbol in this passage?
a bloody statue
how does this symbol contribute to the meaning of this scene?
it shows that caesar is in danger.
it shows that caesar needs to listen to his wife.
it shows that romans like bathing in blood.

Explanation:

The bloody statue is a symbol. In the context, the blood from the statue and Romans bathing hands in it (as per Calpurnia's dream) hints at violence/assassination. The option "It shows that Caesar is in danger" aligns with the dream's portent of imminent evils, suggesting Caesar's life is at risk. The other options misinterpret: the wife's plea is a result of the danger, not the symbol's main contribution, and the Roman bathing detail is symbolic of violence, not a literal liking.

Answer:

It shows that Caesar is in danger.