what does this statement means" a lioness hath whelped in the streets"...
It means that lioness giving birth to Cubs at street it may in danger so calpurnia saw a dream that some one kill his husband so she said to his husband not go to roman
what does this statement means" a lioness hath whelped in the streets"...
A Lioness Hath Whelped in the Streets
This statement is a metaphorical phrase that is taken from William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar. It is spoken by Casca, one of the conspirators against Caesar, in Act 1, Scene 3. In this scene, Casca is describing the unusual and ominous events that occurred during a stormy night in Rome.
Literal Meaning:
- A lioness hath whelped in the streets literally means that a lioness has given birth to her cubs in the public streets of Rome.
Metaphorical Meaning:
- This phrase is a metaphorical expression that signifies the strange and unnatural events that have taken place in Rome, foreshadowing the chaos and upheaval that will follow Caesar's rise to power.
Explanation:
- The metaphor "a lioness hath whelped in the streets" suggests that an extraordinary and unsettling event has occurred in a place where it is unexpected or inappropriate.
- In the context of Julius Caesar, Casca uses this metaphor to describe the unusual happenings that took place on the night before Caesar's assassination.
- Casca explains that during the storm, he saw men on fire walking through the streets, owls hooting during the day, and a slave's hand burning but not being consumed by flames.
- All these events are considered strange and unnatural, reflecting the disruption and upheaval that will soon engulf Rome.
Symbolism:
- The metaphor also symbolizes the birth of conflict and chaos that will arise as a result of Caesar's ambition and the conspiracy against him.
- Just as the birth of lion cubs in the streets is an uncommon and alarming occurrence, the events that Casca witnesses foreshadow the turmoil and civil war that will follow Caesar's death.
Conclusion:
- The phrase "a lioness hath whelped in the streets" is a metaphorical expression used in Julius Caesar to convey the unusual and foreboding events that occurred in Rome.
- It signifies the disruption and chaos that will ensue as a result of Caesar's rise to power and the conspiracy against him.
- This metaphor serves as a literary device to foreshadow the impending conflict and upheaval in the play.
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