The Supernatural Realm and Physical Realm: Shakespeare’s juxtaposition of Opposites in Julius Caesar

Abstract

William Shakespeare’s literary corpus is globally acclaimed to occupy a pride of place in the humanities. In some of his plays, the supernatural realm galvanizes the physical realm to animate the plot. Owing to this, many critics conclude that actions in some of his plays derive their verve from the supernatural realm. This perception poses a problem because it disregards the physical realm which is the cornerstone of humanity. This has created a debate as to the more potent realm in Shakespeare’s dramatic engagements. This study argues that Shakespeare depicts the inevitable unity of both supernatural and physical realms. Using Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory as a guide, it establishes that the human mind can unconsciously relapse into the supernatural realm and create life in the physical realm. Therefore, both realms align through a structure of complementarities. The primary data for this study is Julius Caesar while the secondary data are journals and critical materials on Shakespeare’s dramaturgy. The playwright recreates both realms to form an inseparable whole where the existence of one is upheld by the other. Humanity lubricates the supernatural realm through propitiations and sacrifices while the physical realm depends on the supernatural realm for insight. It must be understood that this relationship is rooted in the unity of opposites.