In William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”, honour is displayed Essay Example

the view of men And keep us all in servile fearfulness." In the context of the senators, their private honor lies in their loyalty to Pompey, while their public honor pertains to their belief that Caesar will be detrimental for Rome. Cassius initially claims that "honor is the subject of my story," but this is a falsehood as he is attempting to persuade Brutus to join his plot to assassinate Caesar. Subsequently, Cassius assures Brutus that they are equally worthy, if not superior, to Caesar.

"I was born free as Caesar, so were you; we have both fed as well, and we can both endure the winter's cold as well as he," Cassius declares. Continuing further, Cassius states that Caesar is weaker than him because when both of them leaped into the Tiber River, Cassius had to save Caesar, who cried out, "Help me Cassius, or I sink!" Additionally, Cassius mentions that Caesar had a fever in Spain and remarks, "Tis true this god did shake, His coward lips did from their color fly..." In essence, Cassius believes that Caesar is weaker than him. Forming the conspiracy out of envy, Cassius holds the belief that Caesar will not make a competent ruler.

He says: "... it amazes me that a man of such weak temperament should be the first to gain power and take the lead. Brutus then responds by saying "I will think about what you have said." So Cassius successfully gets Brutus to consider joining the conspirators. Cassius is aware of this and he adds, "I am glad that even my weak words have sparked some passion in Brutus."

"Currently, Cassius lacks integrity as he endeavors

to sway Brutus into opposing Caesar. He employs compelling phrases such as '...he doth bestride the narrow world like a colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonorable graves.' Cassius manipulates Brutus' sense of honor to further his own agenda. At this juncture, Brutus appears aware of Cassius' undisclosed ambitions and wishes to avoid becoming entangled. This is evident as Brutus states, 'Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires; I'll leave you.'

Before joining the conspiracy, Brutus acknowledges his internal conflict, stating, "Brutus is at war with himself." This internal battle arises from his understanding that if Caesar were to become king, Rome could suffer. However, as Caesar is his friend, Brutus is reluctant to harm him. By opting to join the conspiracy against Caesar, Brutus acts solely in the best interest of Rome. Unlike his fellow conspirators, Brutus provides a reasoned justification for his act of killing. This justification stems from his fear that Caesar's behavior would change once he assumes the title of emperor: "He would be crowned."

"How that might change his nature..." expresses Brutus' fear and concern about the potential transformation of Caesar and the destructive impact it could have on Rome. In spite of his personal sentiments, Brutus sets them aside and becomes part of the conspiracy against Caesar. A Christian audience might view Brutus as lacking in honor, as Christianity promotes the notion of Brotherly or Christian love, emphasizing support and loyalty towards friends.

The Romans would have viewed Brutus as dishonorable, as he went against a fellow Roman and friend in order to benefit Rome. Caesar believed Brutus was his friend

and was taken aback when Brutus stabbed him, as evident from Caesar's words, "et tu, Brute." The majority of people would perceive Brutus as the mastermind behind Julius Caesar's assassination, as he prevented Antony from being killed along with Caesar.

Shakespeare portrays that Brutus is asserting dominance over Cassius by overruling his ideas, such as the decision to kill Antony or not, as he believes their actions will appear excessively violent. Furthermore, Antony is deeply saddened by Caesar's demise.

You can tell this because he says, "O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man that ever lived in the tide of times." "Woe to the hands that shed this costly blood." Antony would seem honourable to his friend but he doesn't stay grieved for long. Once Brutus has seemed to win the crowd over to his side, Antony then talks to them. He says, "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears! I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him."

Antony attempts to win the crowd over by employing sarcasm, while Brutus insists that Caesar was ambitious and defends his own honor. Antony then proceeds to discuss Caesar's actions and questions how they could be seen as ambitious. He points out that Caesar wept when the poor cried, suggesting that true ambition should be more resolute.

Antony plans to initiate a civil war against the conspirators, receiving assistance from Octavious Caesar and Lepidus. This action could signify Antony's ambition to take Caesar's place in a triumvirate. The offer of the crown to Julius Caesar might have a genuine intention behind it, as

Antony understands the public's desire for Caesar as ruler and anticipates personal gain from his close friendship with Caesar. Antony refrains from offering the crown to Octavious, as he can now attain power alongside Octavious and Lepidus. It seems that Shakespeare aims to showcase Brutus' rising influence and control over the conspiracy, while Cassius goes along with Brutus due to their friendship. Antony, on the other hand, is portrayed as loyal to his friend but motivated by personal gain, exemplified by his offer of the crown to Caesar.

Brutus describes Caesar's death as the payment of his "ambition debt." He believed that Caesar was ambitious, and by killing him, they have eradicated that ambition. Lucillius brings a message from Cassius to Brutus, conveying Cassius' growing dissatisfaction with him.

Cassius accuses Brutus of betraying him, claiming that he has done something seriously wrong. In his defense, Brutus asks how it is possible for him to harm a brother. The root of the conflict between them lies in the letter that Cassius wrote concerning Lucius Pella.

Brutus did not support Lucius Pella while Cassius did. " ... You have condemned and noted Lucius Pella for taking bribes from the Sardians, which I had advocated for in my letters because I knew the man, but my suggestion was ignored. The friendship between Cassius and Brutus changes as they gain more power. Brutus contradicts everything Cassius says. "What are your thoughts on marching to Philippi right now? " Cassius responds, "I do not think it is a good idea." However, they ultimately end up marching to Philippi because Brutus insisted on going.

Brutus suggests that they can eliminate their opponent's advantage by confronting

him at Philippi. Cassius disagrees, stating that Brutus himself is notorious for being easily tempted by bribes and corruption. This implies that Cassius believes Brutus is accustomed to using deceitful tactics to achieve his goals.

Even Brutus acknowledges that Cassius is involved in corruption, as he states, "The name of Cassius honours this corruption..." This indicates that Cassius has a reputation for bribery and deception. Shakespeare's intention is to illustrate that even individuals who are generally considered honorable can succumb to the allure of power, as seen in the quarrel between Cassius and Brutus, where Brutus ultimately asserts his authority over Cassius.

Brutus lacks adherence to his principles of assassinating Caesar, while Cassius prioritizes friendship and personal loyalty. Cassius expresses his concerns by stating, "I cannot consume too much of Brutus' love." However, Brutus disregards his private loyalty when he resolves to murder Caesar, based on his belief that the public desired Caesar's demise. Therefore, it appears that Brutus is more preoccupied with public loyalty.

Brutus explains that he rose against Caesar not because he loved Caesar less, but because he loved Rome more. However, when he learns of Portia's death, Brutus seems to disregard their friendship. He and Cassius discuss the details of her death, but Brutus abruptly changes the subject, asking for a bowl of wine. In contrast, Cassius is deeply affected by the news, expressing shock and sadness. He wonders how he managed to spare Brutus's life when he caused such pain for himself. He desperately wants to know the cause of Portia's death, but Brutus is adamant about ceasing the conversation.

Shakespeare's portrayal shows that Cassius prioritizes friendships while Brutus is focused on power and

victory in the war. This distinction would resonate with the audience of Elizabethan era, as they highly esteemed relationships with friends and family. Thus, for the audience, Cassius would be more relatable. Conversely, Brutus appears indifferent, solely driven by ambition.

Even individuals of the highest integrity can become disloyal to those close to them when they are exposed to power, a truth that remains relevant today. Shakespeare asserts that personal honor surpasses public honor, as having trustworthy friends and family is more valuable than appearing honorable to the public. In Julius Caesar, Cassius embodies public honor by regarding friendships as paramount. Conversely, Brutus exemplifies public honor by prioritizing the desires of the masses, which led to his assassination of Caesar, believing it aligns with public sentiment. The alliance between Mark Antony, Octavious, and Lepidus appears to amplify Mark Antony's influence and authority.

Both Antony and Brutus question the necessity of Lepidus. Antony then proceeds to command Octavious, who refuses to comply. Antony confronts Octavious about his disobedience, but Octavious stands firm in his refusal. This escalation of power results in further conflicts and divisions between them, mirroring the dynamics between Brutus and Cassius. Interestingly, Cassius emerges as seemingly the most benevolent and honorable figure among both Brutus and Antony. Despite disagreeing with some of Brutus's choices, he remains devotedly loyal to him.

While Brutus continuously overrides Cassius, Antony seeks to gain more power over Lepidus. He even questions the necessity of having Lepidus alongside him and Octavius. Antony's actions demonstrate his dishonour towards his fellow leader in the conspiracy. In act 1, scene 1, Brutus declares, "I love honour more than I fear death." Consequently, Brutus acknowledges his

willingness to sacrifice his life for honour. This sentiment aligns with the belief that it is honorable to kill oneself rather than be captured and humiliated in Rome. On the battlefield, Cassius dispatches Titinius to determine whether the approaching troops belong to their army or the enemy.

Cassius' servant informs him that the enemy has slain Titinius. Cassius laments, "Oh, what a coward I am to have lived this long only to witness my closest friend taken before my very eyes." Cassius orders Pindarus to use his own sword to end his life. In doing so, Cassius dies with the utmost respect for his friend.

When Cassius is on the verge of death, he utters, "Caesar, thou art avenged even with the sword that killed thee." Caesar has eliminated one of the key conspirators. The notion of sacrificing one's life for honor is not relevant today, but it would have garnered admiration from an audience during Shakespeare's era as it demonstrated loyalty towards their fellow Romans. Brutus appears apprehensive at the thought of encountering Caesar once more. "Speak to me, who are you?" he questions. The specter responds, "I am your evil spirit, Brutus." Confused by the situation, Brutus accuses those around him of murmuring in their sleep, unable to comprehend that it was indeed Caesar.

Caesar predicts that meeting again at Philippi will be his demise, as he knows that Brutus will die there. He says, "Thou shalt see me at Philippi." Cassius died out of loyalty for friendship, surrounded by friends who were willing to sacrifice their lives for him. So he asks, "Come, Cassius' sword, and find Titinius' heart."

Cassius dies for his individual honor,

whereas Brutus dies for the honor of the public. This highlights the importance of maintaining honorable relationships with friends, as they will likely respond with similar honor. In the case of Cassius, his companions choose to end their own lives in support of him. However, because Brutus betrays his friends, he faces death alone.

In this passage, Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of friendship in governing the hearts and private honor of individuals. Although Antony and Caesar currently rule Rome together, Shakespeare suggests that their alliance will ultimately crumble due to conflicting interests. Octavious, for instance, hints at a future confrontation when he states, "I do not cross you, but I will do so." Thus, it is likely that they will disagree on a significant matter leading to their separation. It is my belief that Antony's dishonorable actions towards Octavious will be the catalyst for their downfall. Indeed, honor serves as the central theme in this play.

The motivation of the main characters is driven by honour. While Cassius is driven by private honour, Brutus is driven by public honour. However, it can be argued that private honour surpasses public honour, as Cassius dies with a friend by his side while Brutus dies without any friends.