Juliu Caesar Essay Example

breed strong political animosity. The conspiracy against the power-hungry Caesar begins to take shape after other government leaders, especially Cassius, perceive his thirst for power. Deception disguises itself as innocence. While plotting against Caesar behind his back, his enemies pretend to be his friends.

Caesar disregards several warnings that he receives. A soothsayer warns him of the danger on the ides of March, but Caesar pays no attention. He also dismisses any threat from Cassius, despite perceiving one. Moreover, he ignores his wife's warnings of numerous omens that foretell his ill fate if he goes to the senate on March 15th. Caesar's arrogance leads him to believe that he is immune to the conspirators' plans; he sees himself as invincible like Achilles. However, it is ultimately the persuasive words of Cassius and others that seal Caesar's destiny. Although daggers physically kill Caesar, it is the cunning manipulation of Cassius and his allies that ensure his downfall.

Mark Antony's funeral speech is credited with swaying public opinion against the conspirators, highlighting the persuasive power of rhetoric. The perception of Caesar and Brutus as either villains or heroes varies depending on individual philosophical and moral viewpoints. Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine argue that during the Renaissance period, there was immense intrigue surrounding Caesar's assassination by his close associates, sparking extensive discussions about determining who should be labeled villains or heroes.

According to Dante, a 14th-century Italian poet, Brutus and Cassius were betrayers and deserving of eternal damnation for their role as the main conspirators in the assassination of Caesar. Conversely, Sir Philip Sydney, a contemporary of Shakespeare, viewed Caesar as a rebel threatening Rome and considered Brutus to be the

most intelligent senator. Shakespeare's dramatization of Caesar's murder and its consequences has sparked an ongoing debate among generations of readers and theatergoers.

Climax refers to the turning point in a play or literary work where the conflict starts to resolve or the final and most thrilling event in a series of events. In Julius Caesar, there are three significant events that can be considered as the climax. Firstly, it is the deliberation among the conspirators where they agree upon the plan to murder Caesar. Secondly, it is the assassination of Caesar itself. Lastly, it is the deaths of Cassius and Brutus, which signify the end of any possibility for a republican government to persist.

However, only one event meets both parts of the definition of climax - the assassination of Caesar. Yet, some scholars argue that either of the other two events could be considered the climax. Julius Caesar is among Shakespeare's greatest plays due to its powerful use of imagery. The play includes various figures of speech such as anaphora with metaphor, alliteration, and hyperbole. In an anaphora, the repetition of "you" is used. Marullus compares commoners to inanimate objects in a metaphor, and the line also contains alliteration with "stones" and "senseless," as well as hyperbole and paradox with the claim that the spectators have less sense than senseless things. Another example is a simile combined with hyperbole and alliteration, where Cassius likens Caesar to a colossus and exaggerates his size. The line also contains alliteration with "we" and "walk," as well as "his" and "huge."Casca, while speaking to Cassius and Brutus, likens Caesar to a wolf and a lion, and the Roman citizens to

sheep and hinds. Cassius's influence on Brutus is compared to sharpening a knife. The dangerous nature of the conspiracy is addressed as if it were a person, using apostrophe and personification. In addition, alliteration is employed with repeated use of related words such as "thou," "thy," "where," "wilt," "mask," and "monstrous." An allusion to Erebus, the Greek god representing darkness, is made. Lastly, hyperbole is used to emphasize that even darkness itself would not be enough to conceal the conspiracy unless it is hidden behind pleasant appearances.

The use of apostrophe and personification is seen in addressing conspiracy as if it were a person. Alliteration is present with the repetition of words such as "thou, thy; where, wilt; mask, monstrous." An allusion to the Greek god Erebus, who symbolized darkness, is made. Similarly, Erebus is referenced as the dark passage through which the souls of the dead pass from earth to Hades. Hyperbole is used to exaggerate that even the darkest place, Erebus, would not be dim enough to hide the conspiracy unless appropriate measures are taken to conceal it. Irony can also be observed in the Funeral Oration. .......

Mark Antony's funeral oration in Act III, Scene II is filled with irony. He begins by saying, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears," and claims that he has not come to praise Caesar but to bury him. However, throughout the speech, Antony praises Caesar's achievements such as enriching Rome's treasuries and supporting the poor. He even mentions how Caesar refused the crown three times, demonstrating his humility. Interestingly, Antony also praises Brutus, one of Caesar's assassins, as an honorable man, though his tone implies otherwise. Near

the end of the speech, Antony exclaims, "O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, / And men have lost their reason." It is worth noting that the word "brutish" is mentioned after Antony brings up Brutus multiple times, suggesting that it may be a subtle reference to him.

The recurring occurrence of the number three throughout the play adds to its ominous tone. Mark Antony offers Caesar the crown three times and the conspirators disperse their meeting at three o'clock. Even Calpurnia, Caesar's wife, cries out three times in her sleep warning of his murder. Cassius tells Casca that "three parts of [Brutus] is ours already," indicating his progress in joining the conspiracy. Antony also mocks Lepidus, referring to a "three-fold world divided" and questioning if he is fit to be one of the three who share power. In ancient times, the number three was often associated with Pluto (Greek: Hades), the god of death.

The speech patterns used in Antony's funeral oration also play a significant role in conveying meaning. The repetition of phrases such as "Friends, Romans, countrymen," and Antony's use of rhetorical devices contribute to the persuasive nature of his words.According to literary critic Mark Van Doren, the speech patterns in Julius Caesar are not particularly distinctive compared to Shakespeare's other plays. All the characters speak in a similar manner because they have been trained in forensic communication, which allows them to speak effectively and effortlessly.

Marullus's first speech in the opening scene sets the style of the play, where characters have no difficulty expressing their thoughts. The phrasing is consistently flawless, breathing and pauses are on point, and thoughts are articulated with

precision. The speeches are meticulously crafted, leaving no room for uncertainty or ambiguity. According to Van Doren, the effects of the speeches are emphasized, and every detail is carefully conveyed. These speeches have a tangible structure, comparable to plastic objects, and the transition from one speech to another is clearly stated rather than left to interpretation. In a historical irony, it is believed that Julius Caesar was born through a surgical procedure known as a Cesarean birth, involving an incision through the mother's abdominal wall and uterus. The very act that gave him life was performed with a knife, which is significant considering the multiple knives used to end his life. In Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, the theme of friendship is explored extensively and proves to be a manipulative element. This theme becomes instrumental in sealing Julius Caesar's fate as his friends, including Brutus and Decius among others, exploit it to their advantage and exploit his vulnerability.Friendship was utilized as a disguise to prevent Julius from discovering the truth concerning the conspiracies against him. The art of flattery and manipulation served as effective tools to convince him, alleviating any doubts or weariness he may have had. These crucial tactics were instrumental in building trust, which is essential in any friendship.

This passage discusses the theme of friendship in the context of Julius Caesar's betrayal and assassination by Brutus and Cassius. Despite the treachery, friendship plays a significant role as it hides the conspirators' true intentions. Caesar, being vulnerable to the power of friendship, is deceived by the cunning tactics of Decius and the other conspirators. Decius, an active member of the conspiracy, uses flattery and persuasion

to establish a strong bond with Caesar, ultimately convincing him to attend the Senate House.

When Decius enters Caesar's house, his first words are "Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar." Decius also addresses Caesar as "most mighty", which helps Caesar feel at ease with him. Caesar completely trusts Decius and does not suspect any kind of plot against him. Decius manipulates Caesar by pretending to have a strong friendship with him through his cunning words. Caesar is unable to understand who his truly loyal friends are, like Antony. After Caesar's death, Antony mourns him and seeks to avenge his murder by killing Brutus and Cassius.

Antony was Julius's loyal friend. The conspirators plotted to kill Julius. Brutus, Cassius, and Decius planned to gain Caesar's trust. They wanted to convince him that they were true friends, so he wouldn't suspect his impending doom. Caesar's wife Calphurnia had a dream about a bloody statue of Caesar and men with swords. This dream made Caesar anxious. Decius analyzed Calphurnia's dream.

Decius, using his cunning intellect, distorts Calphurnia's foreshadowing dream, claiming that it was merely misunderstood. He elaborates that the dream signifies Rome drawing strength from Caesar and prominent men seeking symbols and recognition. Caesar appears fascinated by this altered interpretation. This pivotal moment in the play deceives Caesar's vulnerable mind, allowing the conspirators to earn his trust and ultimately his friendship.

Antony demonstrated his cunning nature by deceiving Brutus and the other conspirators through his clever actions and persuasive speech. Being a true friend to Caesar, Antony felt angered and mourned the death of Julius. However, he quickly shifted his focus to gaining the trust and friendship of Brutus and the

conspirators by stating "Friend am I with you all, and love you all." This clever manipulation aimed to ease Brutus' doubts and persuade him to trust Antony.

Antony asks for the chance to give a eulogy for Caesar at his funeral, which Brutus agrees to. When Antony goes on stage, he captivates the audience with his cleverness and wisdom, starting with the famous line, "You gentle Romans, Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Antony skillfully manipulates and convinces the common crowd to turn against Brutus. This betrayal comes from Julius Caesar's assassination and eventually leads to a war between Antony and Brutus. The play explores friendship in a complex way and includes many examples of persuasion and manipulation.

The downfall of Caesar can be attributed to his vulnerability to flattery and manipulation, causing him to overlook the true intentions of his friends. Trust, as the basis of friendship, was easily exploited by cunning individuals like Brutus and Cassius who conspired against Caesar. Antony, initially appearing loyal to Caesar, gained Brutus's trust only to ultimately betray him and rationalize Julius's murder. These men all fell prey to manipulation and betrayal, highlighting the destructive power of greed in "Julius Caesar".

"Julius Caesar" illustrates how greed can disrupt not just individuals but also families, towns, and even entire nations. The pursuit of power was driven by Cassius, Brutus, Marc Antony, and Octavius Caesar. Cassius fueled his own greed by desiring power and a favorable reputation while being both Brutus's brother-in-law and a senator in Rome. This led to the assassination of Caesar as he convinced the honorable Brutus to join his scheme. Easily influenced by Cassius, this honorable Roman became

entangled.

The reason why Brutus became the most influential person among the conspirators is due to his strong love for Rome and its people. Unlike the others, who were mainly motivated by their fear of losing power under Caesar's rule, Brutus genuinely cared about the well-being of Rome. He firmly believed that if Caesar continued to lead, it would bring destruction upon the city. It is noteworthy that Mark Antony, a close friend of Julius Caesar, belonged to the common citizens of Rome.

After the death of Julius Caesar, Marc Antony gave a speech at his funeral to incite the plebeians and seek revenge against Brutus and Cassius. When Octavius Caesar arrived in Rome, he joined forces with Marc Antony to confront Brutus and Cassius. It was during their final battle against them that Octavius and Marc Antony achieved their goal. One reason why Cassius assassinated Julius Caesar was his insatiable thirst for power.

Cassius was convinced that he deserved the same level of power as Julius Caesar. He feared that if Caesar became king, he would lose his own power and become an ordinary citizen. Cassius' desire for power was evident in his constant discussions about Caesar's growing influence while he felt insignificant. Another reason for wanting to kill Caesar was because of Caesar's superior reputation; many Romans saw him as god-like compared to Cassius who was seen as just an average man. The quote "Alas, it cried, 'Give me some drink, Titinius,' as a sick girl. Ye gods! It doth amaze me a man of such a feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world and bear the palm alone" (I, ii, 127-130)

demonstrates Cassius' frustration towards Julius Caesar - being weak but still having a better reputation than him.

Additionally, Cassius' envy towards Caesar's respect and power led him to seek help from others in planning the conspiracy to assassinate him.
One of Brutus's main reasons for assassinating Julius Caesar came from his awareness of the love and trust people had for him. This affection from Roman citizens is shown through letters they wrote seeking guidance and support on personal matters.

Brutus's love for Rome was another motivation for him. He believed that by killing Julius Caesar, he would be serving the Roman people and preventing negative consequences for the city. During Caesar's funeral, Brutus justified his actions to the citizens, saying, "If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer-not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more" (III, ii, 17-19). By asserting that he acted in the citizens' best interest, Brutus succeeded in alleviating some tensions among them.

Motivated by a desire to uphold his family's esteemed reputation, Brutus, who hailed from the lineage of Lucius Julius Brutus that had expelled Rome's last king and established the Republic in the sixth century B. C., was resolute in not allowing any tarnish on his family name. This determination is evident when Cassius recalls their fathers' words, stating, "Oh, you and I have heard our fathers say there was a Brutus once that would have brooked the eternal devil to keep his state in Rome as easily as a king" (I, ii 158-161). In order to safeguard both his reputation and prevent Rome from collapsing, Brutus made the decision to assassinate Julius Caesar.

Marc Antony rebelled against the conspirators and joined forces with Octavius to confront Brutus and Cassius for multiple reasons. One motive for his revolt was his desire for revenge, as Julius Caesar was a close friend of his. To exact his revenge, Marc Antony delivered a powerful speech that inspired the Roman citizens to expose and execute the conspirators. By exclaiming, "Look, in this place ran Cassisus' dagger through. See what a rent the envious Casca made," he successfully incited anger towards the conspirators among the crowd, urging them to pursue and eliminate them.

The incident involving Cinna the poet is a clear example of how mistaken identity had tragic consequences. Due to sharing the same name as one of the conspirators, Cinna was brutally killed by the enraged crowd. However, he later emerged victorious in a war against Brutus and Cassius, resulting in their demise. Marc Antony's strong allegiance to Julius Caesar was another driving force behind his actions. By openly opposing Brutus and Cassius and delivering a powerful speech, Antony inspired the Roman citizens to take action against the conspirators.

Marc Antony demonstrated his loyalty to Julius Caesar in his statement, "Thou are the ruins of the noblest man that ever lived in the tide of the times" (III, i, 256-257). Marc Antony proved to be one of Julius Caesar's true and most faithful friends by seeking vengeance following his death. Additionally, Marc Antony's desire for a positive reputation and personal power motivated his actions. Following the takeover of Rome by himself and Octavius, Marc Antony displayed an abuse of power by making decisions about who would be executed. This abuse of power showcased how

it had affected his mindset, as evidenced by his statement, "He shall not live."

In Act IV, Scene i of Shakespeare's play, someone declares, "Behold, with a stain I condemn him." The conspirators killed Julius Caesar because they believed that if he became king, he would mistreat the people of Rome. However, after Caesar's death, both Marc Antony and Octavius engaged in the same actions that had led the conspirators to murder Julius Caesar. Octavius Caesar had multiple reasons for going to war against Brutus and Cassius; one of them was seeking revenge for his uncle's killing. In his own words, "We defy you traitors."

Octavius Caesar's determination to fight and seek revenge was evident in the quote "If you dare fight today, come to the field; if not, when you have stomachs" (V, i, 64-66). His desire for power stemmed from his act of overpowering and defeating Brutus and Cassius, stripping them of their influence in Rome. Octavius further showcased his leadership skills by extending an offer to the enemy army after his victory, stating "All that served Brutus, I will entertain them. Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me" (V, v, 60-61). The death of a powerful figure in an empire such as Rome can ultimately lead to its downfall.

The play "Julius Caesar" showcases the concept clearly. Cassius, Brutus, Marc Antony, and Octavius Caesar are the main driving forces in the play. The tragedy is genuine as one man's insatiable power desire not only ruins his own life but also affects those around him negatively. A tragic character in the play is Brutus, whose sole aim was to safeguard Roman citizens by eliminating a

potential threat to their daily lives. Marc Antony exhibits the enormous power of words by adeptly utilizing them for personal gain and inciting the crowd against all involved in the conspiracy.

In the play "Julius Caesar", we see the shifting of power from Julius Caesar to Octavius Caesar. The theme of appearance vs reality is prominently displayed by William Shakespeare throughout the play. He depicts the historical assassination of Julius Caesar, who was a revered leader in ancient Rome. Shakespeare takes the readers into the minds of the conspirators as they plan and execute this significant murder, and confront the consequences that follow.

During the aftermath of Caesar's death, Octavius discusses with Antony the need to restore peace in Rome. Octavius warns about the deceitful nature of some individuals, stating, "And some that smile... have in their hearts... millions of mischiefs" (4. 1. 50-51). Octavius is specifically referring to the conspirators who may appear harmless on the surface, but harbor malicious intentions beneath their false smiles. He emphasizes that one's outward demeanor does not always reflect their true feelings. This recurring theme of appearance versus reality is evident throughout Julius Caesar.

The personalities and actions of Antony, Brutus, and Cassius contribute to the development of the play by deceiving their friends and adding intrigue. Antony, grief-stricken over Caesar's death, believes justice must prevail. He seeks revenge against the conspirators and aims to convince the public that killing Caesar was unjust. Initially, both the public and conspirators do not grasp his true motive as he appears to present an alternative perspective. However, he refutes Brutus' speech and sways the public's opinion towards his side. Despite appearing as "one of

Caesar's many limbs" to the conspirators, Antony is actually plotting revenge and even attempts to manipulate Caesar's will by cutting off certain legacies. Similarly, Cassius hides his true nature as one of the cunning conspirators against Caesar.He believes that Caesar's ambition will become too excessive, necessitating his prevention before becoming uncontrollable. Hence, his intention is to assassinate Caesar.

In order to make his murder appear as a sacrifice for Rome rather than a bloody plot, Cassius must involve Brutus in his plan. By leveraging Brutus' good reputation, the murder would be seen as a noble act. To win over Brutus, Cassius disguises his true nature. Assuming the role of a loyal friend, Cassius excessively compliments Brutus. He states, "... Thoughts of great value worthy of cogitations/Tell me, good Brutus, Can you see your face?" (1.2.). Through this flattery, Cassius hopes to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy. Cassius' strategy proves successful and Brutus begins to fear that Caesar will eventually become power-hungry.

Cassius expresses satisfaction that his deceitful words have influenced Brutus. He privately acknowledges, "I am glad that my feeble words have provoked this much display of enthusiasm from Brutus" (1.2.). Despite outwardly appearing considerate of Brutus' emotions, Cassius is actually betraying him and manipulating him into joining the conspirators. Another individual who presents a deceptive facade is Brutus, the most loyal follower and close friend of Caesar. Cassius cunningly deceives Brutus into participating in the conspiracy. In reality, Brutus had no genuine reasons for wanting to assassinate Caesar.

He did it out of fear that he would become ambitious. After he died, Antony even proclaimed, "This was the most noble Roman of all. All the conspirators,

except for him, did what they did out of envy of great Caesar..." (5.5.68-70). However, Brutus concealed his true emotions behind a facade. Deep down, Brutus knew that not everyone had the same intentions as him. In reality, Brutus didn't want to harm Caesar, but he believed it was necessary. He even stated, "Let our expressions not reveal our intentions, but let us behave like Roman actors" (2.1.224-225).

Brutus appeared to believe that the murder of Caesar was more of a sacrifice for Rome, even in his speech at Caesar's funeral. He displayed his confidence in his decision when asked if the conspiracy should swear an oath of loyalty, stating that there was no need and questioning where one could find a dark enough cavern to hide their monstrous intentions. However, in reality, he yearned for a hiding place for his true guilt. Ultimately, Antony, Cassius, and Brutus all exemplify the theme of appearance versus reality in Julius Caesar.

The concept of deceiving others based on appearances applies to our own lives. In today's world, it is crucial to exercise caution when allowing unfamiliar individuals into our homes, such as technicians, plumbers, or carpenters, as they may have ulterior motives like robbery. It is clear that forming judgments solely based on outward appearances is unreliable due to the fact that many people conceal their true selves. Therefore, it is unwise to immediately trust someone; instead, we should invest time in getting to know them and discerning between their public and private personas.

In Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Marc Antony seeks vengeance for the premature demise of the condemned Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The play explores the treacherous scheme

of conspirators Marcus Brutus and Caius Cassius who plan to assassinate their leader. Throughout the narrative, we witness a transformation in Marc Antony's character. Initially perceived as fair and loyal, he undergoes a change into a more sinister and deceitful individual.

Marc Antony is unsuitable to rule Rome due to his strong desire for power, his inability to consider other's opinions due to his conceit, and his dangerous ability to sway crowds. He hungers for domination, posing a threat to Rome as he is willing to go to extreme measures to achieve his goals, including betraying his fellow country officials and deceiving the citizens. This treachery is evident in his discussions with the conspirators following Caesar's death.

Antony acknowledges the necessity of the conspirators' action, despite his sorrow for his dear friend's death. Nevertheless, as soon as they depart, he discloses to Caesar's lifeless body his intention of seeking vengeance. Antony successfully executes his scheme for retribution by delivering a persuasive speech at Caesar's funeral, persuading the crowd of Roman citizens that this was not simply an act of justice but a murder committed by ambitious leaders. Antony's execution of this plan demonstrates his willingness to deceive his allies and manipulate the public, defining him as a power-seeking individual (III, 2, 147-275).

The second instance of deception occurs when Marc Antony chooses to exploit loopholes in Caesar's will, allowing him and his friends to secure a larger sum of money for themselves. Antony had recently promised the people of Rome that each of them would receive 75 drachmas, but then attempts to reduce this amount in order to allocate more funds for the war he initiated through deceit.

Antony disregards the citizens' financial needs, raising their hopes with the promise of a generous sum only to snatch it away in order to finance his own military campaign (III, 2, 227-230 and IV, 1, 8-9).

Marc Antony not only deceives his coworkers and the citizens who trust him, but he also exploits this deception for his personal gain. Any political leader who utilizes power to harm their people through deceit and greed will eventually face consequences. Marc Antony disregards the advice of his colleagues as he firmly believes in the infallibility of his own ideas and plans. Despite attempts by the conspirators to justify Caesar's assassination, Antony refuses to listen, preoccupied with manipulating others and unwilling to entertain opposing viewpoints.

The text suggests that Marc Antony's lack of consideration for all perspectives and his failure to explain his decisions to his followers could be detrimental to his leadership (III, 2, 148-225). In Act Four, Antony disregards the input of Lepidus and Octavius, commanding them without listening. During this scene, the men debate who should be killed and make decisions based on their association with the conspiracy. As Antony sends Lepidus on an errand, he immediately begins discussing Lepidus' weaknesses with Octavius behind his back.

This infuriates Octavius, as he attempts to demonstrate to Marc Antony the reasons why Lepidus is a subordinate.