Understanding The Context Of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

One of the most famous scenes in Julius Caesar is Act 3, Scene 2, a rhetorical clash during which the the fate of all of Rome hangs in the balance. It is during these moments that Brutus and Marc Antony showcase their rhetorical skills, turning the tides against the conspirators and ultimately culminating in their demises. This is when we, as readers, receive an opportunity to see both the good and the supposed “tyranny” of Caesar, in the form of Brutus’s and Antony’s well-crafted orations. More importantly, it symbolizes the fall of Brutus’s good reputation, and the rising in power of Octavius and Antony, who will later form the second triumvirate with Lepidus.

/ Write them together, yours is as fair a name; / Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; / Weigh them, it is as heavy" (1.2.142-146). Cassius continues in his adulation of his friend, in contrast to the mockery of Caesar. By showing loyalty and feigning agreement with Brutus' love of democratic government, Cassius develops ethos further and re-establishes his role as a dear friend. Though it is implied that Cassius is in the conspiracy because of his disdain for Caesar himself and not for a monarchy in

Catherine Terry Mr. Graham 19 October 2022 Freshman English - E The Hardship and Tragedy of Julius Caesar The roles of conflict, foreshadowing, and rhetoric are prominent traits to take into consideration, when discussing the play Julius Caesar. Conflict is what leads to one of the ultimate plots of the play, the rebellion against Caesar, and the decision to follow through with his assanation. Foreshadowing is consistently shown throughout the play, and takes on a massive role.

William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is an exciting play about the murder of a leader and the chaos that follows. As Julius Caesar prepares to rule Rome, the conspirators think of their future as Romans under the rule of Caesar. Caesar’s true values of pride and arrogance show as he begins to rule. The conspirators' fear of Caesar’s pride and Caesar’s overly prideful attitude prove that downfalls are met when pride remains unchecked. While planning to assassinate Caesar, the conspirators compare him to a high-soaring bird, exhibiting the idea that unchecked pride results in a leader’s downfall.

However, they may also have realized that Shakespeare also added this scene to show similarities to Queen Elizabeth and make a prediction of her assassination. The idea that Caesar is used to represent Queen Elizabeth is also supported by E.A.J Hongimann who in his essay “Politics, Rhetoric, and Will-Power in Julius Caesar” states, “Queen Elizabeth suppressed the old faith tudor system with herself as the head of church and state and Caesar threatened the old republicanism, replacing it with a new form of government, which he headed as perpetual dictator” (Hongimann). In this quote Hongimann shows that Caesar and Queen Elizabeth are also similar in their style of rule. Both of them believed in reforming the civilizations that they ruled to get rid of the old and replace with the new.

In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Cassius is a foil to Marcus Brutus, for Brutus is consistently described as honorable and kind, contrasting the always clever and self-centered, Cassius. Cassius acts as a character who goes against the virtues and weaknesses of the main character. Brutus announces, “Why man, he doth bestride the narrow World like a Colossus, and we pretty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves” (Shakespeare I. 2. 142-145). By appealing to Brutus' feeling of honor and loyalty to Rome, Cassius hopes to persuade him to join the conspiracy against Caesar.

"What’s so special about caesar?", This quote shows how much Cassius despises Caesar and how he feels he is no better of a man than Brutus or himself. They both had a common goal but were not sure of each other's very different and clashing reasons for attempting to reach the goal ahead. Cassius seemed to have been a puppet master and conductor of the conspiracy twisting things to suit his own preferences, and to rise against a super power in order to achieve his ultimate goal. The differences in motivation between Brutus and Cassius vividly reflect their morals, just as their morals reflect back upon their reasons.

Although Caesar, as the upcoming ruler of Rome in Julius Caesar, should be portrayed as the ideal leader of the play, he actually has too arrogant of a character to be so. Therefore, Shakespeare places honor in Brutus and allows Brutus to have the role of the idealistic leader of the story. Although Shakespeare writes this play in a controversial time period during England’s political turmoil, he allows the audience to be able to choose the true ruler of loyalty to the crown or the honor of a noble man through the understanding of the two contrasting character

/ I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well.” (1.2.85-86, 89). Brutus explains his fears that Caesar may love power more than Rome. Brutus loves Caesar, but would not allow him to rise to power and then turn his back on the people of Rome. What Brutus has said really goes to further prove how honorable

“Julius Caesar” Saves England Shakespeare has written a many great stories, so great that even after over 400 years, they are still studied in schools today. Many consider his tragedies to be his greatest works of all, however “Julius Caesar” was also based off history, with a few artistic liberties. When Shakespeare had written the play, Queen Elizabeth I was the monarch, but she was nearing the end of her reign. Shakespeare used the play “Julius Caesar,” to show the fear of what would ensue when Queen Elizabeth I died by telling the story of Caesar’s assassination using violence, suspense, and danger.

Another main theme of the play is that power tends to corrupt those who hold it. “Et tu, Brute? Then fall Caesar!” (3.1.77). These were the last words of Caesar before he died.

By examining events and occurrences related to the end of the Elizabethan era, the life of Julius Caesar, what occurred under Queen Elizabeth, and how rome was ruled, one can see their significance in influencing the play Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare. The real Julius Caesar’s personality and behavior as well as his policies were influential in how Shakespeare came up with his character. Also, the conflict between the wealthy and poor in England and Queen Elizabeth’s actions that were looked down upon by some, influenced how he was going to include this conflict and critique those in power. The Roman Empire aided because it’s inventions eventually helped Shakespeare, but also it’s long history of rulers and frequent change allowed him to base his characters off of historical figures and incorporate the struggle for power. When the Elizabethan Era was ending Shakespeare used this fear that many had and paralleled it with the citizens of Rome, when Caesar was assassinated.

Julius Caesar, a tragic play written by William Shakespeare, centers around the assassination of Caesar with the context of incidents that triggers the murder and the exploration of the aftermath for the conspirators. A succession of ambitious men tries eagerly to acquire the absolute power to rule over the enormous Roman Empire, yet Caesar is the only one who seemingly succeeds. However, his ambition and triumph over Pompey intimidate those who favor democracy and dread Caesar might abuse his power to become a tyrant. As a direct result, those citizens in the name of Roman’s good and justice sake form a conspiracy to assassinate Caesar together. By attempting to persuade more people to participate, the adversaries of Caesar employ animal imagery to reveal Caesar 's ambition and danger.

In Shakespeare’s play, “Julius Caeser,” the conspirators found Caesar to be a threat to the well being of Rome; thus, the conspirators found it just to murder the

However, Cassius and Brutus believed that Caesar would abuse his power and transform into a tyrant that has full control of all citizens. It’s this political opposition that led the characters to enact in the manner that they did. In addition, political intrigue plays a big role by capturing the audiences’ attention and enhancing the plot. The struggle for power and the provocation within the story is what gets the audience captivated. By demonstrating the playing field of politics, Shakespeare has expressed a deep and thoughtful plot.