How does Shakespeare portray human nature in 'Julius Caesar'?
In 'Julius Caesar', William Shakespeare instantly identifies the differences of status and class between the characters. He manages this by using different techniques such as 'prose' and 'blank verse'. The devices help differentiates the character's class by the way they speak. The low class - commoners - who are called "idle creatures" by the tribunes (higher class people), ignites rivalry between the two statuses - low and high. The result of this makes the tribunes appear as arrogant and disrespectful characters. As the scene continues, the plebeians (low class people) mocks the intelligence of the upper-class. The cobbler describes himself by using the pun of being a "mender of soles". This implies the mocking tone of the cobbler towards Murellus (a tribune). Furthermore, it also proves that just because one is from a higher class, it doesn't mean that they would obtain much intelligence. All in all being said, status does not define one's intelligence. Throughout this scene, characters with low statuses aren't given names which clearly distinguishes the merciless difference between both groups of characters.
The themes power and manipulations also has enormous parts in this play. In Act 1, Scene 2, manipulation was played mostly by Cassius who tries to turn Brutus against Caesar. Cassius urges Brutus to consider that the name of Brutus should be as powerful as Caesar's, "Brutus and Caesar: What should in that 'Caesar'". Cassius then questions, "Why should that name be sounded more than yours?". This implies that Cassius is very determined to demolish Brutus' loyalty and respect towards Caesar. He does this through flattering Brutus' pride and making him believe that he is at the same, if not better, standard as Caesar. Cassius then adds the theme power together with manipulation as he continues trying to persuade Brutus to turn against Caesar. "I was born free as Caesar, so were you", by that both of them are either as powerful as Caesar or that Caesar is as weak as them both. Additionally, like in most of Shakespeare's plays, women are portrayed as the weaker sex. When Cassius insults Caesar, he describes Caesar "as a sick girl", implying his belief of women being weak and powerless.
