CharactersJulius Caesar: The victorious leader of Rome, it is the fear that he may become King and revoke the privileges of men like Cassius that leads to his death at the hands of Cassius
Characters Julius Caesar: The victorious leader of Rome, it is the fear that he may become King and revoke the privileges of men like Cassius that leads to his death at the hands of Cassius, Brutus and their fellow conspirators. The threat that Caesar was moving away from the ideals of the Roman republic towards an Empire ruled directly by himself is the chief reason so many senators, aristocrats and even Caesar's friend Brutus, conspired to kill him. Introduced early in the play as a great (and arguably arrogant) leader who fears nothing, Caesar is warned by Artemidorus, The Soothsayer and wife (Calphurnia) alike not to go to the Senate on the "ides of March" the very day he is assassinated. Caesar later returns in the play as a ghost which haunts Brutus in Act V. Easily flattered by Decius Brutus (not to be confused with Brutus), Caesar appears to us as a man almost guided not so much by his own will but what he believes are the expectations his people have of "Caesar." This is why he is reluctant to show fear, Caesar, as he frequently refers to himself in the third person, fears nothing and can show no sign of weakness or indeed mortality... Note: The "ides of March" is the fifteenth of March (See Act II, Scene I, Line 58). Octavius Caesar: The adopted son of Caesar, Octavius by history, ultimately became ruler of the Roman Empire following his defeat of Mark Antony
"The rise of Octavian owed more to luck, and the mistakes of his enemies, rather than his own political abilities. Discuss."
"The rise of Octavian owed more to luck, and the mistakes of his enemies, rather than his own political abilities. Discuss." Octavian's famous claim that he 'found Rome a brick and left it as marble1' is by no means unfounded. It is true that under his reign, Rome grew steadily towards peace and prosperity unlike ever before. But was his eventual ascension to leadership brought about by his own political abilities, or was it more to do with the mistakes of his enemies? Octavian has always maintained the mantle of being 'delicate in health2' to some affect and in his youth he was said to have 'scarcely recovered from a dangerous sickness3', and it has been rightfully said that he was not known for 'grand feats of arms4,' but it seems very hard to deny that he was, in his own right, a masterful statesman. Of course, when he inherited three-quarters his great uncle's estate, as well as his name, it is easy to forget that Octavian was not yet even 20 years of age. The explanation for this is because before Octavian reached that age, in very little time he seemed to achieve more than any other man did so in the Roman era. But to what can this be attributed to? It is true that Marc Antony certainly seemed to expect that Julius would nominate him as heir to his name and estate, for he was even spending Caesar's fortune before the will had been published. Antony himself was
As previously said, Brutus was a close friend of Caesars; however he joined the conspirators in the assassination of Caesar to prevent his ambitions getting 'out of hand'
An analysis of Mark Antony and Brutus's speech after the assassination of Caesar. The play of 'Julius Caesar' was significant at the time because when Shakespeare wrote the play, the question of power was very sensitive. The reason that it was so sensitive was because Queen Elizabeth (the monarch at the time) had no descendants, therefore nobody really knew who was heir to the thrown. In the play 'Julius Caesar' the Roman emperor has large ambitions as he wanted to be the ultimate ruler or king. This is the point where twelve conspirators plot to put an end to these mighty ambitions; however, in amongst these conspirators one of his closest friends, Brutus. Brutus agreed with the eradication of Caesar completely, however they all feared Mark Antony, because they knew that he was a true friend of Caesar; therefore Mark feared for his life due to the conspirators. But if he tries to prevent the assassination of Caesar then he knew that he would also 'disappear'. When the assassination of Caesar had taken place, and Rome found out about this, the two closest to Caesar gave speeches to calm them down; (Mark Antony and Brutus). The play also has relevance to today's world, as in the Iraq war, this is because Saddam Hussein (monarch of Iraq) was getting too many ambitions( he did this by trying to take more land than what he had, therefore he resulted to cruelty to
Discuss Shakespeare's presentation of Brutus in 'Julius Caesar'.
Discuss Shakespeare's presentation of Brutus in 'Julius Caesar'. Marcus Brutus is a central character within the play; playing an essential role in the assassination of Julius Caesar. He is immediately portrayed as a loyal servant and close friend to Caesar creating a sense of irony in his role as conspirator. Brutus is complex, because he does not kill Caesar for greed, envy nor to preserve his social position like so many of the other conspirators against Caesar. This Brutus reinforces within his speech in Act III, Scene II, "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?" thus, explaining his actions as being for the good of Rome. Due to this, the character of Brutus has caused a lot of controversy as to whether he was a hero or villain, Does assassinating a leader for the good of the people constitute bravery worthy of a tragic hero or can the end never justify the means? This early demonstration of Brutus' relationship to Caesar, his involvement in the conspiracy and his importance to the plot immediately engages the audience in the action and with his powerful soliloquies, the audience gains insight into the complexities of his motives. He is a powerful public figure, but he appears also as a husband, a master to his servants, a dignified military
Marc Antony 'Machiavellian schemer'
Question: 'Machiavellian schemer' or 'Loyal friend' - What is your opinion of Marc Antony? Mark Antony can be best described as Shakespeare's portrayal of an opportunist. An opportunist is a person, who adjusts his values to suit his purpose and the situation; who uses people and events to get what he wants, not considering principles or consequences. Antony was impulsive and passionate. He looked at life as a game in which he had a certain part to play, and indeed he proved to be a refined and skillful player who knew how to win. In Caesar's lifetime, Antony is seen as his right hand. At the beginning of the play Antony is obedient and extremely loyal to Julius Caesar. "When Caesar says 'do this' it is performed", he says. Later, we see Antony literally 'running' for Caesar as he takes part in the annual Lupercalia. Antony's devotion to Caesar shows he is capable of real loyalty. He is truly affectionate towards Caesar, even though he seems to bears no ambitious motives to claim the highest position in the Senate at present, but rather he intends to enjoy life as he can under Caesar's rule. Antony's reputation in the senate was one of a wild, pleasure-loving, womanizer. It was this lively character of Antony's that convinced Brutus that he was not a danger to the conspirators. Brutus underestimated Antony's true leadership qualities, "And for Mark Antony, think not of
How Effective Are Brutus And Antony In Gaining The Support Of The Roman Citizens After Caesar's Assassination?
How Effective Are Brutus And Antony In Gaining The Support Of The Roman Citizens After Caesar's Assassination? Marcus Brutus is Caesar's best and most loyal friend. He joins the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, after, Cassius, convinces him that the people of Rome do not like Caesar. Brutus' love for Rome is greater than his love for his friend; this therefore results in his turning against Caesar. Brutus is an idealist, and believes that other men have the same high principles as himself. He is the last one to stab Caesar. Caesar loved him dearly, but Brutus killed him not only physically but mentally: "Et tu, Brute? then fall Caesar" If his good friend Brutus, wanted to kill him then life was not worth living for Caesar. Both Brutus and Antony are good friends of Caesar, but unlike Brutus, Antony puts his friendship first. When he sees the dead Caesar on the ground, he asks for the conspirators to take his life also: "nor no instrument of half that worth as those your swords, made rich." Antony loved Caesar with all his heart. Brutus then takes control and gives his reasons for the assassination. That the Republicans, are appalled that Caesar has become so powerful. Brutus is very concerned for the good of Rome. Shakespeare's audience would have been very interested in this theme as they reflected on the successor of their very forceful ruler, Queen Elizabeth
"How is Brutus portrayed as a tragic hero?"
English Essay "How is Brutus portrayed as a tragic hero?" Throughout the works of Shakespeare, tragedy has always been a vital foundation and a key to his immense successes. His fine mastery of the art became legendary amongst the audiences that watched his various plays. Romeo and Juliet is a prime example of the tragedy he could combine into a stage performance. An Irish poet named Oscar Wilde who was a novelist, dramatist and critic in the late eighteen hundreds once wrote, "There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." This has an exact correlation to the play Julius Caesar where the tragedy lies in the greed of a man who wants too much. This particular play is based entirely upon dreadful choices leading to demise. The character Brutus in particular is a key personality to the structure of the play in his fall from honour. Being a man of utmost glory and loyalty becomes his biggest weakness. In Act 1 Scene 2 we are presented with the pressure that Cassius weighs upon Brutus' mind. In lines 79-80 the truth of Brutus' troubles become clear. In the heat of conversation he says "What means this shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king". This is the turning point in the play as the stepping stones begin to fall in place and Brutus reveals to the viewers his deep down uncertainty to the decision of
What opinion of the character of Brutus have you formed from your reading of Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar?
*What opinion of the character of Brutus have you formed from your reading of Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar? Needless to say that Brutus' name has always been connected with honour. This is the most striking feature of his character. Brutus' nobility is well known to all characters. This is clear through Shakespeare's presentation of people's points of view. Cassius describes him as "Brutus, thou art noble". Cinna also refers to his name as the "noble Brutus". Its Brutus nobility that makes him win people's love and respect as Casca explains, "sits high in all the people's hearts" What is more, we hear the same description from Antony who considers Brutus "the noblest Roman of them all". It's this nobility that makes Cassius ask Brutus to join the conspirasy against Caesar. Brutus' name would make people consider caesar's assassination a noble action "I love the name of honour more than fear death" as he declares. Shakespeare meant to focus attention on Brutus' rank in Rome - He wins people's respect. He also has a great influence upon people's hearts and minds. No wonder that the conspirators follow Brutus as their leader. Casius Ligarius joins the conspiracy simply because it's under Brutus leadership. Words in Brutus description are so clear in the dialogues among the conspirators when they decide to kill Caesar as Brutus refuses to take an oath, "what other oath /
How is Brutus portrayed as a tragic hero throughout the play?
English Essay How is Brutus portrayed as a tragic hero throughout the play? Shakespeare thoroughly uses the emotion of tragedy throughout many of his plays; it consorts his plays and brings forward the thoroughness of his true dramatisation, and the fearfulness in his creatively dark forbidden mind. Most of his plays carry a dark sense, even when the feeling is most absurdly joyous. Shakespeare seems to have enjoyed using the style in which negativity manages to overpower the positive and bright outgoings, and yet it still seems to be the better of the controllable style, in which he wrote and uses it in a great sense and ability. In Julius Caesar, he uses his Dark, negative story structure, using politics, conspiracies and literally backstabbing characters. The main portrayal in the plot of the theme is revoking against 'hard' politics and besieging traitors. The entire play is genuinely cast upon the wrong decisions frequently made throughout the play. The build up to emotion is leaded throughout the play and as a result in Act 1: Scene 2; lines 79-80, where Brutus already has his very first doubts. This, already, is the very first lead up, to all his very wrong decisions, and he has yet already admitted the negative downfall of his decisions. Brutus is the tragic hero of the play, because of his idealistic and pragmatic qualities. The mindset that Brutus possessed only
Julius Caesar
How important is being "honourable" and "noble" in the play The play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare conveys the importance of being "noble" and "honourable" in various ways throughout the play. Studying the characters of Brutus and Julius Caesar, one can notice their personal Roman morals reflect these very virtues. From a different perspective; Caius Cassius observes these principles and uses them to execute the most significant murder of the play. Furthermore, we will look at the importance of being "noble" at the face of death. I will look at these points individually below. A crucial point Shakespeare makes comprehensible is that of Brutus' high minded morals. This especially so, when concerning Rome. Brutus states in his first soliloquy that he would do anything for the "general good" of Rome. He declares this as his first attempt to convince himself that killing Caesar would be a "noble" and "honourable" thing to do. Brutus' second attempt is in Act Two, Scene One, where he begins on the subject of Mark Antony's life but diverts off assuring the conspirators the planned assassination makes them "sacrificers " and "purgers" but not "murderers". It is explicit he is undertaking to expose his own "honourable" morals, which would not allow him to participate in an unreasonable murder of a close friend. Eventually Brutus takes the last stab at Caesar to