Abstract In the story of "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Brutus is essential to the plot development of the play. The paper shows that his character is gullible in the way he lets people take advantage of his naivete towards other characters in the play. Brutus is also facing an inevitable death due to the fact that he has a dying patriotism to his country. The paper examines Brutus' conflict between being a friend to Rome and a friend to a Caesar. This conflict made Brutus agonize over the idea of Caesar being murdered. It shows that this conflict led to the tragedy in Brutus? life. Brutus inflicted the wound that may have been the one that killed Caesar and eliminated the one thing that Rome required - Caesar.
From the Paper "In the play, Brutus has the utmost pride in and love for his country. On p.11 lines79-80, Brutus states "What means this shouting" I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king.? This is earlier in the story when Brutus first fears Caesar blooming into a king. Brutus acknowledges at this point that he does have some sort of hatred brewing inside of him towards Caesar. On p.11, lines 88-89 he states ? For let the gods so speed me as I love the name of honor more than I fear death.? He would rather die with honor then to wallow in his life with a great dishonor. He must return to the vociferate ways which Brutus had before. If he had loved Caesar he would have made an outcry for help and to at least influence Caesar's head with rumors of a conspiracy. There is no doubt that he tried his best to make the government not suffer by Caesar's death. Brutus always will have a dying love for his country."
Abstract This paper discusses Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" and in particular, examines the qualities of Marcus Brutus. It looks at how some qualities can be good or bad, but in Brutus? case his idealism is his flaw. It shows how Brutus is a very true and honest man and how he was always trying to look out for Romans and seek the best for them. Brutus never put his loyalty or nobility to Romans at stake; he always chose the right thing to do according to his morals.
From the Paper "Since Marcus Brutus assumed everyone was pure and honest like him, he in his idealistic state of being, made three major mistakes during the play. The first mistake was not to swear an oath. He thought an oath was not needed because he believed everyone was honest and would keep a secret. His second mistake was not to let Cicero join the conspiracy. He did not want him in the conspiracy because he thought it would appear that the conspirators were trying to buy the crowds support by having Cicero speak. If Cicero would have been in on the conspiracy he may have swayed the crowd in their favor after Caesar's death with his excellent speaking skills. Brutus? last and most foolish mistake was not to kill Antony."
Abstract This is evident by Shakespeare's sympathetic portrayal of Brutus, who is shown to act out of loyalty to ideals, rather than out of selfishness. Shakespeare creates a tragic hero out of Brutus by blending in him the strength of virtue and the weakness of naivete. Brutus ultimately dies for his love of justice. 8 pgs. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Abstract This paper examines William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" and in particular looks at how the characters of Cassius and Brutus change from Act one Scene two and Act two Scene one. It discusses how throughout the whole play there are lots of power struggles and betrayal and how the characters of both Cassius and Brutus both develop greatly. It show how the relationship between them changes in many ways and how Brutus always seems to like to be in control of whatever is going on.
From the Paper "Cassius is being so obsequious and sycophantic here that he almost seems insincere. This is suggesting that the plebeians of Rome would rather have Brutus as a dictator than Caesar. An actor would emphasise the stinging "except immortal Caesar". Brutus gets very agitated by this as he feels if anyone is above him then he is denigrated and base. Brutus does not want to be inferior to Caesar in any way. It goes against all of Brutus's personality traits to take the submissive role to anyone or to let anyone seem above him. The way Cassius says "immortal Caesar" presents him in almost a god like position. This is again reiterating the point that Caesar is above Brutus. This represents the manipulative and duplicitous side of Cassius? character."
Abstract This is a paper comparing and contrasting the two major speeches of Marcus Brutus and Antony in William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar". The author makes several interesting points and discusses how Antony 's method of toying with the audience's emotions prevailed over Brutus? attempt to use the audience's pride and patriotism.
From the Paper "Great speakers are remembered throughout history for making speeches that touch the audience, or get the audience to believe something that before seemed like nonsense. People like Martin Luther King Junior and Abraham Lincoln changed history, and are remembered to this day for their historic speeches. In William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, two such speeches were made. In the play, both Marcus Brutus and Antony made speeches that moved the crowd, but they used different techniques to accomplish their goals. Brutus? and Antony 's speeches differed vastly in their emphasis, content, and writing style."
Tags: audience, caesar, julius, play, renaissance, shakespeare, speaking, patriotism, william
Abstract This paper analyzes the play "Julius Caesar" by Shakespeare, exploring two variant conceptions of manhood. The paper provides a textual analysis of Cassius, who exemplifies a manhood based in physical prowess and achievement, while Brutus exemplifies a manhood characterized by a deep stoicism. A contrast of these two types of manhood (and indeed, the two characters) is a theme that runs as the play's backbone. Their ideas on manhood direct their decisions; it causes Brutus to rush into the assassination without practical planning, thus manliness (and male conceptions of manhood) is the indirect source of much of the conflict in the play.
From the Paper "It would be an incomplete discussion to address the issue of manhood in the text, especially within the context of ancient Rome, if one does not look to the concepts of honor and virtue. The Oxford English Dictionary defines honor in the context of Elizabethan idiom in several ways, the most applicable to our exploration of Julius Caesar being "[g]lory, renown, fame; credit, reputation, good name," and "[e]xalted rank or position; dignity, distinction." Virtue means "[c]onformity of life and conduct with the principles of morality; voluntary observance of the recognized moral laws or standards of right conduct[..,]" or "the possession or display of manly qualities; manly excellence, manliness, courage, valour." In Julius Caesar, we see the working out of these concepts through the characters of Brutus and Cassius. Brutus, who longs to have the reputation of a man of morals and of internal dignity, tries to operate with a moral compass. He attends mostly to the principle behind an action and not its outward show. He believes this will be sufficient. His implicit trust in the Romans to recognize a worthy man doing a worthy action when they see it is not politically astute and naive. Because of his naivety in things political (and his belief that the people of Rome are a judicious body as opposed to a fickle mob), we see him making disastrous mistakes such as trying to reason with the crowd even as the body of Caesar lies warm and bloody on the ground."
Abstract In "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, we see the characters of Brutus and Cassius as having the same goals to rid Rome of Caesar, but each for a different reason. The paper shows that Brutus wants Caesar dead for the good of Rome; the audience can see this when Brutus carefully and thoughtfully weighs his decision to join the conspiracy. It shows, on the other hand, that Cassius is jealous of Julius Caesar and his power and therefore wants to kill him.
From the Paper "Throughout the conspiracy, Brutus and Cassius make many more important decisions besides murdering Caesar. Between the two, Cassius, unlike Brutus, has a more realistic outlook on the world. In the decision to allow Mark Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral, Cassius realizes that this is not a good idea and Cassius says to Brutus, "You know not what you do. Do not consent / That Antony speak in his funeral / Know you how much the people may be moved / by that which he will utter"? (III. i. 234 ? 237). In contrast to Cassius? quick, decisive nature, the audience sees that Brutus carefully weighs and agonizes over his decisions before he makes them. Although Brutus? decisions might not be the wisest, they are definitely the most carefully considered. Brutus? weighing of his decisions is apparent when he is debating whether he should join the conspiracy (II. i. ll 10 ? 30)."
Abstract This paper provides a character analysis of Brutus in Shakespeare's play. It argues that Brutus should be considered the main character of the play. It explains that he is a very powerful character and can be considered the tragic hero of the play.
From the Paper "My purpose was to show how Marcus Brutus was the main character found in the Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Brutus believed in the idea of Rome and the power of the republic, which lead to his joining of the conspiracy and murdering of Caesar. Throughout the play we can see examples to see how Brutus is linked to being the main character. As a result of being the main character, we see how he is associated with being the tragic hero, as like in all of Shakespeare's plays where the hero dies in the end."
Abstract This paper discusses Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar". The paper analyzes the speeches given by Antony and Brutus. The paper contends that while Brutus does not comprehend the power of human emotion and is completely possessed by reason, Antony has a very good understanding of emotion and ironically, he uses logic to harness and manipulate it.
From the Paper "Who says that sensitive, emotionally perceptive men don't succeed in the political arena? In William Shakespeare's tragedy, Julius Caesar, Brutus and his fellow conspirators murder Julius Caesar and an oration then follows at which Brutus and Antony speak. After the speeches, sides are drawn and a civil war follows in which the second triumvirate (Antony, Octavius, and Oepidus) prevails. Shakespeare writes this play to illuminate the assassination of Julius Caesar and the resulting history that follows. The play demonstrates that when dealing with fickle human beings, emotion will more often overrule logic in matters of moral justice. Brutus does not comprehend emotion in the least and relies solely on logic, which inevitably leads to his downfall. Antony however, understands and is able to utilize emotion, this makes him the more effective orator which results in his success."
This paper discusses the tragic hero in Greek mythology by comparing Sophocles' character Oedipus with other Greek heroes---Hercules, Odysseus and Achilles.
Abstract This paper explains that a tragic hero, which was created by the ancient Greeks and defined by the philosopher Aristotle, is a hero who is otherwise perfect except for a fatal flaw, that eventually results in his demise. The author points out that the typical tragic hero is a complex and well-developed character, as is Sophocles' "Oedipus the King ", who is a textbook tragic hero that draws out the three responses from the audience--attachment, fear and pity. The paper relates that Oedipus' demise is unlike the demise of other typical heroes, like Hercules or Odysseus, because Oedipus' story does not end with his death but rather with blindness and his expulsion from the human community.
From the Paper "The complexity of Oedipus' "harmartia" is an important element of his heroism.The Greek term "harmartia" means "tragic flaw." However, the tragic flaw, in Greek mythology, is more of a mistake than an innate flaw. Aristotle stated that all tragic heroes suffer a "harmartia." This human weakness allows the audience to relate to the hero and feel sorry for him. Oedipus' flaw is his lack of knowledge about his own identity. Because he is not responsible for this flaw, the audience feels sorry for him and fears for him because they know there is nothing he can do to change his fate."
Abstract This essay studies William Shakespeare's play, "Julius Caesar". It approaches the antagonism of both Caesar and the conspirators and the motivations of the conspirators. The themes of political achievement and popular responsibility are also discussed.
From the Paper "Caesar was popular on the streets. His popularity was his source of power. Manipulation is a vice of politicians; on the converse side, influence is a political virtue. These are characteristics of Caesar. Because of his popularity, he can do anything he wants, as the Plebes rule Rome indirectly. This sets the stage for the political statement of the play. As there is an order set, this pure democracy of Rome is one of a kind. The people cast no votes as a whole, but only the elite. However, the approval of the Plebes is the primary concern of all politicians in Rome. This power of the people, however, is flexible in an uneducated society, as is most of Rome. Those who ran the politicians could easily be persuaded by those they ran (i.e. the politicians), who offered supremacy to Caesar."
Abstract This paper reviews two of Shakespeare's tragedies, providing an outline of each play. The paper illustrates how both plays portray the tragedy of human life on a lavish scale. The central themes of each play - power in "Julius Caesar", and young love in "Romeo and Juliet" - are discussed, and the tragic events of the plays are portrayed. The writer draws a comparison between these two plays.
From the Paper "Thus, Shakespeare uses the character of Brutus to demonstrate the dangers of being so blindly focused and inward looking that one fails to recognize the less than ideal circumstances and pitfalls that prevent the realization of goals. In sharp contrast is Cassius, who is perhaps ??the most accurate political calculator in the play. Recognizing that unknowable consequences attend all human action, "since th" affairs of men rest still incertain, Let's reason with the worst that may befall? (5.1.95-96). Accordingly, Cassius advises that Antony be killed with Caesar, that Antony not be given the podium at Caesar's funeral, that the conspirators not join battle at Philippi. In retrospect, it is clear that Cassius was right at every point? (Contra Mundum, 1995)."
Abstract This paper reviews William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" and examines how it was accepted and performed at the time in Elizabethan England. It provides a history of the Globe theatre where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed beginning with "Julius Caesar" and examines life in the theatre district of London at the time. It attempts to analyze why the play was so popular when it first came out and why a subject such as tyrannicide was presentable in a country governed by a monarch. It looks at how it contained all of the political and social intrigues necessary to make it a timeless classic and all the puerile blood and gore that was needed to entertain a group of theater-hopping commoners in what was considered London's seediest neighborhood.
From the Paper "The play was written and performed in 1599 at the Globe theater in Southwark, London. Southwark is located on the south bank of the Thames river, and was traditionally considered the vice district. This section of London was home to 10% of its population, and more than its share of the city's beggars. In 1594 the Lord Mayor, Sir John Spencer, asserted that parts of Southwark were "very nurseries and breeding-places of the begging poor" who swarmed the streets of the City. He estimated the number of these beggars at 12,000, and requested a meeting of several local magistrates in an attempt to banish them from the City or prevent them from crossing the Bridge."
Abstract Discusses common problems characters face in deciding how to behave when faced with conflicting loyalties. Examines the character of Brutus in Shakespeare's Elizabethan drama, "Julius Caesar", and political ideals.
From the Paper "Loyalty signifies one's duty and fidelity to a cause, a person, a place or an ideal. There are times, however, when more than one object of loyalty is present, and the result is conflicting loyalties. This paper will examine conflicting loyalties in two..."
Abstract This paper examines the careers of Julius Caesar and Augustus and discusses their importance in Roman history. The paper provides biographical information on each figure and looks at how each one entered the political arena and rose to the top. It looks at their careers as leaders of the Roman empire and their importance in history.
From the Paper "After returning to Rome, Caesar built up a reputation as a skillful advocate and orator, and was considered second only to the famous orator, Cicero in the powers of persuasion. He carefully developed contacts in Rome's corridors of power, and supported popular causes. Other stepping stones on his path to political prominence include his election to the College of Pontiffs in 73 BC, Military Tribune in 72 BC, and as quaestor in 69 BC under the governor of Spain. He was also elected as the "curule aedile" (urban magistrate)?a position which enabled him to arrange spectacular public entertainments such as gladiatorial games and fund lavish building projects. He also supported the politically powerful Pompey and Marcus Crassus, a rich patrician, forming an unofficial three-way alliance that has become known in history as the ?First Triumvirate.? In order to cement the political ties Caesar also gave his daughter Julia to Pompey in marriage and was duly supported by Pompey in his election as consul (59 BC), followed by appointment as governor of Roman Gaul in 58 BC."
