...If the Roman working class were asked “Would you agree Julius Caesar was a hero to your capital of Rome?” Their response would be, Julius Caesar was a strong and powerful leader to Rome; he was a hero.” Caesar provided jobs, food, and sanitation and tried to make Rome a better place to live. Bringing peace, pride, power and Caesar never lost hope, never gave up. One of the many reasons why Julius Caesar is a hero to Rome is because he gave the Roman’s job’s and created jobs. In the passage “Killing Caesar” by Jon Herman, a large amount of people in Rome were poor, and in need of money. “Never before had Rome been governed so well, or so efficiently.” He helped Rome’s government. “Caesar created jobs by building roads, temples, and aqueducts.” Caesar created not only jobs but also created sanitation throughout the city. “Fresh water flowed freely in fountains throughout the city.” Everything that was clean, fresh, and pure was all Caesar’s control. “Sanitation, sewage, and food, all were seemingly under the control of Caesar.” Caesar’s rule brought his city to peace and were now worry free. Furthermore, Julius Caesar fought for Rome, tried to make it a better...
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...the story, and it becomes more enjoyable. Decius is simply attempting to persuade Caesar into coming to the Senate House despite Calphurnia’s nightmare. Decius targets mainly Caesar’s pride while Calphurnia is attempting to reach out to him with compassion and sympathy. In the play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare reveals his understanding of the audience, uses...
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...bliss, however that doesn’t apply to Caesar. It is because of ignorance that Caesar is killed by the conspirators in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. However it is not only ignorance that leads to Caesar’s death, fatal flaws also play a role in Caesar's demise. Caesar has his fair share of fatal flaws affecting both his private and public life. Caesar’s public pride, stubbornness to those close to him, and constant naiveness and nobility ultimately led him to his doom. In Caesar’s public life, his pride runs his life. For example, Calpurnia had convinced Caesar not to go the Senate after having a terrifying dream about Caesar’s death. In her dream, Calpurnia saw Caesar's body in a fountain of blood with Romans...
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...Julius Caesar Character Analysis Written around the year 1599, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar written by William Shakespeare, was based on the Roman philosopher Plutarch’s biographies of the hoary Greek and Roman rulers, Julius Caesar, Octavius Brutus, and Marc Anthony. The role and personality of Julius Caesar in the written play was greatly determined in an indirect manner. Julius Caesar is immanently the disputed protagonist who remains a flat character throughout the play; a self-aggrandizing character that is wished death upon. His constant demands and braggart remarks about himself gave him a very egotistical perception. He was plotted against behind his back by people he called his friends, and was eventually stabbed to death on the Ides of March, or on the 15th of March, ironically, in front of the Theatre of Pompey. Julius Caesar often allowed his dignity to get in his way, which strongly made him look very preposterous and moronic. Caesar thought very highly of himself and had a very prominent perspective of himself. Subsequently defeating Pompey, a Roman politician and general, he boastfully returns back to Rome, being greeted by enjoying the show of pomp. After being demanded by Caesar, Marc Antony responded to Caesar saying, “When Caesar says “Do this,” it is performed.” (23.) Marc Antony generates the idea of Caesar being like a God; he’s treated like a deity and Marc follows all his commands and demands as if he’s a slave. Caesar is perceived as a very valiant...
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...From the savage Neanderthal to the charismatic Julius Caesar, humans have selfishly betrayed one another since the dawn of time. Written by William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar portrays the tragedy of the Roman ruler. Deceived by his friends, Caesar is brutally murdered as the conspirators try to prevent him from ascending to the throne as the next leader of Rome. By placing their own egotistical interests and misconceptions before Rome’s, the conspirators wrongfully murdered Julius Caesar. Throughout the play, Brutus continually questions whether or not he should follow through with the plan to assassinate Caesar. He even makes the remark several times that Caesar personally did nothing to him saying, “It must be by his death; and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, but for the general. He would be crown'd: How that might change his nature, there's the question” (II.i.10). Brutus recognizes that other than his own fears for the future, Caesar has done nothing to deserve death. The conspirators repeatedly claim that because of Caesar’s unruly ambition, he would take the throne and expose his greedy, selfish side, although he has never shown any sign to actually having one. Convincing Brutus of this, they become obsessed with the idea that Julius Caesar would become a megalomaniac after his rise to the throne, making this the main incentive that the conspirators have against him, eventually making a rash decision to “sacrifice” him, supposedly for the good of...
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...William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, set in Rome in 44 B.C, focuses on the character of Julius Caesar and his gruesome assassination by the members of the Roman Senate. Mark Antony, Caesar’s best friend, plots his revenge and incites a riot, causing the exile of the conspirators and their impending defeat. The tragic hero with a tragic flaw can be found in the character of Julius Caesar, an example of this being Caesar’s prominence in society as well as his fatal flaw of hubris. Another example is Caesar’s recognition of his fatal flaw following his betrayal and downfall. A third example is Caesar’s redemption, when his death is fully grasped by Marcus Brutus, who was once Caesar’s friend but betrayed him. The tragic hero is Julius Caesar because of his fatal flaw of hubris, his recognition of his flaw in his...
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...Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare William Shakespeare Renowned English poet, playwright and actor William Shakespeare’s birth date is not known; however, he is said to have been baptized on the 26th of April 1564. He died on the 26th of April 1616 but not before he had written about 38 plays, 154 sonnets and other literary pieces. Shakespeare’s plays have been translated into several languages over the years and have been produced in many forms throughout the ages. The Play Julius Caesar is a play about friendship, betrayal and power. The play is a historical tragedy as it presents the biography of one of the greatest man to have ever lived in Rome. Caesar was made Dictator and Consol after he chased Pompey and his forces out of Rome in an attempt to obtain ultimate power. Caesar’s ultimate goal was to become Rome’s first king and he remained focus on this goal until his death in 44BC. His death was as a result of fate and his refusal to acknowledge the many signs and omens that foreshadowed his fall. Brutus a very good friend of Caesar also took part in his assassination. Brutus feared that Caesar would become a tyrant and harm the people of Rome. In an attempt to ‘save’ the people Brutus helped Cassius to take Caesar’s life. After Caesar’s death he is avenged by his loyal servant Antony who skillfully manipulates his way into the band of conspirators. Later, after winning the love of the people Antony pursues and conquers Brutus’ and Cassius’ forces...
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...Cassius is one of the main, more important conspirators in Julius Caesar. He tends to take charge when it comes to the orders and he basically lead the over all plan for the killing of Julius Caesar. Two of the main character traits Cassius possesses are that he is very manipulative and persuasive. He hates the way Rome treats Caesar in the way of a god, just like many of the other conspirators. He complains about Caesar’s power quite often. In Act I Scene II, lines 146-148, Cassius says: “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” Here he is saying that it’s Rome’s fault for worshiping such a man like Caesar, and that men control their own fate, so it’s up to them to take Caesar down. Cassius...
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...JULIUS CAESAR BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR Question 1 In what way does the crowd function as a character? In the play “Julius Caesar”, the crowd plays a crucial role in portraying the setting of their society. The crowds would usually portray characteristics of one character or individual. They acted like this in the way they went about doing things e.g.- they would always take the side of the person in power, they were easily persuaded because of their naïve state of mind. Question 2 One thing Julius Caesar and Brutus have in common is their divided selves. Compare the two characters with special reference to their public and private selves. Both Caesar and Brutus have two distinguished personalities, (divided selves). In reference to Brutus’ public personality, he is confident and hold himself in high esteem. He refuses to show even a spec of weakness. He takes great pride in his speeches. As opposed to his private self, who is very timid and gentle. This was portrayed in the play when he tries to conceal tis side of him from his wife. In reference to Caesar’s public personality, he is fearless, arrogant and noble in public. Caesar was unable to separate his public self from his private self unlike Brutus. Caesar would discuss his private affairs publicly. Question 3 Compare and contrast the scene between Portia and Brutus and the scene between Caesar and Calpurnia Brutus and Portia share a more respectful relationship with an understanding that they are...
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...Does Shakespeare depict Julius Caesar as a tyrant who deserved to be deposed because of his unconstitutional usurpation of power? William Shakespeare’s well-renowned play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, has led to centuries of controversial debate on the validity of tyrannicide based on his depiction of Julius Caesar. Some scholars have argued that Shakespeare intended to portray Caesar as a tyrant, while others believe he is acting as a just King. On one hand, it is difficult to assume that Shakespeare plainly viewed Caesar as a tyrant, especially since Shakespeare deliberately left Caesar’s actions and intentions ambiguous, making him into a less obvious tyrannical figure compared to Plutarch’s representation of Caesar. In addition, Shakespeare does not solidify Caesar as a tyrant in the same way he does with Macbeth and Richard III in their respective plays. On the other hand, it is difficult to reason that Caesar is a just King because he came into power by usurpation. “In antiquity the term [“tyrant”] referred to a ruler who came to power by usurpation, without constitutional warrant.” Based on insight from several sources and my own interpretation of Julius Caesar, I have concluded that Shakespeare left Caesar’s objectives unknown in order to focus on the moral dilemma faced by Brutus, but Shakespeare still intended to depict Caesar as a tyrant who deserved to be deposed because of his unconstitutional usurpation of power. In order to prove this I will evaluate the political...
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...Julius Caesar One of the most influential political and military leaders in global history, Gaius Julius Caesar helped establish the vast empire ruled by Rome. Gaius Julius Caser was born in the year of 100 BC into a patrician family. At the time of his birth, Rome was still a republic and the empire was only really just beginning. The senators ruled, motivated by the greed of power in the hope of becoming, either, a consul or a praetor, the two senior posts which carried emporium, the legal right to command an army. From these posts it was possible to, with the help of an army at your command, conquer new territories and in turn, gain triumph and the pleasure of knowing that your name will be remembered forever in statues and inscribed monuments, paid for by the spoils of war. To obtain distinction for himself and his family, Caesar sought election to public office. In 86 BC, Caesar was appointed flamen dialis with the help of his uncle by marriage, Gaius Marius. (Billows). In 84 BC Caesar married Cornelia, daughter of Lucious Cornelius Cinna. (Billows). In 82 BC Caesar was ordered to divorce his wife by Lucious Cornelius Sulla, an enemy of the radicals. (Billows). Caesar traveled to Rhodes in 78 BC to study rhetoric and did not return until 73 BC. (Billows). During his journey to Rhodes pirates managed to capture him. Caesar convinced his captors to raise his ransom, which increased his prestige. He then raised a naval force, overcame his captors, and had them crucified...
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...much pain to three at once” (34. 55-57). Brutus, Judas and Cassius, these three men are considered to be the worst sinners of all according to Dante Alighieri. Brutus and Cassius were stuffed feet first in the mouth of the devil, or otherwise referred to as “Lucifer”. They were punished for their sins in the lowest region of the nine circles of Hell, for their assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C.E. Brutus and Cassius worked against God and betrayed Caesar who was attempting to build the Roman Empire to be the Pathway to God that was chosen for Rome itself. Brutus and Cassius were on the losing side of a war against Caesar but rather than killing...
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...Composers of texts often seek to present their opinions in such a way that influences the responder to agree or empathise with the composer. In both Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth, the composers’ perspectives on these historical figures and events are portrayed in unique ways which contradict and are contradicted by perspectives from other sources. Reasons for these differences can include the form of text and context of the composer, both of which affect not only the composer’s perspective, but the way in which they present it. Both Julius Caesar and Elizabeth are forms of text which serve primarily to entertain the audience. Even supposedly ‘historical’ plays and films do not have to adhere strictly to the ‘facts’ of history, but often stray from such accuracy in order to enhance entertainment value. For this reason, the viewpoint they may present on historical events or personalities can often conflict with accounts from other, more strictly historical, sources. For example, Julius Caesar was largely based off and echoes Plutarch’s Life of Caesar, and yet the two differ notably in many respects, such as the depiction of the funeral oratories given by Brutus and Antony. In Plutarch’s history, events are recounted very drily and matter-of-fact: “Brutus… came down from the capitol, and spoke to the people.” There is no direct quotation, details of the speech, or emotive language. Shakespeare on the other hand has both men give a detailed and well-crafted...
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...Although the play is called Julius Caesar, Caesar is not the central character of the play. He is only in the beginning of the play and is killed at the beginning of the third screen. At the start of the play is returning home after defeating Pompey’s sons at a battle. People are happy for him but he is warned that someone might want to kill him. He does not believe the warning . He is prideful stubborn, proud and very easily flattered. His wife Calpurinia warns him that she is having nightmares that he will be killed but he feels he’s immortal. Caesar’s enemies conspire against him and feel that he would not be a successful leader of Rome. Marcus Brutus is a Roman Senator who helps plan and carry out Caesar’s assassination which he believes...
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...of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony speaks at Caesar’s funeral and uses this time to persuade the people to ignore Brutus’s speech and prove that the Conspirators should pay for their crime by speaking positively of the conspirators. In President Bush’s Address on 9/11, President Bush tried to explain that as a country, we will remain united and strong, also that we are going to do everything possible to find the terrorists and punish them for their evil acts. Both of these speeches use pathos to be more effective reaching out to the people and get them on board. In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare uses many examples of pathos to get the public to feel a greater connection with Antony as he is giving his speech at Caesar’s funeral. One example is when Antony’s “heart is in the coffin there with Caesar/And [Antony] must pause till it [comes] back”(Shakespeare 132). When the public is able to see see an emotional side of a person, it is a shock. Most upper class are stoics and when Antony starts to break down, it makes them feel as if they can connect with him. His “heart in the coffin with Caesar” shows that when Caesar was killed, a part of him was also killed and the public sympathizes with him, Shakespeare uses these words to emphasize the emotional attachment Antony has with Caesar. Also, when Antony tells the people that “When the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept”(Shakespeare 131), he is trying to win over the affection of the crowd and show them that Caesar was...
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