Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar

        “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare takes you back to the times of Roman’s dictator and the struggles that occurred after his assassination. When people began to suspect that Julius Caesar would take power over Rome, they begin to worry about how power would affect him. That’s when Brutus, Cassius, and many other’s began to plot his death. Although each of them loved Caesar dearly, they knew that keeping him alive would lead Rome down a dark path. They feared that they would all die slaves. So, on the 15th of March, they all gathered together and assassinated Caesar, each stabbing him from behind. And as a result, started many tragedies and battles ahead. William Shakespeare demonstrates the suffering that can occur from human pride, deceit, and lust for power.

        William Shakespeare demonstrates the suffering that can occur from human pride. And when it comes to pride, Julius Caesar takes the crown. He is the most arrogant person out of all the characters and because of his arrogance, he is completely blind to the harm that he is doing to the people around him.  His arrogance also makes him completely ignorant to harm that his very own friends are plotting against him (37-43). And Shakespeare uses this book to make a great point that a prideful person can neither judge himself, nor take the judgment of others. Which shows exactly why it was so easy for the assassination to take place right under his nose.

        Not only does Shakespeare demonstrate the suffering of human pride, but he also demonstrates the suffering that can occur from deceit. Throughout the book, this theme is played out. Characters like Cassius, use manipulation against Brutus to form a conspiracy against Caesar. He knows that because Brutus is close friends with Caesar, it would benefit them and make it easier for them to carry the plan out and get away with it. Cassius also knows that there can’t even be a conspiracy without him. So he does all he can to flatter Brutus into carrying out their plan by saying things like, “And it is very much lamented, Brutus/ That you have no such mirrors as will turn/ Your hidden worthiness into your eye/ That you might see your shadow. I have heard/ Where many of the best respect in Rome/ Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus/ And groaning underneath this age’s yoke/ Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.” And eventually, Cassius gets what he wants. For Brutus to take part in killing Caesar, which as a result causes conflict, battles, and even their eventual death. All because of the deceitfulness in their hearts.

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