Index Essay by Julius CaesarIntroductionThe character that determines choicesComplexity of political decisionsImpact of character on political decisionsConclusionExample essay by Julius CaesarIntroductionIntroduction to the role of human character in politics as represented in the Shakespeare's Julius CaesarThe character who determines choicesDiscuss how characters in the play make choices that reveal their morality and personal advantageFocus on examples such as Brutus and Antony who make choices that benefit Rome or themselvesComplexity of political decisionsExplain how the play portrays political decisions as complex, not simply right or wrong Highlight the uncertainty and unpredictability of politics Character's impact on political decisions Analysis of how characters' values and moral traits influence their political actions Exploration of Brutus and Antony as examples of how character shapes political choices Conclusion Summary of character's role in politics as demonstrated in Julius Caesar Emphasis on the idea that a leader's character strongly influences his or her political decisionsExample Essay on Julius CaesarWilliam Shakespeare's Julius Caesar places human struggles in a dramatic historical context that is relatable for both live and reading audiences. The show illustrates the internal and external conflict between personal values and social or political constructs. Over the course of the show, the character of individuals is revealed in decisions made between morality and personal gain. The public sees that politics is not divided between right and wrong, but by leaders struggling to determine what is best. These two concepts lead to the idea that politics is defined by the character of political leaders. Shakespeare uses Julius Caesar to show the audience the inevitability of a person's character influencing their political beliefs and actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Shakespeare uses his characters to show the audience that character can be determined by the decisions people make. Many of the play's key struggles involve the characters choosing between what is best for others and what is best for themselves. Brutus and the conspirators must make this choice when finalizing their plans to kill Caesar. Brutus says he has “no personal cause to repel [Caesar], / but for the general,” choosing to participate in Caesar's assassination because it will protect the Roman Republic and its representative government (Shakespeare, 2.1.11-12). Brutus makes a choice that benefits the Roman government and people, even as it puts his safety and reputation at risk. He prefers the well-being of people above his own and fully understands the dangers he faces by agreeing to assist in Caesar's assassination. Brutus also has a strong relationship with Caesar and knows that choosing to kill him betrays the trust he and Caesar have. Regardless, he consciously prioritizes Rome's success over his own success and safety. Brutus also fiercely protects his wife, Portia, refusing to tell her of the plot to kill Caesar, even as she pleads with him to "let her know [his] cause of grief" (2.1.271). Brutus does not want to worry or endanger Portia on his behalf. Brutus accepts the possibility of suffering because of his choice to contribute to Caesar's assassination, but he knows that he cannot expect his wife to do the same. He knows his actions will put Portia in danger, and while that doesn't dissuade him, he makes an effort to offer her whatever comfort she can.can find in not being aware of her husband's actions. His relationship with Portia is similar to the relationship he has with Caesar because, although he values them both, he is willing to risk them both for the good of Rome. The difference, however, is that he tries to protect Portia, while accepting that he must betray Caesar to defend the Republic. These moments portray Brutus as selfless and loyal to his loved ones and the Roman Republic, redefining his character. Antony must also choose between acting altruistically or selfishly when Octavius arrives in Rome. Antony tells Octavius that they should "let [their] alliances unite" against Cassius and Brutus (4.1.47). Antony first works with Octavius when he forms the triumvirate and leads Rome, but his move to join Octavius in the conflict with Cassius and Brutus reveals other motivations for their partnership. When Antony proposes an alliance, he secures a position of power after the battle. He makes this decision so that he can remain part of the triumvirate after the war or maintain a powerful position under Octavius if he chooses to become the sole leader of the Roman Empire. It is possible that Antony's true intentions were to strengthen his army and ensure victory, which is less of a selfish act. His choice may be perceived as selfish or simply strategic, but it changes the audience's understanding of Antonio and his character. Both Brutus and Antony make difficult choices in the play that show the audience their character and morals. Shakespeare shows the audience that their character has a dramatic impact on the decisions they make, so their character can be defined by their previous choices. The political conflict in Julius Caesar portrays political decisions as more complicated than a choice between a right way and a wrong way. option. Shakespeare uses this to help his audience understand that political leaders make the choices they believe are best, because there is never a right or wrong choice. This idea is first subtly presented when Julius Caesar is invited to become the sole leader of Rome. Casca tells Cassius that the senators “intend to establish Caesar as king” (1.3.90). Some characters, such as Antony and Caesar himself, believe that Caesar should be king, while Brutus and the other conspirators believe that Caesar's rule and the end of the Republic would be disastrous for Rome. There are two possibilities: Caesar becomes king or not. Neither of the two possibilities has defined and known outcomes. This makes it impossible to know which choice will guarantee the best future for Roma. The people and leaders of Rome can only predict the results of Caesar's rule, and each of their predictions is subjective and unique. Shakespeare uses this uncertainty to model the complexity of political decisions and demonstrate how politicians judge based on what they believe is best because they cannot know the results of their actions until after they have been taken. This is further demonstrated by the state of the Roman Empire at the end of Julius Caesar. At the end of the show, neither the conspirators nor Antony and Caesar witness the results they expected. Casca tells Brutus and Cassius that he “saw Mark Antony / offer [Caesar] a crown” during the Feast of Lupercal, indicating that Antony is in favor of and expects Caesar's rule (1.2.243-244). Antony supports the idea of Caesar becoming king of Rome because he believes that Caesar's rule will be best for Rome and himself. The conspirators oppose Caesar's rule because they fear it will lead Rome to "stand under the awe of one man" (2.1.52). The conspirators believe that the end of the Roman Republic will harm the Roman people and the Roman government. Caesar is assassinated before he can.
tags