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Essay / An Analysis of Politics in Julius Caesar, a Play by William Shakespeare
Table of Contents Julius Caesar EssayIntroductionCharacter Determines ChoicesComplexity of Political DecisionsImpact of Character on Political DecisionsConclusionJulius Caesar Essay ExampleJulius Caesar EssayIntroductionIntroduction to Role of human character in politics as depicted in Shakespeare's Julius CaesarThe defining choices of the charactersDiscussion of how the characters in the play make choices that reveal their morality and personal advantagesFocus on examples like Brutus and Antony making choices that benefit Rome or themselvesComplexity of political decisionsExplanation of how the play depicts political decisions as complex, not simply right or wrongHighlighting the uncertainty and unpredictability of politicsImpact of character 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 decisions. Julius Caesar Sample Essay William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar places human struggles in a dramatic historical framework that can be told by both a live audience and a reading audience. The play illustrates the internal and external conflict between personal values and social or political constructs. Throughout the play, the character of individuals is revealed in the decisions made between morality and personal benefit. The public sees that politics is not divided between good and evil, but between 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 inevitable influence of a person's character on their political beliefs and actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Shakespeare uses his characters to show the audience that character can be determined by the decisions people make. Many of the key struggles in the play 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 cast against [Caesar], / save that of 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 if it puts his safety and reputation at risk. He chooses the well-being of the people before his own and perfectly understands the dangers to which he exposes himself by agreeing to contribute to the assassination of Caesar. Brutus also has a strong relationship with Caesar and he knows that the choice to kill him betrays the trust that he and Caesar have. Regardless, he knowingly prioritizes Rome's success over his own success and security. Brutus is also fiercely protective of his wife, Portia, refusing to tell her of the plot to kill Caesar, even though she begs him to "make known to [her] the cause of her grief" (2.1.271). Brutus does not want to worry or put Portia in danger for him. Brutus accepts the possibility of suffering himself because of his choice to contribute to Caesar's assassination, buthe knows he can't expect his wife to do the same. He knows that his actions will put Portia in danger and while this does not deter him, he strives to offer her whatever comfort she can by ignoring her husband's actions. His relationship with Portia is similar to the one he has with Caesar because, although he values both, he is willing to risk both for the benefit of Rome. The difference, however, is that he is trying to protect Portia, while he accepts 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, thereby redefining his character. Antony is also faced with a choice between acting altruistically or selfishly when Octavian arrives in Rome. Antony tells Octavian that they should “let [their] alliances combine” against Cassius and Brutus (4.1.47). Antony first works with Octavian during the formation of the triumvirate and the leadership of Rome, but his movement to join Octavian in their conflict with Cassius and Brutus reveals other motivations for their partnership. When Antony proposes an alliance, he secures a position of power after their battle. He makes this decision so that he can either remain part of the triumvirate after the war or maintain a powerful position under Octavian if he chooses to become 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 seen as selfish or simply strategic, but it changes the audience's understanding of Antony 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 a person's character has a huge impact on the decisions they make, and therefore their character can be defined by their previous choices. Julius Caesar's political conflict portrays political decisions as more complicated than a choice between a correct and incorrect choice. option. Shakespeare uses this to help his audience understand that political leaders make choices that they believe are best, because there is never a right or wrong choice. This idea is first presented in a subtle way when Julius Caesar is asked to become the sole ruler of Rome. Casca tells Cassius that the senators “want 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 possibility has precise and known results. It is therefore impossible to know which choice will ensure the best future for Rome. The people and rulers of Rome can only predict the results of Caesar's reign, 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 can only know the results of their actions after they have been taken. This is further proven by the state of the Roman Empire at the end of Julius Caesar. At the end of the play, neither the conspirators nor Antony and Caesar witness the expected results. Casca tells Brutus and Cassius that he "saw Mark Antony / offering to [Caesar] a crown" during the feast of Lupercal, indicating that Antony favors and expects Caesar's rule (1.2.243-244). Antony supports the idea of Caesar becoming king of Rome because he believes Caesar's rule will be best for Rome and himself. THE..