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What is Tragedy?
A tragedy is a serious play representing the disastrous downfall of a central character. The tragic effect usually depends on our awareness of admirable qualities in the protagonist which are wasted terribly in the fated disaster.
The most painfully tragic plays are the Shakespearean tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and Julius Caesar (1599). Shakespeare's tragedies are characterized by the variety and freedom from convention.

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Plot Summary

Posted by Alsun Students






The tribunes, Marullus, and Flavius break up a gathering of Roman citizens who seek to celebrate Julius Caesar’s triumphant return from war. The victory is marked by public games in which Caesar’s friend, Mark Antony, takes part. On his way to the arena, Caesar is stopped by a stranger who warns that he should ‘Beware the Ides (15th) of March.’
 Fellow senators, Caius Cassius and Marcus Brutus, are suspicious of Caesar’s reactions to the power he holds in the Republic. They fear he will accept offers to become Emperor. Cassius, a successful general himself, is jealous, while Brutus has a more balanced view of the political position. Cassius, Casca, and their allies visit Brutus at night to persuade him of their views, and they plan Caesar’s death. Brutus is troubled but will not confide in his devoted wife, Portia.
 On the 15th March Caesar is urged not to go to the Senate by his wife, Calphurnia, who has had dreamt that he will be murdered, and she fears the portents of the overnight storms. He is nevertheless persuaded by flattery to go and as petitioners surround him Caesar is stabbed and dies as Brutus gives the final blow. Against Cassius’s advice Mark Antony is allowed by Brutus to speak a funeral oration in the marketplace after Brutus has addressed the people of Rome to explain the conspirators’ reasons and their fears for Caesar’s ambition. Brutus calms the crowd but Antony’s speech stirs them to rioting and the conspirators are forced to flee from the city.
Brutus and Cassius gather an army in Northern Greece and prepare to fight the forces led by Mark Antony, who has joined with Caesar’s great-nephew, Octavius, and with Lepidus. Away from Rome, Brutus and Cassius are filled with doubts about the future and they quarrel bitterly over funds for their soldiers’ pay. They make up the argument and despite the misgivings of Cassius over the site they prepare to engage Antony’s army at Philippi. Brutus stoically receives news of his wife’s suicide in Rome, but he sees Caesar’s ghost as he rests, unable to sleep on the eve of the conflict.
In the battle, the Republicans at first appear to be winning but when his messenger’s horse seems to be overtaken by the enemy Cassius fears the worst and gets his servant, Pindarus, to help him to a quick death. Brutus, finding Cassius’s body, commits suicide as the only honorable action left to him. Antony, triumphant on the battlefield, praises Brutus as ‘the noblest Roman of them all’, and orders a formal funeral before he and Octavius return to rule in Rome.




To read the entire play click on https://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/julius-caesar-play/text/

Watch the summary:




To watch the full movie click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-fjI1DSAUg

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Minor Characters

Posted by Alsun Students



Octavius

    He is shown as a man with a viewpoint who cannot be a follower by any means. To illustrate, although Antony has a poor opinion about Lepidus, Octavius is not reluctant to disagree with Antony, as he demonstrates in his defense of Lepidus "he's a tried and valiant soldier". Another example is shown in his pointing to Antony's error in predicting that Brutus and Cassius will not come to Philippi, most notably his insistence that he will fight on the right-hand side of the battle "Upon the right hand I keep thou the left," and "stir not until the signal". Moreover, Octavius exhibits credible insight in his observation that all who act friendly are not really friends. He knows well that he is in a power struggle with Antony that will intensify after they have defeated their enemies. Yet what is really notable his being shrewd in his political assessments and in his relationship with Antony although their animosity. Furthermore, he is courageous and confident much in himself "Be aveng'd; or till another Caesar/Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors".      

Artemidorus

     Although the readers come to meet some schemers, they might find one of Caesar's few true supporters. Shakespeare's purpose in introducing Artemidorus is to build up the tension leading to actual assassination. "There are no small parts, only small actors," this may be the case for Artemidorous because his role is limited in the play. One feature the readers can grasp is his ability to predict the future. To illustrate, when Artemidorus writes a letter to Caesar warning him from the conspirators "if thou beest not immortal, look about you: security gives way to conspiracy." In other words, he is telling Caesar that feeling too secure and too safe can cause people plot against you. Artemidorus proves that he is one of the only people left who actually support Caesar, rather than pretends to be his friend. Moreover, he also proves his ability to cut his saying short and be straightforward "Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius." Thus this litter not only functions within the plot to warn Caesar of his endangerment but also serves to clarify to the audience who Caesar's friend and foes are. 

Casca  

     It is worth noting that Casca is one of the conspirators who takes part in Caesar's assassination. He truly believes that Caesar's refusal of the crown and fainting spell is an act "Then he offered it to him again; then he put it be again." Moreover, a cheap trick to curry favor with the "hooting." One can deduce from the previous saying that Casca is a cynic! Shakespeare draws his personality contrasts with both Brutus and Cassius. To manifest, he wants to kill Caesar not out of jealousy like Cassius or out of his country's sake just like Brutus, but rather he thinks him a phony. Furthermore, he proves himself as a follower, not a leader "I will set this foot of mine as far/ As who goes farthest."  Moreover, when he wants Cicero to join the conspiracy, but Brutus quickly convinces him otherwise "Indeed he is not fit." Also, when he is ordered to kill Caesar himself  "you are the first that rears your hand". He needs someone to tell him what to do. Perhaps this is why he first stabs Caesar and takes part in the conspiracy to kill him "Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon." Hence he is one of those who are hunted down and easily manipulated by others. On the other hand, he is a superstitious man who worries when he sees signs that might be interpreted as bad omens "Did I go through a tempest dropping fire/ Either there is a civil strife in heaven/ Or else the world, too saucy with gods."

 Decius

    He is one of the conspirators who participate in trapping Caesar and urging him to go to the capital to meet his fatal destiny. In this sense, one comes to conclude that he owes persuasive skills of convincing others "Never fear that: if he be so resolv'd /I can O'ersway him; for he loves to hear." He convinces Caesar to turn up to the Senate on the "ides of March." In other words, he is able to turn Calphurnia's dream into a reason to attend the Senate by cleverly reinterpreting its negative imagery to instead symbolize Caesar's triumph. Furthermore, Decius is a very clever man and well educated; he knows that Caesar wants to hear his praise. In reaction, he takes advantages of this by saying that Calpurnia's dream is wrongly interpreted "This dream is all amiss interpreted." Hence the readers come to recognize his skillful fashion in convincing others. 



Cinna

     He is one of the conspirators who schemes with Cassius about to get Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar "But win the noble Brutus to our party." Cinne in return fakes notes in Brutus's chair, on his window and on a statue of his relative. Moreover, It is apparent that he is a fraud who cultivates an appearance that is at odds with his reality "liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead."  That is to say that he acts as if he is lamenting Caesar's death. 

Cicero

     He is a senator and a famous orator of Rome. One can figure out his character by coming across "Calm down'. You are overreacting." This line is fair giving enough information about Cicero; he is calm and philosophical. Moreover, he proves his logical sense in the stormy night when Casca reveals how scary omens he supposedly has seen "dropping fire." Cicero clearly thinks that Casca is overreacting, claiming that people often overreact and interpret things very far from their true meaning "but men may construe things, after their fashion." Perhaps Brutus's comment about Cicero is giving the reader a further analysis of his character. For further manifestation, Brutus is saying that Cicero looks as upset and concerned when he is debating a politician at the meeting "looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes." This paints Cicero as someone who takes his opinions and the opinions of others seriously. 



Metellus 

       Metellus's first appearance in the play suggests that he is a man with an insightful view on the matter. To clarify, he suggests inviting Cicero saying "his silver hairs will purchase us a good opinion." That is to say that Cicero's advanced age will make their scheme well thought out and under the direction of someone with a calm and respectable demeanor. Another resemblance situation when he refers to Ligarius as another possible member of their social circle "Caius Ligarius doth bears Caesar hard, who rated him for speaking well of Pompey." He also is shown up as a cunning man who charges with begging Caesar for his brother's repeal, thereby giving the conspirators the opportunity to surround Caesar before killing him "For the repealing of my banish'd brother?"

Lepidus

     Another minor character that does not mention very often is Lepidus. Since Shakespeare does not give us much to go on, the readers have to look closely at the times when Lepidus's name is mentioned. One thing the readers have to take into account is Antony's low opinion about Lepidus "Being his fashion. Do not talk of his a property," and "This is a slight unmertiable man, Meet to be sent on errands." In other words, Lepidus is worthless and dumb and it is very shame that he will be sharing power with Antony and Octavius in the triumvirate. Perhaps being inexperienced is the reason for why Antony and Octavius are able to dominate him and make his position in the Triumvirate largely that of a figurehead "To ease ourselves of divers sland'rous loades. He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold." Antony also says "prick'd to die." He counters this comments by saying that Lepidus is like an animal who needs to be lead from one palace to another. Thus he is belittled to a higher degree. 

Calpurnia 

     She is Caesar's wife who exhibits great devotion to him. This comes quite obvious when she dreams of Caesar's body spurting blood like a fountain "which, like a fountain with a hundred spouts." She prevents him from a fatal destiny, yet she fails to convince him. This may exhibit her weak character and lack of influencing her husband, especially when Decius says girls cannot interpret dreams "This dream is all amiss interpreted." Moreover, one can take a closer insight into her character that she is fearful, superstitious, and easily intimidated. She is shaken by terrible dreams, believing that her husband's life is in mortal danger!

Portia

     Once again Shakespeare raises the matter of women's role and their influence over their men. It is quite evident that Portia is trying to learn from Brutus the assassination privacy he is hiding from her "Is it excepted I should know no secrets/That appertain to you? Am I your self." On the other hand, she appears to challenges gender stereotypes about women when she urges Brutus that she should know his secrets. This also puts a scope on being not simply playing the role of doting submissive wife. To exemplify, she insists on knowing the hidden by uttering "when I ask'd you what the matter was, /you stared upon me with ungentle looks." In reaction, Brutus waves his hands. Thus she proves that she is a partner rather than being merely passive. She wants to play an active role in his life not just quietly support him in his unknown quests.

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Major Characters

Posted by Alsun Students



 Caesar 

 Analysis of Julius Caesar's Character
Caesar's part in the play is small in comparison with those of Brutus, Cassius, and Antony, and he cannot therefore reveal himself fully in his speeches and actions .A good deal of what the audience learn about him emerge from the remarks of the men, whose opinions differ widely; and in piecing together the impression that Shakespeare wishes us to form of him, we must depend to some degree on passing remarks, hints, and implications. One must also try to differentiate between reliable and prejudiced judgment on the part of those who speak of him.

What is revealed about Caesar's character in the Exposition?  

Although Caesar does not appear in the opening scene, the two officials; Marullus and Flavius, and the commoners mention Caesar constantly in their conversation. The commoners celebrate the triumph of Caesar over Pompey's sons. In other terms, they support Caesar. On the other hand, the two officials hate Caesar, and they blame the common people for rejoicing in Caesar's victory. Marullus states that Caesar does not bring any conquests to Rome ''Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? What tributaries follow him to Rome." To summarize, the officials are against Caesar, whereas the mobs are in favour of him. The introductory scene ends with a significant metaphor related to Caesar. He is compared to a soaring bird, and the common people are the feathers. Flavius and Marullus want to take these feathers away, so Caesar will be like any ordinary bird cannot fly highly "These growing feathers pluck'd from Caesar's wing \ Will make him fly an ordinary pitch." Consequently, Marullus and Flavius decide to strip off the decorations that glorify the success of Caesar. If Caesar soars above the view of men, then everyone will be a slave ''Who else would soar above the view of men, and keep us all in servile fearfulness.''

First Entrance of Caesar

Caesar appears in Act1 Scene2 in which the audience knows more about him. In fact, he is powerful. To exemplify, he gives orders and they have to be performed'' When Caesar says ''do this,' it is perform'd''. In addition, when Caesar speaks, everyone has to listen to him without uttering even a word ''Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.'' It is worthy to mention that Caesar is superstitious, when the matter is not related to him. To illustrate, he orders Antony to touch Calpurnia, for wise men say that women who are childless will lose their barrenness by one who runs this race on the Lupercal feast day. Later on, a soothsayer appears and warns Caesar of the ides of March. However, Caesar does not give him much attention, and affirms that the soothsayer is a dreamer ''He is a dreamer; let us leave him." This also can be interpreted as he is too proud to show his fear.

Caesar's Physical Power

Cassius declares that Caesar is physically weak, in contrast to Romans who are strong. Cassius recounts that one day the river is rough and mad, Caesar asks for Cassius's help, or he will drown "Caesar cried 'Help me, Cassius, or I sink!'' He also describes Caesar's state, when he has an attack of fever in Spain; ''His coward lips did from their colour fly." Cassius depicts that Caesar behaves like a sick girl. He cannot imagine that someone who has such feeble nature can rule the Roman Empire "A man of such a feeble temper should, so get the start of the majestic world." In other words, he says that Rome is never ruled by ''one man'', and it is always ruled by a council. Moreover, Caesar is deaf in the left ear, and has epilepsy "falling sickness."

His Characteristics

Cassius compares Caesar to ''a Colossus'' and they ''walk under his huge legs.'' He also compares Caesar to a wolf, and the Romans are sheep. It can be said that Caesar is farsightedness. He wants fat men to be in his company, as they are comfortable looking heads; men who look as if they can sleep peacefully ''Let me have men about me that are fat; sleek-headed men and such as sleep o' nights.'' Conversely, Caesar thinks that thin people like Cassius are not only hungry for food, but for power. He realizes that Cassius does not have these qualities, so he is dangerous. However, Caesar stresses the fact that he does not fear anyone even Cassius ''For always I am Caesar." Caesar is intelligent. This is shown when Antony offers him a crown three times, and he refuses it each time. He wants to show the common people that he has no lust for power. Consequently, he will gain much support.
Decius persuades Caesar to go to the Capitol by flattery. He explains that there different ways to hunt animals, and one sufficient method to manipulate Caesar which is addressing his ego. Indeed, he manages to persuade Caesar to leave his palace by flattery. It is ironic as Caesar affirms that sweet words do not have any impact on him. In other terms, he is constant as ''the northern star'' and ''Olympus.''
If one considers Caesar as a tragic hero, his over confidence will be his tragic flaw ''Your wisdom is consum'd in confidence." In his view, he is terrible than even danger itself. He and danger are like two lions born on the same day, and he is the older.

Caesar's Significant Words on Fate and Death

(His words highlight a little bit of his faith)
It is impossible to avoid anything that has been decreed by the might gods.
Cowards die many times before their deaths; but brave mean taste death only once.


 Brutus 

He is a nobleman; he is from Nobel ancestors. In the beginning, he supposed to be Caesar's friend. Cassius said about Brutus "Thy honourable mettle may be wrought." It shows that Brutus's nature is compared to a metal that can be shaped, which means that Brutus's nature can be manipulated. This describes his Tragic Flaw. Moreover, Casca said, "O, he sits high in all people's hearts/ Like richest alchemy." He means that Brutus's character is like an alchemy, which is a process that turns metal into gold. Brutus is loved and respected by all people.

Brutus's character is made even more complex by his unconscious hypocrisy. He has conflicting attitudes toward the conspiracy, but he becomes more favorable following his becoming a member of the plot against Caesar. He attacks Cassius for raising money dishonestly and demanding a portion, "Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself/ Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm,/ To sell and mart your offices for gold/ To undeservers." Nevertheless, at the end, Brutus is a man who nobly accepts his fate. He dismisses the ghost of Caesar at Sardis. He chooses personal honor over a strict adherence to an abstract philosophy. He reacts calmly and reasonably to Cassius' death, as he had earlier in a moment of crisis when Popilius revealed that the conspiracy was no longer secret. In his last moments, he has the satisfaction of being certain in his own mind that he has been faithful to the principles embodying the honor and nobility on which he has placed so much value throughout his life.
 Cassius 

William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar depicts a very tactful persona who develops the course of the play. Perhaps Cassius posterior motives come from being covetous and jealous of Caesar. To clarify, he conjures up a vivid image by comparing Caesar to Colossus "Like a Colossus, and we petty men." In this sense, he believes that Caesar towers above the world and the other people walk under his huge legs. He also has triggered how Caesar is about to drown, acting like a "sick girl." Clearly, enough Cassius's negative aspect has driven him to become an assassin. Moreover, it is quite obvious that Cassius has the ability to perceive the true motives of men and to insight their true nature, he was described by Caesar that "He reads much/ He is a great observer and he looks." That is to say that Cassius is a far-sighted and intelligent to a higher extent. He said to Brutus "You know what you do. Do not consent/ That Antony speak in his funeral./ Know you how much the people may be mov'd/ by that which he will utter?" He knows that Antony has the ability to turn people against them. In addition to Brutus, he manipulates Casca to bring him into the plot. To illustrate, he explains how Cicero will turn public opinion in their favor "I think he will stand strong with us."

 Antony 
Antony is Loyal to Caesar. He is a good friend to him. He is an athlete. He loves Music and art. He is a passionate man. Antony has a lot of good qualities that make him a better all-around politician—and replacement for Caesar—than either Brutus or Cassius. Most of these qualities were mentioned by Cassius when he said: “We should find of him/ A shrewd contriver; and you know, his means,/ If he improve them, may well stretch so far/ As to annoy us all.” Cassius said that Antony is a “Shrewd contriver” which means that he is an intelligent manipulator. He also stated that Antony has means -which is army and intelligence- if he stretches them, he will be dangerous for them. He is a good orator. This appears in his speech at Caesar’s funeral. He succeeded in manipulating common by his words. He also succeeded in returning them against the conspirators Brutus and Cassius. 
In addition to all these good qualities, Antony is a farsighted character who prophesied civil war in Rome as a revenge to Caesar. 



Surprisingly, Antony is not the perfect character of the play. This is clear in Act 4, Scene 1 as it shows the ugly face of Antony as a politician. To exemplify, he considers his servant Lepidus as a property, as well as cutting money from the poor to spend it in the army. 

 Antony's speech at Caesar's Funeral: 


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Themes

Posted by Alsun Students



  Conflict
Conflict generally occurs when a character cannot achieve an objective due to an obstacle. This obstacle may be internal or external – between characters or between characters and their environment. Conflict can be shown in a variety of ways, for example through physical, verbal or psychological means. It can be embedded in the structure of the drama. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is the story of the resulting conflicts from the assassination of perpetual dictator and Roman emperor. One of the significant themes that Shakespeare uses to enrich the complexity of Brutus involves his attempt to ritualize the assassination of Caesar.
First of all, He cannot justify, to his own satisfaction, the murder of a man who is a friend and who has not excessively misused the powers of his office.  Brutus is the most complex of the characters in this play. He is proud of his reputation for honour and nobleness, but he is not always practical, and is often naive. “If it be aught toward the general good, set honour in one eye, and death I’ th’ other” Act I, Scene II.  He is the only major character in the play intensely committed to fashioning his behavior to fit a strict moral and ethical code, but he take actions that are unconsciously hypocritical. “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (Act III, Scene II)  Consequently, thinking of the assassination in terms of a quasi-religious ritual instead of cold-blooded murder makes it more acceptable to him. Unfortunately for him, he consistently misjudges the people, the citizens of Rome, and Antony character itself; he believes that they will be willing to consider the assassination in abstract terms.
There is an external conflict between the conspirators and Caesar as he is a great man and an ambitious man. His ambition is what worries Brutus and ultimately leads to Brutus joining the conspiracy to murder Caesar. Cassius is also a very ambitious man, and because he is so jealous of Caesar's power, wishes to kill him to gain more power for himself. “A man of such a feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world, and bear the plame alone.”(Act I, scene II) Ultimately, the ambition of these two men leads to their downfalls and to virtual anarchy in the streets of Rome. Great ambition leads to great conflict.

 Mob Mentality
Mob mentality is highlighted throughout the course of Julius Caesar. The play emphasizes how it is easy to influence, and to manipulate the commoners. To elaborate, they support Pompey who is a military and political leader many years ago.Afterwards, they cheer Caesar and celebrate his victory over Pompey's sons, just like one of the citizens states ''But, indeed, sir, we make holiday, to see Caesar and to rejoice in his" (Act1, Scene1, Line 28). Moreover, the two officials; Marullus and Flavius blame the common people for their ingratitude. Thus, Marullus insults the mobs by describing them as ''You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!'' (Act 1, Scene1, Line 35) He reminds them how they climb up the walls, towers, and even to the tops of chimneys only to see Great Pompey pass through the streets of Rome. In addition, he explains how they cheer Pompey loudly to the extent the Tiber tremble under his carved banks. Subsequently, he orders them to go home and ask for the forgiveness of gods for their ungratefulness.

The following quotes represent the mob mentality of the mobs in Ancient Roman:

MARULLUS
"Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
What tributaries follow him to Rome,
To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels?
You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!
O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,
Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft
Have you climb'd up to walls and battlements,
To towers and windows, yea, to chimney-tops,
Your infants in your arms, and there have sat
The livelong day, with patient expectation,
To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome:
And when you saw his chariot but appear,
Have you not made an universal shout,
That Tiber trembled underneath her banks,
To hear the replication of your sounds
Made in her concave shores?
And do you now put on your best attire?
And do you now cull out a holiday?
And do you now strew flowers in his way
That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? Be gone!
Run to your houses, fall upon your knees,
Pray to the gods to intermit the plague
That needs must light on this ingratitude."  (Act1, Scene1, Lines 32- 55)
FLAVIUS
"Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault,
Assemble all the poor men of your sort;
Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears
Into the channel, till the lowest stream
Do kiss the most exalted shores of all."(Act1, Scene1, Lines 56-60)

  Later on, Brutus and Antony s' speeches focus attention on the mobs and how they can be a danger when they are manipulated. Brutus delivers a speech to Romans in which he explains his reasons for murdering Caesar. He tells them to judge him with their reason and logic. He confirms that his love for Rome is greater than his love for Caesar "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.'' (Act 3, Scene 2, Line 21) He also plays on their dignity. In other words, they will be slaves, if Caesar is alive. Finally, he succeeds in persuading them that his deed is not evil at all. To illustrate, one of the citizens say let us make him Caesar which means a 
king. They believe him to the degree they do not want to listen to Antony.

Antony knows how the mobs can be a sort of power. To manifest, through 
his funeral speech, Antony managed to move people in mutiny against the conspirators and feeling sorry for killing Caesar. This was achieved through his intelligent techniques of delivering powerful speeches, by creating rapport with the people, insinuating the good in Caesar, appealing to their feeling of pity and greed, as well as appealing to logical reasoning and evidence.

Moreover, one of the very obvious reflections of the mobs that don’t think before act is killing Cinna, the poet and confusing him with Cinna, the real 
killer that takes place in Act 3, Scene 3. 

 Conspiracy


  The tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare is a play about betrayal and conspiracy that are two sides of the same coin. Conspiracy is an extended theme that is manifested from the very introductory scene of the play to the awful deed of killing Caesar. First, Caesar is betrayed since the beginning of the play when Flavius and Marullus order the commoners to stop rejoicing the victory of Caesar and rip down the banners celebrating him. Later on, treason turns into a well formed scheme against Caesar. Moreover, Cassius is a deceptive man who is the mastermind of the plot, and he urges Brutus to join his plan of Caesar's murder. Since Brutus is well-respected, Cassius’ conspiracy gains respect among those who know about it. Subsequently, Cassius fakes letters which praise Brutus as a great ruler. Caesar is betrayed and assassinated by some of his closet friends and followers. In spite of the relationship between Caesar and Brutus (a sincere friendship), Brutus is manipulated by Cassius’ plot against Caesar. This friendship is the reason why, at first, Brutus is hesitant to join Cassius in his conspiracy. However, Brutus, Cassius, and the other conspirators kill Caesar because they don't want him to become a dictator, they are afraid that he would take away all their power. Cassius says “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonorable grave.” (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines135-8)

 Friendship Versus Duty

Despite the fact that Brutus is Caesar’s best friend; he is not in favor of Caesar becoming the king. Brutus mentions that he loves Caesar, but he does not want him to be a king.
Brutus: “What means this shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king”
Cassius: “Ay, do you fear it?
             Then must I think you would not have it so.”
Brutus. “I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.” (Act 1, scene 2, line 77)
 Brutus does not want that because he wants Rome to remain a republic and to be ruled by a council, not a king. He has an inner conflict that his love for Caesar is a contradiction to his love for Rome. Moreover, he wishes that he could kill the spirit of Caesar, not the man. Brutus knows that he was wrong in his decision of killing Caesar, but he tries to persuade himself that he was correct by stating that he kills him for the sake of Rome “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” Furthermore, Brutus last words “Caesar, now be still; /I kill’d not thee with half so good a will.” He is saying that Caesar should now rest in peace, and that he killed Caesar unwillingly as he does with himself. This means that Brutus knows that Caesar’s revenge should have been taken. 

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Motifs

Posted by Alsun Students





Blood



1. In the first act, Marullus scolds the common people for their celebration of Caesar's triumph over Pompey's sons "and do you now strew flowers in his road that comes in triumph over Pompey's blood."

2. Blood represents Brutus' dignity, nobility, and loyalty "every drop of blood that every Roman bears, and nobly bears.''  To clarify, Brutus is expressing how the conspirators do not need to swear an oath to be joined together; they are joined by Roman 
blood already.


3. He wishes he could kill Caesar’s spirit, without literally killing his body “We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, and in the spirit of men there is no blood."

4. Blood is mentioned again in the conversation between Cassius and Brutus when Cassius was arguing with him about the decision of killing Antony after Caesar. Brutus responds on Cassius's arguments by saying "our course will seem too bloody Cassius." It is obvious that Brutus does not kill Caesar for a personal benefit, but he does that for the sake of Rome.


5. Furthermore, the blood in Calpurnia's dream is a foreshadowing of Caesar's murder. Caesar tells Decius about Calpurnia's dream when Decius asks him to go to the Senate. Caesar tells him that Calpurnia has seen his statues spouting blood from different gashes and the romans are washing their hands in the blood. The blood foreshadows the death of Caesar.


6. Antony also shakes the hands of Caesar's murderers which are blood-stained ''Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes.'' The image of the blood soaked hands is stressed more than one time ''Let each man render me his bloody hand''. It is worthy to mention that 
Antony refers to Caesar's blood as "crimson."

7. Antony predicts that will be a civil war in Italy which will result in blood-shed "Blood and destruction shall be so in use."

Sleep and Dream

1. Brutus states in his soliloquy that his sleep is disturbed since the time, when Cassius began to urge me to oppose Caesar. ''Since Cassius first did 
whet me against Caesar I have not slept."
2. He, also, compares the period between the doing of an evil act and the first discussion of it to a nightmare ''Between the acting of a dreadful thing, and the first motion, all the interim is like a phantasma, or a hideous dream."

3. One of the most powerful prophetic dreams in Julius Caesar is the dream of Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife. She cries in her sleep three times ''Help, ho! they murder Caesar!" She tells Caesar about her dream of his statue with blood pouring out from all sides ''She dreamt to-night she saw my statue, Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts."
At first, he accepts the dream’s warning and plans on protecting himself at home rather than going out. Later on, Decius has been sent by the conspirators for the exact reason of luring Caesar out of his palace and escorting him to the Senate. Calpurnia dream poses a direct obstacle to their plan, so Decius must quickly devise an alternative reading (interpretation) of the dream. He interpreted the dream as Rome will gain new strength from Caesar.

4. The idea of Sleep is raised again when Brutus talks to Lucius.
Lucius. "I have slept, my lord, already."
Brutus. "It was well done; and thou shalt sleep again; 

I will not hold thee long: if I do live, 
I will be good to thee." 


Nature 

The employment of Nature is significant in literary works generally, and in Shakespearean's plays particularly. To clarify, Shakespeare utilizes Nature in most of his tragedies to foreshadow something usually evil and bad will happen, and to create some sort of suspense and this is applied on Julius 
Caesar.
In Act 3, Scene 3
Cassius: "Have bared my bosom to the thunder-stone;
And when the cross blue lightning seemed to open"
Casca: "But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens?
It is the part of men to fear and tremble
When the most mighty gods by tokens send
Such dreadful heralds to astonish us."
Cassius: "Their natures, and preformèd faculties,
To monstrous quality—why, you shall find
That heaven hath infused them with these spirits
To make them instruments of fear and warning
Unto some monstrous state.
Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man
Most like this dreadful night,
That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars"
Comment:
Thunder and lightning (the awful weather) foreshadow something bad will happen. Casca believes that there are two main reasons for such terrible weather; one is that there is a civil war in heaven; the other is that gods are angry with people for neglecting them. Moreover, he supposes that these strange happening are omens; warning people that some great evil acts are going to fall upon this land.
Foreshadowing Technique: 
The idea of war is raised since the beginning of the play, and it will be a civil war in Rome, later on.
Moreover, Cassius interprets the terrible storm in a different way. He states that gods may send such ominous events to warn men that something is wrong with their lives. Cassius also implicitly compares Caesar to such a dreadful night. To illustrate, he tells Casca that he is stupid, for he does not infer that these strange signs indicate the growth of Caesar's power. In other words, Caesar is similar to a nature which is angry and monstrous.
Another example of storm, thunder is the scene of Calpurnia dream (already explained in the part of dreams)

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Commemorating Julius Caesar’s Brutus

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Commemorating Julius Caesar’s Brutus






         Tragedies are a representation of serious actions that lead to a disastrous end for the protagonist that evokes feelings of fear and pity. Considering such features of a play, while reading William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (1599), qualifies it to be one of the most remarkable tragedies in English literature. An important question must be raised during tackling tragedies; "Who is the tragic hero of the play?” Aristotle defines a tragic hero as a noble character who has a Hamartia or a tragic flaw that causes his downfall. Delving deep into Julius Caesar confuses readers with questioning the truth about heroes and villains in the play.  Bearing in mind Aristotle’s definition, this article intends to show the reasons that qualify Brutus to be the tragic hero of Julius Caesar without denying the existence of an opposing view.
          To begin with, Brutus enjoys two main inseparable characteristics of a tragic hero that are acknowledged by him and others, namely honour and nobility. To clarify, from the very beginning of the play, Brutus explicitly states how valuable honour is to him, so if anyone "Set honour in one eye, and death in the other, and I will look on both indifferently.'' (I, II, 85)  Brutus, also, utilizes his honour to convince commoners that killing Caesar is not a treason; ''believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour.'' (III, II, 15) Regardless of the debate upon the truth of Cassius’ relationship with Brutus, he sincerely admits the noble ancestry of Brutus. Even minor character, such as Casca, describes honourable Brutus as ''alchemy''; that turns the evil conspiracy into a good deed. Remarkably, Brutus’ honour and nobility is even reemphasized posthumously. To manifest, he refuses to lose his honour in the battlefield and be conquered by his enemies; "For Brutus only overcame himself, and no man else hath honour by his death." (V, V, 57) These words of his former servant, Starto, are followed by Antony’s "This was the noblest Roman of them all". (V, V, 68) To summarize, no character, a friend or an enemy in the play fails to recognize Brutus’ honour and nobility during his life and after his death.
         Furthermore, for a complete picture of Brutus being a tragic hero one must consider his tragic flaw or as Aristotle names it "Hamartia" which leads to his own deterioration. Identifying Brutus’ tragic flaw is not an easy task, as his character is quite complex; however, Brutus’ inability to judge, both people and events, can be considered his main flaw that contributes to his downfall. Unlike Caesar and Cassius, Brutus is not a good reader of people. For instance, Brutus does not recognize the manipulating personality of Cassius who urges him to kill his own friend thinking that this is simply for the "general good". Moreover, Brutus underestimates Antony and does not think of him as a "shrewd contriver" who is able to move the mobs against the conspirators with his powerful funeral speech. Furthermore, Brutus gets involved in actions that have fatal consequences because of his misjudgement of events and facts. Although, he believes that killing Caesar is only to ensure stability in Rome, he fails to understand that this deed just destabilizes Rome and sets war instead. He also believes that initiating the attacks at Philippi is a wise choice, ignoring Cassius’ refusal, and this unfortunately costs him a great deal of loss including his own life. Generally, Brutus’ misjudgement of people and actions deteriorates him regardless of his nobility.
        On the contrary, many critics argue that Brutus is not a tragic hero, but rather a villain who has been consumed in a lot of drama and death. Professor Whitaker, for example, takes a close insight in Brutus' soliloquy in the Orchard Scene in Act two as a reflection of his inner conflict and ill-mannered character. Brutus follows faulty analogy throughout his soliloquy; he stars with a conclusion of assassinating Caesar that "It must be by his death". (Line 10) He also builds his decision on mere assumptions with the recurrent use of probable future events instead of objective facts. As in "How that might change his nature, there's the question" (Line 14) and "That at his will he may do danger" (Line 18) Therefore, Brutus is not simply manipulated but his corrupt nature is already prevailing. To illustrate, he is the last one who stabs Caesar, though he asks him unbelievingly ''Et tu, Brute?''. Ironically, this last stab got Caesar killed, not of an extra painful injury but of an incredible shock!  Thus, Brutus should not be thought of as the merely deceived poor friend.
         Nevertheless, critic Mildred E. Hartsock in his article The Complexity of Julius Caesar welcomes a wide range of interpretations of the central ideas and characters. Therefore, identifying the tragic hero of the play remains debatable. However, committing fatal mistakes just like other characters in the play does not simply categorize Brutus as a villain. This is because Shakespeare creates real characters of flesh and blood; Brutus is one of them. This is being pointed out by D. J. Palmer in his article Tragic Error in Julius Caesar, “As the hero, Brutus is, therefore, to be distinguished from the other characters by his nobility alone, and not by his capacity for delusion, since in this he shows his common humanity". Brutus’ good nature rejects murdering Antony, after murdering Caesar; as he didn’t want to seem ''too bloody'', as well as rejecting taking bribes and other dishonourable actions.   

        To conclude, after all being said, the issue of whether Brutus is a tragic hero or a traitor who has to go to hell is still arguable. However, Brutus’ characteristics almost qualify him to be a tragic hero with regards to Aristotle’s definition. He is a noble man who has poor judgment, and this leads to his death at the end. Regardless of any efforts to answer the question of Brutus’ true character, there will be no fixed answer because literature knows no pure black or white. Reading other tragedies; Macbeth, Othello and Hamlet, of the great English poet, playwright and litterateur William Shakespeare, is highly recommended for a full appreciation of such well-crafted piece of art.

References
-          Hartsock, M. (1966). The Complexity of Julius Caesar. PMLA, 81(1), 56-62. doi:10.2307/461308

-         Kennedy, X. J., & Gioia, D. (2013). Literature: An introduction to fiction, poetry, drama, and writing (Pg. 1496).  Boston: Pearson.

-          Palmer, D. J. (1970). Tragic Error in Julius Caesar. Shakespeare Quarterly, 21(4), 399-409. doi:10.2307/2868424

-          Shakespeare, W. (n.d.). Julius Caesar. Cairo: Anglo Egyptian Bookshop.

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