Julius Caesar: Conspiracy Theory
In Shakespeare's tragedy, Julius Caesar, the protagonist, Brutus is forced to choose between his loyalty to the Roman Republic and his devotion to his friend. Some of the senators of Rome believe that Julius Caesar has become too powerful and has attained too high of status with the people. Brutus decides, with more than a little persuasion from ill intentioned Cassius, that it is necessary to assassinate Caesar, his close friend and compatriot, for the good of Rome. The play's category, a tragedy, states in itself that this is the wrong resolution. After the assassination, the play follows Brutus as he suffers from his misguided decision. How can any of the conspirators, except for ...
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demise or downfall. Brutus' fatal flaw is that he is too trusting. Brutus is an honorable man, who foolishly believes that those around him are just as honest and noble as himself. He just wants what is best for the Republic, and the conspirators convince him that Caesar's death is the best thing for the people. When a person becomes too trusting he is easy to manipulate and the conspirators use him as a figurehead of sorts. With Brutus in front, the conspirators believe the assassination of Caesar will be looked upon differently by the people of Rome. Cassius and the others seem to have the ulterior motives that Antony eludes to in his speech to the people about the good, noble, and modest Caesar, who's death was dishonorable and a great wrong.
The assassins had much to gain, or better yet, less to lose with Julius Caesar out of the picture. If Caesar had become emperor or king, he would control all of the Roman Empire, which was quite vast at the time. The assassins ...
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respect to ulterior motives because Brutus' concerns for the good of his country were genuine. He honestly believed the others were distressed for the same reasons. Basically playing the role of an instrument necessary to the plan, Brutus was a pawn. He loved Caesar like a brother, while Cassius detested Caesar. But Cassius hid his antipathy under clever speeches to win over Brutus: "I was born free as Caesar; so were you: We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter's cold as well as he… It doth amaze me, A man of such a feeble temper should, So get the start of the majestic world, And bear the palm alone." (Cassius, 1.2. 97-131). But Cassius can not hide his venomous ...
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"Julius Caesar: Conspiracy Theory." Essayworld.com. October 10, 2007. Accessed April 26, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Julius-Caesar-Conspiracy-Theory/72501.
"Julius Caesar: Conspiracy Theory." Essayworld.com. October 10, 2007. Accessed April 26, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Julius-Caesar-Conspiracy-Theory/72501.
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