Examples Of Betrayal In Julius Caesar
Betrayal By Friends
Julius Caesar once wrote, “Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt” (Caesar, Book III, Ch. 18), which means, “Men willingly believe what they wish” (Ramage, 442). This is apparent in the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. The conspirators who assassinated Julius Caesar convinced themselves that killing Caesar was necessary for multiple yet individual reasons. Cassius, the lead conspirator and instigator, convinces himself that Caesar is not better than he and should not be allowed to rule. Brutus allowed himself to be convinced by Cassius that Caesar needed to die for the greater good of Rome. The remaining senators who took part in the conspiracy also allowed themselves to be misguided by Cassius into believing …show more content…
Due to Julius Caesar’s military accomplishments and success, the senators named him “dictator for life” (Burch, 1). A title such as this clearly demonstrates the power Caesar had. Cassius’ jealousy of Caesar’s power caused him to develop the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. Throughout the play Cassius demonstrates his disgust for Caesar’s superiority. One example of this is when Cassius says, “Ye gods, it doth amaze me a man of such of such feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world and bear the palm alone” (Shakespeare, 21). Cassius is saying that Caesar is a weak and “feeble” man who does not deserve to be superior to others. He thinks Caesar is too weak of an individual to have defeated and claim victory over the “world”. In these words from Cassius we can also see that at this time, Julius Caesar was viewed as a very powerful leader, ruler, and individual. When you have as much power as Julius Caesar had, its no surprise that people would want to take it away. Cassius’ conspiracy aimed to do just that. This philosophical view about life can be added to the list of motives that ultimately killed Julius
Julius Caesar once wrote, “Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt” (Caesar, Book III, Ch. 18), which means, “Men willingly believe what they wish” (Ramage, 442). This is apparent in the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. The conspirators who assassinated Julius Caesar convinced themselves that killing Caesar was necessary for multiple yet individual reasons. Cassius, the lead conspirator and instigator, convinces himself that Caesar is not better than he and should not be allowed to rule. Brutus allowed himself to be convinced by Cassius that Caesar needed to die for the greater good of Rome. The remaining senators who took part in the conspiracy also allowed themselves to be misguided by Cassius into believing …show more content…
Due to Julius Caesar’s military accomplishments and success, the senators named him “dictator for life” (Burch, 1). A title such as this clearly demonstrates the power Caesar had. Cassius’ jealousy of Caesar’s power caused him to develop the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. Throughout the play Cassius demonstrates his disgust for Caesar’s superiority. One example of this is when Cassius says, “Ye gods, it doth amaze me a man of such of such feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world and bear the palm alone” (Shakespeare, 21). Cassius is saying that Caesar is a weak and “feeble” man who does not deserve to be superior to others. He thinks Caesar is too weak of an individual to have defeated and claim victory over the “world”. In these words from Cassius we can also see that at this time, Julius Caesar was viewed as a very powerful leader, ruler, and individual. When you have as much power as Julius Caesar had, its no surprise that people would want to take it away. Cassius’ conspiracy aimed to do just that. This philosophical view about life can be added to the list of motives that ultimately killed Julius