Preview

Julius Caesar - Theme of Friendship

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
951 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Julius Caesar - Theme of Friendship
Friendship is a wonderful part of life, but it can unfortunately be used to deceive, for it is easy to manipulate with it, but only true friendship cannot be defeated, even after death. This element could well likely be the very thing that had sealed the fate of Julius Caesar, and Brutus, Cassius, and all the other conspirators knew that they could use this to their advantage, and to Caesar's disadvantage. Friendship, was what the conspirators used as a cover to blind Caesar from the truth, just as a hunter uses camouflage to keep the animals from seeing what he is up to. The conspirators also used camouflage, but they used flattery along with manipulation as a way to soothe any feelings of doubt that Caesar may have had about their sincerity. These essentials would gain trust, which is the key to all friendships.
<br>
<br>This trust would be lost and transform into betrayal, with the murder of Caesar. Even though Caesar was plotted against and murdered by Brutus and Cassius, friendship still proved a strong theme because it would falsify the conspirators intents. Caesar was susceptible to the power of friendship just as any normal person would be and his friendship for the conspirators unfortunately blinded him until Brutus's final blow, by which time it was too late for him. An example of how the conspirators used their friendship with Caesar against him was when Decius, who is one of the conspirators, came to the house of Caesar on the Ides of March. The first thing that Decius says when he walks into Caesar's house is "Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar."(2.2. 58-59) Decius also referred to Caesar as "most mighty". This only made Caesar become more comfortable with Decius, and trust him all the more.
<br>
<br>The conspirators had already decided how and when they would kill Caesar, and Brutus, Cassius, along with Decius, knew they had to lure Caesar close. They had an advantage at this because they knew that all they would have to do was prove to

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    In the book, "Julius Caesar" persuasion is used to gain allies and power In the story, two of Caesar's long time friends, Cassius and Brutus, turn against him. To gain strength Cassius and Brutus create a conspiracy about Caesar to influence others to remove him from power. Throughout the book, there are many examples of jealousy and allusion used by Cassius for his benefit and the death of Caesar.…

    • 465 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Cassies Conspires

    • 667 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In the play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, written by William Shakespeare, there are a few characters with great soliloquies, who have an extremely dramatic effect on the plot of the story. One of those characters happens to be Cassius, Caesar’s enemy. During Act I, scene ii, Cassius starts plotting against Caesar, as he is now the new leader of Rome. Although Cassius is the one going against Caesar, he manipulates Brutus, Caesar’s…

    • 667 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The Senators Swansong

    • 913 Words
    • 4 Pages

    How can one man’s closest friend also be that man’s murderer? This is precisely what happens in Julius Caesar. Brutus kills his closest friend, Julius Caesar, and then he gives his justification for doing so in his speech at Julius Caesar’s own funeral. Although his speech was flawed, the crowd of people he spoke to were easily swayed, and they accepted Brutus’ justification. Unfortunately for Brutus, he allowed Mark Antony, another one of Caesar’s close friends to speak after him. His speech completely reversed the crowd’s opinion. Comparing Brutus and Antony’s funeral speeches is an important topic because it is a turning point in the conspirator’s attempts to sway the Roman people. The comparison shows how a few crucial errors on the conspirator’s part, along with a great speech by Antony, completely altered the outcome of the entire play. In comparing Brutus and Antony’s speeches, it becomes evident that Antony’s speech was much more effective than Brutus’ speech in four key areas: ethos, pathos, logos, and chronos.…

    • 913 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    According to my reading the power to kill Julius Caesar was persuasion How did conspirators convince others to help them overthrow Caesar. Over 40 people were involved in the conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar they were all bribed with gifts like Swisher Sweets, cigars and brown ale and emotionally made afraid of him. The main reasons why Julius was killed was because the perpetrators were afraid of Caesar gaining too much power and weakening political and economic positions. Unfortunately for Caesar his best friend Brutus was one of the perpetrators Being such a close friend to Caesar and then agreeing to the betrayal of his best friend Brutus said that he did all of this to protect Rome from being destroyed by the tyrannical ruler. So emotionally…

    • 181 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Cassius recognizes Brutus’s doubts and capitalizes on them. Cassius persuades Brutus that Caesar is not a fit ruler, and that to Brutus is held in higher regard by many. Cassius’s influence solidifies Brutus feelings that although Caesar was a great man he was too ambitious for the good of Rome, and he agrees to assist the conspirators in their plot to kill Caesar. After Caesar is dead Brutus defends his actions to the crowd at Caesars funeral.…

    • 478 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    In Scene II, Brutus says, “I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well… If it be aught toward the general good, set honor in one eye and death I’ th’ other, and I will look on both indifferently, for let the gods so speed me, as I love the name of honor more than I fear death.” According to Brutus, he reveals that he fears Caesar will be king. Despite being friends with Caesar, he cares about Rome more than he does about Caesar. Through this quote, the readers are able to understand Brutus values being honorable, also. Brutus would do anything for Rome; he tells Cassius to let the gods give him good luck as long as he loves honor. Therefore, this shows how Brutus values honor, Rome, and its people. As for Cassius, he values flattery and manipulation. In line 135-161, Cassius states, “’Brutus’ will start a spirit as soon as ‘Caesar.’ Now, in the names of all the gods at once, upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed, that he is growns so great? Age, thou art shamed!... But it was famed with more than with one man? When could they say (till now) that talked of Rome, that her wide walks encompassed but one man?” Through this, Cassius is trying to convince Brutus to go against Caesar through flattering him. He asks Brutus what is so special about the name Caesar? Brutus is just as honorable; many people love Brutus as well as Caesar. However, what makes Caesar greater than everyone? Since Cassius understands Brutus would do anything for the good of Rome, Cassius states the importance of freedom for the Romans, which Caesar is going to take away during his reign. In addition, he continues flattering Brutus and telling him how loved and respected he is. Thus, Cassius’ speech demonstrates how cunning and sly he is. Cassius will attempt to get Brutus on his side whatever it takes, even if this includes manipulating and flattering Brutus. Furthermore, through these speeches, it reveals what Brutus and Cassius feel about Caesar. For Brutus, he fears Caesar being king. He…

    • 1200 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Caesar and Brutus had to go through their final moments of their lives. The first death was the death of Caesar at the Senate where he was stabbed to death by all of the conspirators until he fell to the ground. His ability to be manipulated was the reason his death occurred at the Senate. If he had believed Calpurnia and the Soothsayer, his death wouldn't had taken place because he would’ve never stepped out of his home to give the conspirators what they wanted which was his death. Similarly, Brutus caused his own death as a result of his manipulation when he was at the battlefield left all alone because Cassius had died earlier. Brutus died because he joined in the plans of the conspirators and had to go through all the consequences all of them were facing. Like Caesar, if he had never been manipulated by the conspirators, he wouldn’t have to be death because he would just be like the other citizens while the conspirators would be the ones suffering the consequences for killing Caesar at the battlefield. Therefore, Caesar and Brutus were both manipulated because they were used and caused their ends instead of the good life they were promised by their…

    • 826 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved…

    • 1597 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    work file

    • 857 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Brutus was only a friend a good friend in the beginning of the story. Brutus only pretended to be he's friend because he wanted to find out everything about Caesar's knowledge as becoming emperor of Rome. Brutus would put words in Caesar's mouth. Brutus was lying to Rome and he's people. Throughout the whole scene Brutus treated Caesar like if Caesar had every back stabbed Brutus. After Caesar's death, Brutus had no emotional feelings until the ghost of Caesar appeared. Convincing himself that he was the best for Rome.…

    • 857 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    A friend's betrayal can make people feel horrible. They're supposed to be very trustworthy and supportive. When a friend goes behind another friends back, it can end badly. In the play “Julius Caesar “, Brutus kill Caesar betraying their very long friendship, just because Cassius had convinced him to.…

    • 314 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar Thesis

    • 1118 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Cassius is one of the sly conspirators out for Caesar. He feels that Caesar will grow too ambitious, so he must be stopped before he's out of control. Therefore, he plans to murder Caesar. In order to make his murder look like a sacrifice for Rome and not a bloody plot, he must get Brutus in on his plan. With Brutus' good reputation the murder would be looked upon as a good deed. In order to appeal to Brutus, Cassius disguises his personality. In guise of a devoted friend, Cassius flatters Brutus to his fullest extent. He says, ."..Thoughts of great value worthy of cogitations/Tell me, good Brutus, Can you see your face?" (1.2. ). By pretending to flatter Brutus, Cassius hopes Brutus will join the conspiracy. Cassius plans ends up working and Brutus fears that Caesar will eventually become power hungry. Cassius is pleased that his false words have had an effect on Brutus, and he states to himself, "I am glad that my weak words/Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus" (1.2. ). Cassius' appeared to be considerate of Brutus' feelings, but in reality Cassius was really stabbing him in the back and "forcing" him to join the…

    • 1118 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Brutus was a devious man, even though what he thought he was doing was right. Brutus told his fellow conspirators to kill Caesar "boldly, but not angerly."(3.1.256-257) Brutus was one of Caesars right hand men, and yet Brutus kills his own friend. When Antony asks to speak at Caesars funeral, Cassius says no, but Brutus tell him that Antony will speak, but only what Brutus tells him to say. Brutus also embraces the fact that he just killed his friend, and also tells the senators who had just witnessed it to not be afraid, but to stay because ambition has paid its debt.…

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Cicero On Friendship

    • 915 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Marcus Tullius Cicero was the greatest and most prolific prose-writer of the Romans. Cicero’s writing On Friendship is one of his greatest. Almost everyone can relate to something in the text and find it very uplifting. Everyone has friends, which is why many can relate very easily to the text. Cicero identifies multiple characteristics of friendship throughout this writing. Cicero supports that people should choose their friends very wisely, and share everything with those friends. With saying this Cicero believed that loyalty and honesty are key components to having a good friendship. Cicero presents his essential views of friendship and proceeds to give practical advice on how to find and maintain good friends.…

    • 915 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Caesar is rising in power and a lot of people want to bring him down before he becomes to powerful. The people that want to bring him down call themselves the “Conspirators”. The people that are part of the conspirators include Cassius, Casca, Cinna, Decius, Matellus, e.t.c. Out of the conspirators they all want to recruit a man named Brutus. Brutus is very respected man throughout Rome and they believe if they can get Brutus to join the conspiracy that the people of Rome will see that their actions were necessary.…

    • 501 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar Composition

    • 600 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Has someone close to you, a best friend, or a wingman ever betrayed you? That is what the play “Tragedy of Julius Caesar”, by William Shakespeare is all about. In the play Julius Caesar is the new ruler of Rome. Cassius, who is conspirator, does not want him to be ruler. So Cassius skillfully convinces Brutus that he would be a better ruler of Rome than Caesar. Cassius convinces Brutus by telling stories about Caesars personality flaws that make him a weak ruler and Brutus a better one.…

    • 600 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays