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Comment on Julius Caesar as a political play

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Julius Caesar is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Julius Caesar.

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Comment on “Julius Caesar” as a political play. (2020) ✪✪✪

A political play explores power, leadership, and struggles within society. “Julius Caesar” (1599) is a perfect political play. Because it is not only a tragedy but also a deep political drama. The play shows the struggle between freedom and power, between republicanism and dictatorship. Shakespeare (1564-1616) portrays the downfall of noble ideals through the lens of political ambition, conspiracy, and moral conflict. The story of Caesar’s murder and its result shows how politics can destroy friendship and peace when power becomes the main aim of life.

Conflict between Republic and Dictatorship: The central political conflict in the play is between the Roman Republic and Caesar’s growing power. Brutus and Cassius fear that Caesar will become a tyrant. They plan to kill him to save freedom. Brutus says he killed Caesar not for hate but for Rome. He tells the people, 

“Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.”

This shows his faith in republican values. Yet, their act fails to save liberty. After Caesar’s death, the republic fell into civil war, proving that killing a ruler cannot protect democracy.

Ambition and Political Power: Ambition is the driving force of the political struggle. Caesar’s pride and desire for power make the senators jealous and fearful. Cassius says, 

“Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus.”

This image illustrates how Caesar’s power overshadows that of others. Cassius feels that the Romans have lost their freedom. But ambition also blinds him with envy, leading him to mistakes and failure. Thus, ambition destroys both rulers and reformers alike.

Morality and Political Murder: The assassination of Caesar raises a great political and moral question: can killing a ruler be right if it is done for the country? Brutus believes it is an ethical duty. He says that ambition is like a ladder that a man climbs and then forgets those below. His fear of tyranny drives him to

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