Comment on Julius Caesar as a political play

Answer

Comment on Julius Caesar as a political play. 

“Julius Caesar,” first performed in 1599, is a historical play and tragedy by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). In the play, Brutus joins a conspiracy led by Cassius to assassinate Julius Caesar to prevent Caesar from being a tyrant and save the people of Rome. Set in 44 BC Rome, the play delves into the political intrigue surrounding the assassination of Julius Caesar and its aftermath.

It is a compelling political play that explores power dynamics, betrayal, and the consequences of political decisions. Here are some key aspects that highlight its political nature:

Ambition and Power Struggle: “Julius Caesar” revolves around the political ambitions of various characters, notably Cassius. Cassius is the instigator of the conspiracy against Caesar. Cassius’ motive to kill Julius Caesar seems personal. Cassius is more motivated by jealousy of Caesar than by any political ideology. He is ambitious and hungry for power. He manipulates Brutus, a loyal friend of Julius Caesar, to take part in the assassination and secure public support.

In the context of ancient Rome, kingship is equated with tyranny. When Cassius begins manipulating Brutus in the direction of the conspiracy, he appeals to the “shame” of Rome accepting a king: 

“Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!

When went there by an age, since the great flood,

But it was famed with more than with one man?”

Ambition becomes a driving force in the play. It leads to a power struggle among individuals seeking control and influence within the Roman Republic.

Political Manipulation: Shakespeare skillfully portrays the art of political manipulation through characters like Cassius and Antony. Cassius persuades Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar, exploiting Brutus’s concern for the Roman Republic. Cassius forges a letter to convince Brutus of public support for the conspirators. Again, when Brutus doesn’t want to act against Caesar, leaving Rome’s future to fate, Cassius manipulates Brutus. Cassius argues that Romans are servants only because they choose to be—they haven’t risen against Caesar yet.

“Men at some time are masters of their fates:

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,

But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” – Cassius, Act 1, Scene 2

On the other hand, Antony uses his oratory skills to manipulate the public’s emotions and turn them against the conspirators.

Ethical Dilemmas: In the play, Brutus grapples with moral and ethical dilemmas related to political decisions. He faces a conflict between his loyalty to his friend Caesar and his concern for the well-being of the Roman Republic. Brutus is a high-ranking and well-respected Roman. He is a loyal friend to Caesar and a wise official. However, he joins the conspiracy to kill Caesar to save the people of Rome, manipulated by Cassius. When Brutus lands the final blow to kill Caesar, it causes Caesar to question: “Et tu, Bruté?” [You too, Brutus?] in disbelief. Ironically, it is Brutus’s admirable qualities—loyalty, reason, and self-control—that cause him to betray Caesar and participate in his murder once these qualities are manipulated by Cassius.

After the murder, Brutus purifies his position, explaining that his only motive is to save the people of Rome from tyranny. In Act 3, Scene 2, Brutus says,

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

Republic vs. Monarchy and Public Opinion: The play raises questions about the nature of government. The play portrays a tension between kingship or monarchy and republic. This tension becomes Cassius’s weapon to instigate a conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar.

The play also emphasizes the importance of public opinion in politics. Antony’s funeral oration is a masterful example of manipulating public sentiment to achieve political goals. Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral turns the Roman people against Brutus and the other conspirators.

Betrayal and Consequences: Betrayal is a central theme in the play, with characters like Cassius and Brutus betraying Caesar in the name of the greater good. However, the consequences of this betrayal are significant. This betrayal leads to internal conflicts, civil war, and the demise of several key characters.

Political Context of the Elizabethan Age: In 1599, when “Julius Caesar” was first performed, Queen Elizabeth was getting old and had produced no heirs, and there was concern that political strife—even civil war—might follow her death. Shakespeare likely intended “Julius Caesar” to warn ambitious British nobles who might try to seize power after Elizabeth died.

In conclusion, “Julius Caesar” is a striking political play that sheds light on betrayal, moral dilemmas in political decisions, and power lust and its consequences. The play continues to be relevant, offering insights into the nature of leadership and the consequences of political actions.