Theme in Julius Caesar
Thesis
William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar demonstrates to the readers the effects of manipulation and propaganda through the use of soliloquies and rhetorical devices.
Brutus
“That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, whereto the climber upward turns his face. But when he once attains the upmost round, he then unto the ladder turns his back” (Act II, sc i, 22-25).
“And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg – which hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous – and kill him in the shell” (Act II, sc i, 32-34).
Antony
“For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! This was the most unkindest cut of all” (Act III, sc ii, 175-177).
“Whilst bloody treason flourished over us. Oh, now you weep, and, I perceive, you feel the dint of pity. These are gracious drops” (Act III, sc ii, 186-188).