Theme in Shakepeare’s Julius Caesar
by Anjiya Kazani
Theme: Power
William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar aims to show the reader the effect of having power over a whole empire by using the literary terms of conflict, simile and metaphors.
Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves. (i,ii)
In this quote Shakespeare, using a metaphor compares Caesar with a Colossus which is a huge statue of Apollo that let ships pass under his legs. This quote said by Cassius is saying that if Caesar comes to power, we will all be petty men and be destined for dishonorable graves.
I shall remember. When Caesar says, “do this,” it is performed. (i,ii)
This clearly shows the power the Caesar has over Antony, that whatever he says is always done. Even if Antony doesn't agree with it and Caesar's demands cause him to have inner conflicts, the task still has to be done. If this is how demanding Caesar is now what would happen if he took over all of the Roman Empire?.