Power in Shakespeares Julius Caesar
By: Victoria Tso
Corruption within Power
William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar demonstrates the effects of power and how it corrupts those who are eager for it through the use of the literary elements such as conflict and characterization. After the past King was driven out of Rome, a new leader was needed to represent their state of Rome. Many citizens suggested that Caesar, Augustus's adopted son, take the crown. Although popular with the citizens, many senators, such as Brutus and Cassius, were dissatisfied. Several factors contribute to their dissatisfaction such as the future transition of Rome being a republic to a dictatorship under Caesar and believing that Caesar was not ready for the throne. Corruption within Power is a central theme in the play due to the fact that it causes several of the major conflicts in the play such as Caesar's speech, the death of Caesar, Brutus's speech, and the war, and leads into the smaller themes such as betrayal, the power of words, and heroes vs. villains.
Brutus's first demonstration of corruption
"Brutus: What means this shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king. // Cassius: Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so. // Brutus: I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well. (1.2.85-89)”
- Through the dialect, the audience is able to see the developing personalities of Brutus and Cassius. The characterization of the two men allow us to see how power corrupts them. Brutus is opposed to the fact that Caesar be crowned King of Rome. Although they are friends, as Caesar comes closer to obtaining power, Brutus views Caesar with a negative eye as he believes that the future of Rome's republic is at sake. Caesar's future power corrupts Brutus and causes him to abandon Caesar.
Caesar's speech to the Senate
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks;
They are all fire and every one doth shine.
But there's but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world: 'tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive.
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion; and that I am he... (3.1.64-79)”
- As Caesar comes closer to obtaining power, his confidence in himself grows. Through Caesar's speech to the senate, Shakespeare characterizes Caesar's personality and reveals it to the audience. We are able to see how his future power corrupts Caesar and leads him to denouncing all the other members of the senate as not fit to rule Rome. He names himself the only one worthy. As well as this, his speech later leads to conflict between Caesar and the members of the senate that oppose him. Their opposition to his power corrupts them and causes them to kill Caesar, turning their backs on him whom they used to appreciate and abandoning friendships in the process.
The Death of Caesar
William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar demonstrates the effects of power and how it corrupts those who are eager for it through the use of the literary elements such as conflict and characterization.