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Alexandra Gaglione
ReplyDeleteJulius Caesar
Theme: Power
Within the play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare demonstrates that the quest for power can become the focal point of one’s life, consuming their every thought or action until death or until the desired power is obtained. Throughout the play, this eagerness for sole power became the prime focus and mission for Brutus and Cassius, conspirators against Caesar, Octavius, a supporter of Caesar, and Julius Caesar himself. It is evident in the play that each of these characters possesses a strong desire for absolute power over Rome for various personal and distinct reasons.
Quote 1- Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 79-82
ReplyDelete[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”
This quote, spoken by Brutus and Cassius, evokes the strong desire which the two men possessed to gain absolute power over Rome. Within the passage, Brutus discusses his concern in which the Roman people desire to have Caesar as their king. This is evident as he hears the excited shouts and cries of the plebeians, when Caesar enters Rome. In response, Cassius attempts to convince Brutus that neither should encourage an event which empowers Caesar. This passage illustrates how this frenzy for power over another figure may engross one’s life. In response to Brutus’ fear of Caesar having power, Cassius shows his utter determination to ensure that Caesar remains powerless. An assumption made by Cassius whereby Brutus would not allow Caesar to gain power, illustrates his eager attempts to anger Brutus to the point where he would do anything to ensure Caesar remains powerless and disliked by the Romans. This quote represents the initial sign of instigated anger and thought that would dominate the lives of Brutus and Cassius throughout the play to gain power over Rome and Caesar. (1.2.79-82)
Steffi Chan
ReplyDeleteJulius Caesar
Theme: The Bonds between Men
In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare portrays the theme of a bond as a complex relationship between people. This bond is formed through love, trust, common interests, and much more. It can be used to gain cooperation to carry out a desire that may benefit either the self or others. On the contrary, the bonds can cause betrayal and corruption due to selfishness and greed. In this play, Shakespeare’s characters have bonds that show elements that are essential to a good bond or friendship, and elements that can corrupt and destroy a bond. By using his characters, Shakespeare suggests the type of bond that exists between people is based on their choice of actions and way of interacting with others. Shakespeare’s theme of bonds teaches his readers about different types of bonds or friendships through the use of his character’s bonds and actions to another.
Quote 1:
It must be by his death. And for my part
I know no personal cause to spurn at him
But for the general. He would be crown’d:
How that might change his nature, there’s the question.
It is the bright day that brings for the adder
And that craves wary walking. Crown him that,
And then I grant we put a sting in him
That at his will he may do danger with.
Th’abuse of greatness is when it disjoins
Remorse from power. (2.1.10-19)
In this passage, Brutus is agreeing with Cassius that Caesar must be killed for the better of Rome. This bond between Brutus and Cassius is largely based on agreeability and persuasion. Brutus was persuaded by Cassius to join the conspirators, and eventually, Brutus agrees with their reasons to sacrifice Caesar. The murder of Caesar for the conspirators is for the benefit of Rome, and to also satisfy their desire to end Caesar’s power. It is with this agreement upon an idea that allows communication and cooperation between the conspirators to carry out their plan to achieve their desire to murder Caesar. Although this plan to murder Caesar did not benefit Rome or the conspirators, it also suggests that the bonds of any kind can be easily betrayed and broken due to emotions, stress, and selfishness. Through the actions of Brutus, Shakespeare teaches about the loyalty that is required in a bond. With loyalty, bonds are kept good and maintain peace and gets work or plans done that would benefit everyone, instead of benefiting only one person or small group of people. In addition, Shakespeare uses the interaction of his characters to teach that bonds made between people can help carry out an action that may not satisfy everyone, but will make a difference for the good or bad of self, others, or everyone.
Steffi Chan
ReplyDeleteTheme: the Bonds Between Men (continuation)
Quote 2:
[Caesar]:
Antonio
[Antony]:
Caesar
[Caesar]:
Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look,
He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.
[Antony]:
Fear him not, Caesar, he’s not dangerous,
He is a noble Roman and well given.
[Caesar]:
Would he were fatter! But I fear him not.
Yet if my name were liable to fear
I do not know that man I should avoid
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much,
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deed of men. He loves no plays,
As thou does, Antony, he hears no music;
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mock’d himself and scorn’d his spirit
That could be mov’d to smile at any thing.
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,
And therefore are they very dangerous.
I rather tell thee what is to be fear’d
Than what I fear: for always I am Caesar.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,
And tell me truly what thou think’st of him. (1.2.190-214)
In this passage, Caesar is giving his thoughts about Cassius to Mark Antony, showing that Caesar has trust in Mark Antony to leave his personal thoughts about a senator. Caesar appears to fear Cassius because he seems intimidating and hunger for power. This fear that Caesar tells Antony about shows a bond of trust. Caesar was able to trust Mark Antony with his thoughts in confidence that he will keep them safe. This passage also builds a stronger bond of friendship between Caesar and Mark Anthony because Mark Antony was able to reassure Caesar that Cassius has a good reputation and that he does not need to worry. This strengthening of the bond between Caesar and Mark Antony also helps Mark Antony later in the play, when he helps Caesar gain revenge for his death as a loyal friend and also become the new leader of Rome. This teaches that bonds made out of true friendship and trust can benefit both sides of the bond. It suggests that any good bonds or friendships made between people can help one with their insecurity and issues, helping the mind mature and relax. Good bonds between people can also ease the mind of one by sharing their emotions and problems with another person to find a solution or feel better emotionally and spiritually. Shakespeare also suggests that the desire for a bond between other people is within the self because one cannot live in loneliness, and must interact with others in order to live a full life.
Steffi Chan
ReplyDeleteTheme: the Bonds Between Men (continuation)
Quote 3:
If Brutus, so unkindly knock’d or no,
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar lov’d him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all. (3.2.178-181)
This quote is from Mark Antony’s speech in Caesar’s funeral when he was showing the Roman people the cuts the conspirators had made to kill Caesar, and explained how Brutus’ cut was the most painful one of all. Mark Antony said that Brutus was Caesar’s angel, which shows that Caesar had a strong bond of friendship, love, and trust with Brutus. However, Brutus betrayed this bond with Caesar by joining the conspirators to kill Brutus. This information Mark Antony gives the plebeians infuriates them to gain revenge on the conspirators for killing the noblest man in Rome, Julius Caesar. This teaches that temptation from people outside of a bond between two people can lead to betrayal or corruption to only benefit one person or group in the bond. In addition, Shakespeare suggests that bonds or friendships are fragile, and can be easily broken or damaged by greed and selfishness. It was Brutus’ selfishness to gain power over Rome that led him to break this bond of love with Caesar. Shakespeare also teaches that in order to have a good bond between people, one cannot be overly selfish, otherwise the bond will break because of corruption, greed, temptation, and selfishness. Therefore, in order to make and have a good bond or friendship between self and others, one must be able to sacrifice at times, care for the other, and be a trustworthy and honest friend or person.
Quote 4:
(4.3.84-123)
In this passage, Brutus and Cassius are arguing about what the other thinks about the other as a friend. Cassius feels that Brutus is critical and does not love him, whereas Brutus denies it and convinces Cassius that he does love him as much as Cassius loves Brutus. In this argument between Brutus and Cassius, Shakespeare teaches that bonds and friendships will be tested in tough times. This testing of the bond or friendship will help strengthen it because the people will be able to overcome obstacles, such as disagreements. By strengthening a bond, it becomes stronger, and will not be as easily betrayed or broken. It also tests the loyalty of the people in the bond because it is those who are loyal enough that will stay true and close to one who is struggling. In addition, the love in the bond is witnessed because one will not mind the faults of another and will forget the ugly past. Through Brutus and Cassius, Shakespeare teaches that bonds can be easily broken or strengthened by the testing of loyalty and love.
Steffi Chan
ReplyDeleteTheme: the Bonds Between Men (continuation)
Quote 5:
We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,
And in the spirit of men there is no blood.
O, that we then would come by Caesar’s spirit
And not dismember Caesar! But, alas,
Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends,
Let’s kill him boldly, but not wrathfully;
Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods,
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.
And let out hearts, as subtle masters do,
Stir up their servants to an act of rage
And after seem to chide ’em. This shall make
Our purpose necessary, and not envious;
Which so appearing to the common eyes,
We shall be marked purgers, not murderers.
And for Mark Antony, think not of him,
For he can do no more than Caesar’s arm
When Caesar’s head is off. (2.1.167-183)
This passage is from Brutus’ speech, outlining the conspirator’s course to murdering Caesar. It is clear that Brutus is betraying Caesar to gain power and honour. Here, there is a bond based on an agreement and cooperation to carry out a desire, to murder Caesar. This suggests that most, if not all, bonds are created with common interests and characteristics between the people in the bond. Although Brutus is betraying Caesar, he does respect him because he is the noblest man in Rome, who they fear will corrupt with the power he will be given to rule Rome. This suggests that although one may hate their enemies, one must also respect their enemies and not make the hatred obvious. In addition, Shakespeare teaches the fragility of bonds or friendships, because one can be friends with another, but can turn into enemies without warning. Through Brutus’ choice of keeping the bond between Cassius and the conspirators, Shakespeare also shows the importance of choosing bonds or friendships because it will affect the outcome of the action that come from both bonds. Shakespeare also shows that a bond made between one and another can affect a different bond with one and another. In addition, the conspirators originally planned to kill Mark Antony with Caesar, but see that killing Mark Antony would be pointless because he cannot do much if Caesar is killed. This suggests that many small bonds create a big bond, where everyone may not be satisfied at all times, and may sometimes be betrayed.
Shakespeare’s theme of a bond and friendship teaches his readers about the complex relationship that exists between people. With his characters, Shakespeare shows that a bond requires love, loyalty, and respect in order for it to be strong, kept, and strengthened. He also shows that bonds can be used towards a benefit of self or others. On the contrary, Shakespeare also teaches his readers that bonds are fragile, and can be easily broken and betrayed due to corruption, greed, and selfishness. All in all, bonds and friendships between people are made from the desires of the self and others.
My previous attempts did not work--
ReplyDeleteAlexandra Gaglione
Julius Caesar
Theme: Power
Within the play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare demonstrates that the quest for power can become the focal point of one’s life, consuming their every thought or action until death, or until the desired power is obtained. Throughout the play, this eagerness for sole power became the prime focus and mission for Brutus and Cassius, conspirators against Caesar, Octavius, a supporter of Caesar, and Julius Caesar himself. It is evident in the play that each of these characters possesses a strong desire for absolute power over Rome for various personal and distinct reasons. Shakespeare illustrates these reasons primarily in the opening and closing of the play through Brutus and Cassius, conspirators who endlessly battle Octavius and Julius Caesar for power. As a result of this constant battle, the Roman people experience indecisiveness with regards to who should retain power. Shakespeare’s underlying message or moral for the reader of the play is clear: A desire for something intangible, such as power, has the potential to dominate one’s life until the goal is achieved. However, during the gruelling process to succeed in receiving the desired trait or right, other people are affected.
Quote 1- Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 79-82
[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”
This quote, spoken by Brutus and Cassius, evokes the strong desire which the two men possessed to gain absolute power over Rome. Within the passage, Brutus discusses his concern in which the Roman people desire to have Caesar as their king. This is evident as he hears the excited shouts and cries of the plebeians, when Caesar enters Rome. In response, Cassius attempts to convince Brutus that neither should encourage an event which empowers Caesar. This passage illustrates how this frenzy for power over another figure may engross one’s life. In response to Brutus’ fear of Caesar having power, Cassius shows his utter determination to ensure that Caesar remains powerless. An assumption made by Cassius whereby Brutus would not allow Caesar to gain power, illustrates his eager attempts to anger Brutus to the point where he would do anything to ensure Caesar remains powerless and disliked by the Romans. This quote represents the initial sign of instigated anger and thought that would dominate the lives of Brutus and Cassius throughout the play to gain power over Rome and Caesar. (1.2.79-82)
tiffany lo
ReplyDeleteJulius Caesar: Power
In “Julius Caesar”, the Senate struggle dealing with power. Shakespeare is trying to show the audience that power causes conflict and corruption in both the society and in men. Power became a conflict in the play because it brought the assassination of Caesar and then the deaths of many of the conspirators. Power corrupts the conspirators to be greedy for more. Power corrupted the past rulers of Rome to misuse their power and it will also corrupt Caesar. Worried about their own power, the conspirators killed Caesar. Power is extremely dangerous and is unlimited. Men will never be satisfied with the amount of power they have and it will easily corrupt them. When it has corrupted men’s hearts, there will be fights for power and disaster everywhere, like in the ending of the play. At the end, power would have led men to their deaths or punishment and society into chaos and destruction. Power is not peaceful and will corrupt the hearts of men and the society. The outcome of power is conflict.
“…So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much,
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony, he hears no music;
Seldom he smiles in such a sort
As if he mock’d himself and scorn’d his spirit” (1.2.201-206)
In this passage, Caesar is speaking to Antony of how he sees Cassius. Caesar says that Cassius is an unsatisfied and power hungry man. He also states that Cassius thinks too much. Cassius is just too serious and power is extremely important to him. This shows the character of Cassius. As part of the Senate, Cassius already has a lot of power but when a man has a lot of power, there is still un-satisfaction stirring in his heart for more. Power has corrupted Cassius’ heart to be greedy for more. He is a restless man and his mind is set on power. This gives the audience an understanding of the kind of person Cassius is and why he does not want Caesar to become dictator of Rome. Shakespeare wants to show Cassius’ personality to the audience in order to explain why he is going to convince Brutus to plot to kill Caesar. Power is starting to cause the conflict of the story to rise.
“…Remorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar,
I have not known when he affections sway’d
More than his reason. But ‘tis a common proof
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” (2.1.19-25)
In this passage, Brutus is worrying that Caesar’s ambition will corrupt his power. As Caesar begins to rise into power, he will be for the crowd. But as his ambitious brings him higher into power, his heart will become corrupt and start to change. When he gets to the top, he will abuse his power and society will have to suffer because of his misuse. Like the past rulers of Rome, Brutus knows that power will corrupt Caesar’s heart and mind. Caesar also had military power and he could rule Rome in fear. Power will change a man into someone terrifying and perhaps violent. When a man has all the power, he will be filled with arrogance and greed and use the power for his needs, not the better of society. Power is leading the play into conflict and it will bring the conspirators together and to plot for Caesar’s death.
“A curse shall light upon the limbs of men:
ReplyDeleteDomestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy;
Blood and destruction shall be so in use…
Cry havoc and let the slip the dogs of war” (3.1.262-265,273)
In this passage, Antony is kneeling over the dead body of Caesar. Antony proclaims that there will be no peace in Rome and destruction and disaster will come to avenge the death of Caesar. Power has already led the conspirators into killing Caesar and it will soon bring war and then their deaths. Conflict will continue to rise as the play continues on. These quotes are foretelling the war that will take place near the end of the play. Antony has cursed the death of Caesar to cause wreckage and that those who had killed and supported the death of Caesar will not rest peacefully. Shakespeare is showing us in this scene the consequence for power. The fight and greed for power has brought so much commotion already and more is to come.
“What villain touch’d his body, that did stab
And not for justice? What, shall one of us…” (4.3.20-21)
Brutus is angry that the conspirators assassinated Caesar for selfish reasons besides justice. Cassius’ hunger for more power is reflected here. Power has created a conflict between the two of them because Brutus believes that he killed for justice and Cassius killed for his own reasons. Caesar’s characterization of Cassius is reflected here in this scene. The power he holds has brought un-satisfaction and greed into his heart. Power is so important to Cassius he had to disguise his hunger when he convinced Brutus in getting rid of Caesar. He wants to get rid of Caesar so he would gain more power. The greed for power as turned him to become self-centered and even betray his good friend. Power has brought conflict between Cassius and Brutus. His greed for power has brought so much corruption and conflict for him and the conspirators. This is the outcome of power.
“All the Conspirators, save only he,
Did that they did envy of great Caesar.” (5.1. 69-70)
Antony states that all the conspirators, except Brutus, killed Caesar not to save Rome but because they wanted more power for themselves. As Senators, the conspirators have a lot of power. Power has no limits and will easily turn men to hunger more because power is never filling. When men have gained a little bit of power, greed fills their heart to want more. Their un-satisfaction gives them the urge to diminish other for their power. Then fights for power will emerge and people will be killed for their power, society will have to suffer as a result. When Antony says these words, the war has just ended and Brutus and many other men had died. So much commotion was caused because of power. The ending of the play is not a happy ending. Power’s un-limitations turn men to make terrible choices and change them to become restless and hungry for more power. Power is neither friendly nor peaceful. No matter how much a power a man has, he will always want more. The conspirators died because the power they wanted caused so much chaos in Rome. This is their consequence.
As a result of the play, Shakespeare showed us that power is a deadly force that will easily corrupt the hearts of men and corrupt society. The corruption ended causing a major conflict in the play.
Here is my introduction, and the analysis of my first passage.
ReplyDeleteKelvin L.
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Kelvin L.
Mr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
November 10, 2011
Honour in Julius Caesar Informal Theme Assignment
Introduction Paragraph:
One of the main themes in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is honour and nobility. Nobility is a virtue gained through fine personal qualities and good moral character. Honour is high respect because of one's allegiance to what is right. However, honour, as evidenced in Julius Caesar, is also an addictive and compulsive virtue that blinds people from reality. Furthermore, excessive regards to honour results in poor decision making, and an excess of honour can taint a person’s personality. Since the nature of nobility naturally leads to honour, the terms nobility and honour are used interchangeably throughout the play. Brutus, the character in Julius Caesar who values honour the most, ultimately meets his fate because honour had blinded him, and it had made him idealistic. Brutus’ excessive value of honour left him vulnerable to Cassius who, in Act One, was trying to manipulate him into joining the conspirators. Additionally, honour made Brutus idealistic, as shown in Act Three, when he thinks the public will listen and understand the reasons behind Caesar’s assassination. After being defeated by Mark Antony, honour drove Brutus commit suicide: he would rather die than to be put to shame. Shakespeare’s views on honour are shown fullest during Antony’s speech regarding Caesar’s death – honour blinds people from reality, taints their personality, and ultimately leads people to make bad decisions.
Paragraph 1 (Act 5, Scene 5, Lines 68-73)
[Antony]: “This was the noblest Roman of them all:
All the conspirators, save only he [Brutus],
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar.
He only, in a general honest thought
And common good to all, made one of them….” (5.5.68-73)
In this passage, Shakespeare gives a general overview regarding the theme of honour in this play. He does this in three parts. First, Antony kneels down beside Brutus’ dead body, and acknowledges Brutus as a noble Roman, contrary to moments ago when they were at war with each other as shown in the quote: “This was the noblest Roman of them all….” (5.5.68) Then, Antony admits that Brutus only took part in the assassination because he thought it was best for Rome: “He only, in a general honest thought/And common good to all, made one of them.” (5.5.71-72) Lastly, Antony says that Brutus is a nice person: “His life was gentle….” (5.5.73) Putting Antony’s speech together, one can infer that Antony is saying Brutus’ honour made him excessively trusting of others, therefore blinding him from the true causes of Caesar’s assassination: so that the other senators could safely remain in power. Also, in this passage, Shakespeare undeniably hints that Brutus has an excess of honour because even after death, his enemies continue to praise him. Brutus' honour allowed him to be swayed by evil men to do their deeds, and up to his moment of death, as clearly evidenced in the play, he believed his deeds were for the good of Rome. Brutus’ honour ultimately leads to his fate; hence, it shows that Shakespeare intended one of the themes of this play to be the negative effects of excess honour.
Here is the analysis of my second passage.
ReplyDeleteKelvin L.
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Paragraph 2 (Act 1 Scene 2 Line 306-320)
Cassius: Well, Brutus, thou art noble: yet I see
Thy honourable metal may be wrought
From that it is dispos’d. Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes;
For who so firm that cannot be seduc’d?
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.
If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
He should not humour me. I will this night,
In several hands in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings, all tending to the great opinion
That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely
And after this let Caesar seat him sure,
For we will shake him, or worse day endure. (1.2.306-320)
Cassius, in this passage, supports Shakespeare’s theme that honour is addictive, and an abundance of it will cause people to make wrong decisions. Cassius again acknowledges that Brutus is honourable, hinting that even earlier on in the play, Brutus was extremely honoured by people: “… Brutus, thou art noble….” (1.2.306) Then, Cassius goes on to say that Brutus values honour so much, he may be easily manipulated. The quotes, “Thy honourable metal may be wrought…” (1.2.307) and “For who so firm that cannot be seduc’d” (1.2.310) unquestionably supports Shakespeare’s theme that honour can change one's personality. Throughout the play, Shakespeare portrays Cassius as a rash, yet careful and calculated person. This is shown when Cassius and the conspirators see Brutus for the first time: they wore black robes, so they would not be seen; and, when Antony wanted to talk at Caesar’s funeral regarding Caesar’s death, Cassius tried to oppose this in fear that Antony would start a riot in the streets. Nonetheless, at this point in time, Cassius is out of his character: he decides to take a risk, and expose the conspirators to Brutus, by throwing letters into his window. One can infer that Cassius does this because he is convinced that Brutus can be manipulated due to his honour: Brutus will do what others believes is best for Rome, even if it is wrong because he will be regarded as honourable. One can also infer that Cassius knows that Brutus will not suspect anything behind the conspirators’ true intentions because Brutus believes that he is acting for the benefit of Rome. Hence, Shakespeare supports the theme that an excess of honour may change a person's personality, by having Cassius believe in his theory so thoroughly.
Ryanne Perinpanayagam
ReplyDeleteJulius Caesar
Theme: The Bonds Between Men
Here is my introduction and my first quote analysis:
Julius Caesar Theme Assignment - The Bonds between Men
Literature features many types of bonds, such as bonds between friends, enemies, a society, and those who come together on behalf of a common goal. These bonds focus on strengthening the relationship among people. Throughout the play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare explores a variety of bonds to bring a deeper meaning to the play demonstrating that no matter how hard the characters try to break the bond they have with each other, the bonds between men are truly unshakeable. Shakespeare explores the universality of human bonding throughout the play. As we follow the characters throughout the play, we become aware that while struggling during intense circumstances, like that characters, we form unexpected bonds. Although we try to shun these complex bonds are unavoidable. Thus, in Julius Caesar, Shakespeare proves that rather than weakening the bonds between that the characters, these bonds strengthened them, and cannot be easily broken.
"Stoop, Romans, stoop, /And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood/ Up to the elbows and besmear our swords. /Then walk we forth, even to the market-place, /And waving our red weapons o'er our heads/Let's all cry, 'Peace, freedom, and liberty!' "(Act 3 Sc 1 lines 105 - 111)
The assassination of Julius Caesar unifies the conspirators, forming an everlasting bond between them. Although different motivations bring the conspirators to kill Caesar, it creates an eternal bond between them because they were drawn together by a common cause and together will share the consequences. Together, the conspirators embrace the murder they committed by washing their hands and swords in Julius Caesar's blood, uniting them. It is at this moment when they are physically unified as the assassins of Caesar. United by the death of Caesar, the conspirators walk through the streets of Rome, demonstrating to their people that they all, equally, participated in the death of Caesar. The circumstance of Caesar's death creates a bond between these conspirators, because they will be forever guilty of committing this murder. This bond remains so strong that the conspirators take their own lives with each other in mind. This bond is strengthened throughout the play, as they each stand by one another, proclaiming their victory over Caesar. In unison, as the conspirators cry "Peace, freedom, and liberty," they portray the success one another has accomplished towards their people. As all the conspirators begin to have their regrets about killing Caesar, their bond becomes even closer because they all experience the same feeling of despair. Thus, the bonds between the senators is unexpectedly strengthened, because they all came together for a common cause and share the same feelings, caused by Caesar's death.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is the my third analysis.
ReplyDeleteKelvin L.
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Paragraph 3 (Act 3 Scene 2 Line 12-33)
[Brutus]: Romans, countrymen, and lovers hear me for my
Cause and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for
Mine honour, and have respect to mine honour that you
May believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake
Your senses that you may the better judge. If there be
any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him
I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. IF then that friend demand why Brutus rose against
Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less,
But that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar
Were living and die all slaves than that Caesar were
Dead, to live all freemen? As Caesars loved me, I weep for
Him; as he was fortunate, I rejoiced at it; as he was valiant,
I honoured him; but as he was ambitious, I slew him.
There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honour for
his valour, and death for his ambition. Who is here so
base that would be a bondman? If any, speak, for him
have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be
a Roman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is
here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak,
for him have I offended. I pause for a reply. (3.2.12-33)
Shakespeare starts off Brutus’ speech with a reference to his views of honour – that honour can taint one’s personality: “… believe me for/ mine honour, and have respect to mine honour that you/ may believe.” (3.2.14-16) This shows that Brutus believes that everyone will listen to him, and believe him because he is honourable: Brutus is idealistic because of his honour. With this, Brutus gives minimal information behind Caesar’s death, except for, “… as he was ambitious, I slew him….” (3.2.26) Since he thinks everyone will agree with him, his speech did not invoke as much emotion in the audience as Antony’s speech, nor was the speech sequentially better. Ultimately, his speech had little impact on the audience. The plebeians agreed with him, but these flaws allow Antony to later on convince the public that Brutus is a conspirator and that they unjustly assassinated Julius Caesar. This started civil war, ultimately leading to Brutus' fate. Nonetheless, the faults in Brutus’ speech were ultimately caused by his honour: honour tainted Brutus’ personality, hence making him idealistic.
Ryanne Perinpanayagam
ReplyDeleteTheme: The Bonds between Men
2nd Quote Analysis
"O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, / That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! / ... / That this foul deed shall smell above the earth / With carrion men groaning for burial. "(Act 3 Sc 1 lines 254 - 275)
The bonds created by friendship and in war form an unbreakable bond between Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. Caesar's devoted friend, Mark Antony, stood by Caesar's decisions, supporting him in every way possible. For example, Mark Antony continuously fought alongside Caesar, no matter the circumstance. When the conspirators form together and assassinate Caesar, Mark Antony first appears to be understanding; however, when left alone on stage, he promises his plan for revenge. Through the respectful attitude of Antony, Shakespeare shows the friendly and loving bond between Caesar and Antony. Antony refers to Caesar as "the noblest man", and demonstrates his loyalty to Caesar by assuring that he will allow Caesar's spirit to reign over Rome and seek revenge amongst the senators. Through Antony's rage, he expresses his love for Caesar through vicious and violent imagery such as "That mothers shall but smile when they behold / Their infants quarter'd with the hands of war," (267-268). Antony is willing to go to such extremities for Caesar, out of the genuine love for him. Shakespeare proves that the bond between these two men was one of love and devotion due to the fact that Antony wanted to "let slip the dogs of war". He is willing to start a violent war in order to satisfy Caesar's spirit. This passage shows the full strength of the bond between Antony and Caesar because it becomes evident that Antony is willing to risk his life for Caesar by planning an attack against the senate, signifying the loyalty within their relationship. Despite his awareness of the dangerous consequences, Antony takes on a war of vengeance, proving that even when Caesar is dead, the bond between the men is continually present and strengthens. Thus the bonds between men cannot be easily broken, even in the worst of situations.
Ryanne Perinpanayagam
ReplyDeleteTheme: The Bonds Between Men
My 3rd Quote Analysis
"This was the noblest Roman of them all: / All the conspirators, save only he, / Did that they did in envy of great Caesar. / .... / So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up / And say to all the world, 'This was a man!' "(Act 5 Sc 5 lines 68 - 75)
Brutus and Mark Antony share an evolving bond from hate to respect. Mark Antony's original view of Brutus is one of a traitor due to the fact that the stab he produced was the most violent of all which Antony says calls "the most unkindest cut of all". (Act 3 Sc 2 line 181). Antony felt he and Caesar had been betrayed. It is because of this betrayal, Antony seeks vengeance. However, as the plot develops we see Brutus stressing over the outcome of the war, runs into his own sword. Brutus kills himself as though it were a punishment for his cruel offence in killing Caesar. Thus, Mark Antony realizes Brutus' love for Caesar was not one of betrayal. This passage demonstrates the change of feelings between the two men. It is during this quote that Shakespeare shows us of Mark Antony's sympathy towards his enemy, Brutus. Throughout the play, Antony attempts to free himself from his bond with Brutus; however, as Shakespeare proves through their evolving relationship in this play, the bond forged through desperate acts is unshakeable. Antony feels compassion for Brutus, because he realizes Brutus was the only conspirator who "did not envy of great Caesar" (70). When Antony refers to Brutus as the "noblest Roman of them all", he realizes Brutus did not envy Caesar, but he did what he felt was in the best interest of Rome and commends him for his reasoning in killing Caesar. What began as a tragedy ultimately brought closer the bond between Antony and Brutus. They were tied together by the love and devotion for Caesar. Through Brutus' acknowledgement that death is the only option to pay of his dept to Caesar, he and Antony develop a close bond, one no longer as enemies but as friends.
Ryanne Perinpanayagam
ReplyDeleteTheme: The Bonds Between Men
My 4th Quote Analysis
"Caesar, now be still, / I kill'd not thee with half so good a will." (Act 5 Sc 5 lines 51-52)
The bond between Brutus and Caesar is unstable at first; however, as the play continues, we see that their bond is even so stronger than before. Brutus is Caesar's great friend, who joins the conspiracy because his love for Rome appears to be greater than the love for his friend. Antony alleges that Brutus betrayed Caesar. However in the above quote we become aware that Brutus was filled with regret after his assassination of the beloved Caesar, and is part of the reason why he kills himself. Brutus now realizes that the motivation he had to kill Caesar has been overruled because of the chaos that has commenced. He feels that killing himself would be a more logical thing to do and does so with "half so good a will"(52). Shakespeare is trying to prove that although the characters try to escape the bonds which tie each other together; the bonds forged in these extreme circumstances are unshakeable. As Brutus commits the assassination, we know that Caesar is stunned, as he says "Et tu Brute? - Then fall, Caesar!" (Act 3 Sc 1 line 77). Therefore, Brutus's bond with Caesar has been strengthened, because not only does he feel regret for killing Caesar, he decides to take his own life for Caesar, demonstrating compassion. Thus, even as Brutus committed a vile act towards his companion, his bond was strengthened because at his moment of death, Brutus fell for the will of Caesar proving that a bond unifying men is inescapable, no matter the circumstance.
This is my fourth analysis.
ReplyDeleteKelvin L.
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Paragraph 4 (Act 5 Scene 5 Line 22-42)
[Brutus]: “Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes:
Our enemies have beat us to the pit…
It is more worthy to leap in ourselves
Than tarry till they pus us. Good Voluminus
Thou know’st that we two went to school together;
Even for that our love of old, I prithee
Hold thou my sword-hilts whilst I run on it.”
[Volumnius]: “That’s not an office for a friend, my lord…”
[Clitus]: “Fly, fly my lord, there is no tarrying here.”
[Brutus]: Farewell to you, and you, and you, Volumnius.
Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep:
Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrymen,
My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
I found no man but he was true to me.
I shall have glory by this losing day
More than Octavius and Mark Antony
By this vile conquest shall attain unto.
So fare you well at once, for Brutus’ tongue
Hath almost ended his life’s history.
Night hangs upon mine eyes, my bones would rest,
That have but labour’d to attain this hour.” (5.5.22-42)
In this passage, Brutus has been defeated by Antony, and decides to commit suicide to protect his honour. Here, Shakespeare shows that honour is addictive and compulsive; furthermore, an excess of this virtue leads to poor judgement. Brutus says, “Our enemies have beat us to the pit./ It is more worthy to leap in ourselves,/ than tarry till they push us.” (5.5.23-25) This shows that Brutus is so addicted to honour that he will rather die than be shamed. Up to the point before Brutus’ death, he still thinks that he is not dishonoured by committing suicide, but is even more honourable than Octavius and Mark Antony: “I shall have glory by this losing day/ More than Octavius and Mark Antony/ By this vile conquest shall attain unto.” (5.5.36-38) This shows that up to the last moment of Brutus’ life, he still valued honour above everything else, therefore proving that honour can corrupt one's personality. Ultimately, honour caused Brutus to make a decision, to commit suicide. Honour blinded Brutus a reality in which if he surrenders, Antony could possibly forgive Brutus and restore his status. However, because of honour, Brutus thinks that there is no alterative other than his death. His current philosophy leads him to commit suicide soon after this passage. Accordingly, this passage shows that honour blinds people from reality; it is addictive; and it causes poor judgement.
Ryanne Perinpanayagam
ReplyDeleteTheme: The Bonds Between Men
My final Quote Analysis
"Are yet two Romans living such as these? / The last of all the Romans, fare thee well! / ... / 'This three o'clock, and, Romans, yet ere night / We shall try fortune in a second fight." (Act 5 Sc 3 lines 98-110)
The evolving bond between Brutus and Cassius is one of enemies united by a common purpose. Cassius has recruited Brutus amongst the other conspirators to join in on Caesar's assassination. With deceiving letters, Cassius lured Brutus into the group, thus strengthening the connection between the men, because they were now fighting together for a common cause. However, even after several accusations of "having an itching palm" (Act 4 Scene 3 line 10); Brutus still feels compassion towards Cassius, proving that freeing themselves from this bond is impossible. As they fight alongside each other during the civil strife, the men are able to support each other. Shakespeare explores the idea that war is what makes the bond so strong because, together, they share the guilt of killing Caesar. When Cassius kills himself, due to the fear of losing the war, Brutus stands by him in despair. As Brutus comes upon the scene, he underlines the growing sense that Cassius was, after all, an honourable man and a true Roman, as he says "It is impossible that ever Rome / should breed thy fellow" (100-101). By saying this, Shakespeare proves that even under the worst circumstances; (in Brutus and Cassius' case, losing the war) men are brought closer together, and no matter what, breaking this bond is not possible.
--Alexandra Gaglione's Assignment--
ReplyDeleteCopy and paste the following link to go to the download page, then click "click here to start download from MediaFire" to download the file...
http://www.mediafire.com/file/f4rv5lf8k7syvqh/ALEXANDRA%20GAGLIONE%20-%20Theme%20In%20Drama-%20Julius%20Caesar-06-11-2011.docx
--Alexandra Gaglione's Assignment--
IOANA DIACONESCU
ReplyDeletePART 1/6
SELF-SACRIFICE FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Introduction
Self-sacrifice “for the greater good” has proven itself to be a very prominent theme in Julius Caesar. One would generally accept this as what honourable and noble people are known to do, however, Shakespeare turns the tables of righteousness and sheds a very different kind of light upon those who sacrifice their time and efforts for “the greater good”. By delving deeper into the more psychological dimensions of the play, we can observe the decision-making processes of characters and how they reason. It is through this new dimension of the play that we observe that self-sacrifice for 'the greater good' is but a mere excuse to soothe the screaming consciences of guilty men, and to prevent others from seeing the truly selfish motives behind their actions. By choosing to be a leader, you are sacrificing your time and efforts, as well as putting your reputation and life in danger. There is no 'self-sacrifice for the greater good'. The conspirators in Julius Caesar, who want to gain power, are only motivated by power-hungriness, and not the desire to bring about the “greater good”. In order for them to acquire the power they need to fulfill their hunger, they need the people beneath them to support and respect them. Justifying their actions by saying that they are for the 'greater good' will do just that.
IOANA DIACONESCU
ReplyDeletePART 2/6
SELF-SACRIFICE FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Quote #1
[CASSIUS]-“That Antony speak in his funeral, know you how much the people will be mov'd by that which he will utter?”
This quote is said by Cassius who is expressing his opposition to Brutus's decision to let Antony speak at Caesar's funeral. Does this sound like the type of thing a person who only has Rome's best interests at heart would say? If Cassius truly has the Roman people's best interests at heart, he would gladly pass his power onto someone who is capable of using it better. By persuading the Roman people so, Antony has proven himself to be an inspiring leader, whom the Roman people would comfortably allow to run their country. There is no evidence up to that point in the play that Antony is not a good leader and could easily be corrupted. Instead, Shakespeare chose to build up his image as a loyal and trustworthy servant to Caesar, and so, capable of being a loyal and trustworthy leader to Rome. Cassius went through all the trouble of gathering conspirators and killing Caesar to acquire this power, and now he is afraid because Antony has shown the potential of taking over this power. Antony has become an obstacle in Cassius's path to fulfilling his lust for power. Even though Cassius always claims that his striving to rise to power above Caesar was so he could give Rome what's best, his true motivation is to fill the power-hungry gap in his being.
This is my fifth analysis.
ReplyDeleteKelvin L.
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https://sites.google.com/site/juliuscaesarquotes/
In this passage, Shakespeare most clearly states the theme of honour, through Antony’s speech. This speech is significantly better than Brutus’ speech, and starts a civil war. Throughout his speech, Antony reveals how the people were blinded by Brutus’ honour, and that they have been convinced by the mere fact that Brutus was honourable to not take action against a death caused because of greed, and hunger for power. Throughout his speech, Antony constantly makes reference to “honourable men.” His sarcasm is used most effectively here: “I fear I wrong the honourable men/ Whose daggers have stabb’d Caesar…” (3.2.150-151). This is ironic as the definition for honour is someone who bears allegiance to justice; however, Antony here states that the assassination of Caesar, was a just deed, because it was done by honourable men. Accordingly, the people come to realise that they have been blinded by honour – because Brutus is honourable, he is always right – and now agree with Antony. In addition, because Antony’s personality is not tainted by honour, he gives his speech expecting the plebeians to disagree with everything he says; hence, he spends more time explaining each detail, and better planned his speech. This quality in Antony, which Brutus lacked because of his excessive honour, allows Antony to convince many plebeians, therefore leading Brutus to his fate. Thus, a major theme in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is that honour is an addictive virtue that can taint one’s personality, and blind people causing them to make poor decisions.
IOANA DIACONESCU
ReplyDeletePART 3/6
SELF-SACRIFICE FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Quote #2
[ANTONY]-"But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And, sure, he is an honorable man.
This quote is said by Antony, who is trying to convince the Roman people that the conspirators' motifs were not, in fact, “for the greater good”. Shakespeare communicates this thematic message through Mark Antony's speech to the reader. Here, Antony gives good reason as to why there was no actual proof that Caesar was corrupt. He explains that Caesar brought Rome wealth, cried for the poor, and refused the crown thrice. In fact, the image of Caesar that the reader is given, through the actions of Caesar , is one of a great and powerful leader who is greatly respected by his people, and capable of leading he Roman Empire to greatness. However, throughout the beginning of the play, Brutus and Cassius always talk about how Caesar is corrupt and must be stopped before its too late. But if there is no real proof that Caesar is corrupt, what is the real reason behind killing Caesar? One must simply resort to the more selfish alternative. The conspirators were only justifying their actions as 'for the greater good' to cover up that they killed Caesar in order to take over his power.
IOANA DIACONESCU
ReplyDeletePART 4/6
SELF-SACRIFICE FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Quote #3
[CAESAR]-I could be well moved if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
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
Let me a little show it even in this:
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so.
This quote is said by Caesar as he describes to the Senators how he will remain firm in his decisions, and will not show 'weakness' through indecisiveness and having a varied opinion. It was this saying and this attitude that made the conspirators realize that their fears were true and prompted them to kill Caesar, right then and there. The question that begs to be answered here is what exactly were the conspirators afraid of? If they were completely morally righteous, with the greater good in their interest, their fear would be that Caesar was corrupt and would lead Rome to ruins. If they were power-hungry, as I am trying to prove, their fear would be that Caesar was no longer possible to manipulate, and that they no longer had the control over him that they needed to help themselves rise to power. The option of “greater good” is more unlikely in this situation because there was no actual, solid proof that Caesar was corrupt. If there was no proof that Caesar was corrupt, why would a mentally upright man kill him for any other reason than for his own personal gain? Caesar had become a threat to the conspirators' rise to power, so they killed him.
IOANA DIACONESCU
ReplyDeletePART 5/6
SELF-SACRIFICE FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Quote #4
[BRUTUS ]-(to POET) Get you hence, sirrah. Saucy fellow, hence!
[CASSIUS]-Bear with him, Brutus. 'Tis his fashion.
[BRUTUS ]-I’ll know his humor when he knows his time.
What should the wars do with these jigging fools?
—Companion, hence!
This conversation takes place after Brutus and Cassius have an argument in their tent. A poet came in and told them to stop fighting and be friends again. He also mentions how he is clearly older than both of them, and subtly hints at the fact that he is more experienced than anyone younger than him and knows better. Brutus rudely insults him and tells him to leave. If we consider Brutus to be power-hungry for selfish reasons, it would be psychologically understandable for him to detest anyone who considers themselves, in any way, superior to him. This accounts for Brutus's alarming behaviour. If Brutus had the 'greater good' of the Romans in mind, he would have at the very least kindly told the poet to leave them alone. Brutus is leading those people and he needs their respect in order to carry out his plans. The fact that he doesn't really care about maintaining a good public image in front of that man emphasizes just how personally power affects him. Brutus was much less interested in what would be best for the Roman people, and much more interested in the possibility of losing his power. And this possibility of losing power affects him personally, and justifies how he is being motivated by his own selfishness.
IOANA DIACONESCU
ReplyDeletePART 6/6
SELF-SACRIFICE FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Quote #5
[BRUTUS]-Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar,
I have not slept.
Between the acting of a dreadful thing
And the first motion, all the interim is
Like a phantasma or a hideous dream.
The genius and the mortal instruments
Are then in council, and the state of man,
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then
The nature of an insurrection.”
This quote is said by Brutus as he expresses the emotional and mental stress he has been going through since he began considering conspiring against Caesar. Someone who is about to do something for the greater good should be a lot less ill at ease, because they know that what they will do will be for the benefit of the Roman people. Someone who is power-hungry, or has recently become power- hungry, is fighting an internal battle with their own conscience. The guilt caused by the decision to commit selfish acts would torment the person, especially if that person is normally righteous. Brutus here describes the difficult inner conflict he is facing because his conscience is telling him that he is only doing this for power and it is wrong. When one's power-hungriness becomes the focal point of one's decision-making, one's conscience becomes a major obstacle. In order to overcome this obstacle, one could reason with oneself, and convince oneself that one's actions are for the 'greater good'. By doing this, one can figuratively numb one's conscience, making it easier to do selfish and morally wrong deeds. This is why Brutus describes this time as a “phantasma or hideous dream”. The psychological phenomena caused by the current circumstances has allowed his conscience to no longer have a part in his decision making. His power-hungriness has consumed his mind entire
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePublic Appearance vs. Private Reality
ReplyDeleteNitika Agarwal
ENG 2D7
Mr. Sarracini
November 10, 2011
Human beings are often described as being ‘two-faced,’ or having one real face and one that is somewhat like a reflection; the portrayed version of a person in the way they want to be seen. The world might see their reflection most of the time, but in moments of emotional despair, their real face will momentarily return. In [underline] Julius Caesar, a play written by William Shakespeare, many characters are known or suspected to have two faces, which leads to turmoil and betrayals. Julius Caesar, for example, was murdered because he was suspected of having a secret desire for more power, which would turn him into a tyrant. Brutus killed him only for this reason, which may or may not have been true. In contrast, Cassius, who showed everyone he had no real interest in power was actually the one who was hungry for it, something Caesar saw. Shakespeare thought very strongly about this difference, how a person can wear a mask and appear to be someone else, how frightening the thought is that a trusted person could very well be plotting revenge against you.
[Octavius] "And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, Millions of mischiefs" Act 4 Scene 1, 50-51.
Octavius is referring to the fact that some people may show smiles on their face, but they have “mischiefs” in their hearts, or dangerous intentions. This is the base of the theme public appearance vs. private reality. Octavius has realized that the conspirators are presenting one thing on their faces, their public appearances and hiding another, their private realities. They are calculative and are decieving by pretending to share Brutus’ opinions on killing Caesar only for Rome, whereas Brutus was the only one who essentially wanted the benefit of the Romans. “All the conspirators, save only he, Did that they did in envy of great Caesar,” Octavius says in lines 68-69.
[Antony] “O, pardon me… That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!”Act 3 Scene 1, 254-255.
Antony, when first faced with the fact that the conspirators have murdered Caesar displays what the reader later recognizes to be his public appearance. He acts surprisingly calm and shakes all their bloody hands, approving that what they did was right. However, when they leave, he reveals to the audience and to the dead body of Caesar his private reality- that he plans to take revenge and will avenge Caesar’s death. He discloses that he truly despises them for what they have done. Although he can be seen to be justified in what he did, if the conspirators had known at that time what Antony was planning, they might not have trusted him to make a speech.
[Brutus] “I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.” Act 3 Scene 2, 44-46.
Brutus kills Caesar for the good of Rome, as he claims in his speech, and he has temporarily restored his title as an honourable man. However, this is possibly Brutus’ mask- or public appearance- rather than his actual self. Although he is in the end titled to be the “noblest Roman of them all,” Brutus’ honour could be just a desperate attempt to create respect for himself. Caesar was a good friend of Brutus, and killing him for Rome showed that he was a man for the Romans, as Caesar was as well. It could be that Brutus was attempting to be like Caesar, so much that he would go as far to kill his friend to earn the respect and the honour that make up his mask. It is not noble or honourable to kill anyone- no matter how dangerous they might be, but Brutus had a subconcious determinancy to look good in the eyes of the Romans, and to always be the “noblest Roman of them all.” He died trying to maintain this, and managed to preserve his mask until the end of his life. The lasting question is: how was Brutus behind his mask? What was his private reality? Perhaps if it were not for his anxiety, he would not have been swayed by Cassius’ fake letters, and Caesar would still be alive.
Public Appearance vs. Private Reality
ReplyDeleteContinued...
[Caesar] “Let me have about me men that are fat,” Act 1 Scene 2, 192.
Caesar, by “fat,” means that he wants the men around him to be satisfied, and therefore not to have a public appearance and a separate private reality. He wants the men around him to be honest and to be carefree; to not seek power or need to conceal themselves behind a façade that dictates to them how to act. Caesar sees that Cassius could be a threat because he hungers for power; and this hunger will be dangerous. Caesar wants to be able to know the true nature of the men around him, something that he cannot do with Cassius because he is unsure of which ‘Cassius’ is real. Although Cassius shows that he loves Caesar and he obeys Caesar’s every command, he also talks bitterly about him to others, calling him “a sick girl” and a “coward.” Caesar understands that Cassius holds these outlooks, and therefore understands that he is a unreliable person.
[Cassius] “I will this night, in several hands, in at his windows throw…Writings, all tending to the great opinion That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at.” Act 1 Scene 3, 313-318.
Cassius, who finds in necessary to overthrow Caesar, is tricking Brutus into thinking that Rome wishes for Caesar’s death, therefore giving Brutus a motive to kill Caesar along with him. He does this by throwing fake letters into Brutus’ window that are seemingly from the people of Rome, his public appearance in this case.. In contrast to this, for the rest of the play, Cassius seems to be sided with Brutus. His private reality is his envy for Caesar instead of an actual love for Rome that leads him to killing Caesar.
[Antony] “We shall determine How to cut off some charge in legacies.”Act 4 Scene 1, 8-9.
Antony, who had seemed until this point to be just and loving towards his deceased friend, avenging him, is committing and act that makes the reader realize that the extreme passion he showed for Caesar was just his public appearance. Antony is also betraying the people of Rome and their trust by doing this; removing charges and Caesar’s donations to people probably to keep the money for himself. By this point, the reader has understood that Antony is not what he showed himself to be to the conspirators, the people of Rome and even Caesar. He has a private reality and possesses the same greed that many characters in the play have, the same greed that caused so much betrayal and turmoil.
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ReplyDeleteBrian Chak
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
November 10th, 2011
Theme in Julius Caesar: Honour & Nobility
In Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, one of the themes that are repeatedly expressed is the matter about honour and nobility. Both honour and nobility is constantly referred upon within every character’s dialogue, clearly portraying Shakespeare’s distinct view. Even though each character has a slightly different view of honour, Shakespeare demonstrates one consistent idea; a person is deemed honourable for their good intentions and their motivations for their actions. This status is not related to the person’s social status or position. As the plot progresses, Shakespeare shows that certain characters are clearly more honourable than others. Cassius and many of the other conspirators were greedy for power and they feared Caesar so they grouped together and murdered him for their own benefit. However, Brutus did the same action, fully believing that it was for the good of his country. His good intention to the community is the key difference that makes him honourable.
Quote – (1.2.90-131) http://www.shakespeare-literature.com/Julius_Caesar/2.html
I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus…and bear the palm alone.
Early in the story, Cassius tells a story about honour that functions in cohesion with Shakespeare’s perspective of honour and nobility. His story points out the same idea as Shakespeare. Caesar may seem extremely powerful in Rome but he is not more honourable or noble than Cassius or Brutus. Caesar is not the god that many Romans believe him to be. When Caesar needed help, it was Cassius who did the honourable action of saving him. Regardless of Cassius’ social status, he is still honourable for his righteous action. In the present situation of the play, just because Caesar is the last one standing from the original Triumvirate, it doesn’t mean that he is the one who everyone else must praise. Considering that Caesar is wishing the Romans well, Cassius should be equally honourable.
Quote – (2.1.162-183) http://www.shakespeare-literature.com/Julius_Caesar/4.html
Our course will seem too blood, Caius Cassius…When Caesar’s head is off.
From this quote that is said by Brutus, Shakespeare indicates the theme of honour and nobility once again. Brutus is trying to convince Cassius that killing Antony would not be right. The common people (plebeians) would see Antony’s death as an act of dishonour because the intentions were unnecessary. The murder would become a safety precaution for their own benefit, a way to remove any resistance to their cause, instead of an action for the good of Rome. It isn’t Antony who’s ambitious, it was Caesar. Brutus, thinking in the same way as Shakespeare, knew that if he wants to keep his honourable reputation, he would need to kill only with a good reason. Then, even Antony as Caesar’s right hand man, would not be able to dishonour him. Furthermore, this quote also shows how easily honour can be lost. Once someone is hungry for power and they are being corrupted, a small action that they may not acknowledge as a dishonourable action could have a great impact. In Cassius’ view, he wanted to be secure with his power but Brutus saw the flaw. If they murdered Antony, they would not be honourable anymore. The good intentions for Rome would be lost since Antony was innocent and he was no threat to Rome.
Theme in Julius Caesar: Hour & Nobility (Continued)
ReplyDeleteQuote – (3.2.72-106, 117-136) http://www.shakespeare-literature.com/Julius_Caesar/9.html
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears...And I must pause till it come back to me.
This long quote suggests Shakespeare’s viewpoint once more. Within Antony’s speech to the plebeians during Caesar’s funeral, he constantly mentions that “Brutus is an honourable man” (Shakespeare) but eventually, it seems as if he’s being sarcastic and Brutus isn’t actually honourable. Antony’s view of honour is similar to Shakespeare’s view on the theme so within his speech, he attacks Brutus’ reasons and it proves to be much more effective than “doing Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong.” (Shakespeare) It is the reasons that make a person honourable and Antony understood that fact. He used it very effectively to sway the crowd. As well, Antony also referred to ambition multiple times in this quote. By proclaiming Caesar as someone who isn’t ambitious, Antony was able to prove that Caesar was not corrupted with his power. In turn, Caesar became honourable once again in the eyes of the crowd. Caesar’s intentions were all for the good of Rome and he isn’t the tyrant that the conspirators said he was.
Quote – (4.3.65-82) http://www.shakespeare-literature.com/Julius_Caesar/13.html
You have done that you should be sorry for…Dash him to pieces!
Another quote revolving around the theme of honour are these sentences said by Brutus in response to Cassius’ threat. Shakespeare uses this part of the plot to express the difference between those who are honourable and those who aren’t. Brutus is confident that his position is secure because all his actions were done honourably and with reasons that he can justify. He would never raise money illegally to pay his soldiers to fight against an enemy. However, Cassius on the other hand is clearly being corrupted by his desire for power, making his actions no longer for the good of the community. After using Brutus to execute his plan, he now refuses to provide the money that Brutus requires. Clearly, the one who is honourable is Brutus. His good intentions mixed with his righteous actions make him a very honourable man. In contrast, Cassius was not as honourable because his intentions were for himself and his actions cannot be justified.
Quote- (5.5.68-75)
This was the noblest Roman of them all:
All the conspirators, save only he,
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar.
He only, in a general honest thought
And common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mix’d in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, “This was a man!”
This quote supports Shakespeare’s perspective of honour because Antony is pointing out what makes Brutus different than the other conspirators. All the conspirators have done the same action, murdering Caesar, but “save only he, did that they did in envy of great Caesar.” (Shakespeare) Brutus joined the conspirators because he believed that it was for the good of Rome. He fully believed that Caesar was a tyrant and that the commoners disliked him because of the letters mailed by Cassius. He never had the same intentions as the other senators. This difference in their motivation is what makes Brutus honourable. Even though he was a conspirator, Antony still recognizes Brutus as an honourable man. Their reasoning is the most important and the reasoning is what distinguishes whether the action was honourable or not. Again, Shakespeare’s viewpoint is clearly represented in the dialogue.
Andrew Siu
ReplyDeleteBetrayal – Julius Caesar (By William Shakespeare)
A major theme that plays an important role throughout the Shakespearean play, Julius Caesar, is the topic of betrayal. However, the uses of betrayal in Shakespeare’s thematic intentions were implemented to portray a certain message that was to be delivered throughout the play. Shakespeare used this theme to describe how betrayal is utilized in society, even through political figures such as those in this play. However, at the heart of betrayal lies loyalty, which drives people to betray because of their complete trust in someone, or something. An imbalance of loyalty and trust towards people or things they believe in can cause betrayal. Throughout this play, Shakespeare is portraying this main concept of loyalty and betrayal. Many of these betrayals also create a drastic change within the plot, and affect other characters. Shakespeare presents that betrayal is always a matter of loyalty, and will always affect other people. However it is almost inevitable when there are enemies or when there is more loyalty towards one entity within a group. Through the work of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare was able to effectively portray the theme of betrayal as being an inevitable occurrence that develops through loyalties to certain people or beliefs.
Quote 1:
“Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?.....
Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft (39)
Have you climb’d up to walla and battlements,…. (40)
That comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood? (54)
Be gone!..... (54)
That needs must light on this ingratitude.” (Act 1, Scene 1, Lines 34-57)
This quote is said by Murellus when Flavius and he find many commoners out on the streets celebrating over Caesar’s triumph over Pompey. It is obvious that Murellus and Flavius are unhappy that the people of Rome cheer for the victory of Caesar when they once enlivened over the return of Pompey when he passed by the streets of Rome. This shows the betrayal of Rome to Pompey. As the people of Rome were once loyal to Pompey, they became loyal to Caesar through his victory and rejoiced in Pompey’s defeat, thereby betraying him. This also creates anger towards the commoners by Murellus and Flavius because they knew that the people once rejoiced for Pompey. Shakespeare’s message was displayed here in the first scene, which exemplifies how betrayal is an overall important theme that Shakespeare had to start of the play with. The loyalty to Caesar made the commoners rejoice to him, and at the same time rejoice of Pompey’s defeat. This also created hatred towards them by people who were still loyal to Pompey and knew they had just betrayed him, such as Murellus and Flavius.
Quote 2:
ReplyDelete“’Caesar, beware of Brutus, take heed of Cassius, come
not near Casca, have an eye to Cinna, trust not
Trebonius, mark well Metellus Cimber, Decius Brutus
loves thee not, thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There
is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against
Caesar……. (6)
If not, the fates with traitors do contrive.” (Act 2, Scene 3, Lines 1-16)
This final quote is said by Artemidorus, a fan of Caesar who is aware of the conspirators who are going to betray him. It is a letter that he wrote that is more of a concern to Caesar to watch out for the conspirators who are not who they may seem to be to him. This shows that the conspirators will betray Caesar, and Artemidorus is warning him that they are not true. This portrays Shakespeare’s message because it is a clear example that the conspirators are untrue towards Caesar and do plan and conspire against him. Artemidorus states they’re dishonesty, and that they are not really loyal to him, but instead are traitors to him. Although Artemidorus shows no hostility or anger towards the conspirators, he does demoralize them by saying that they are basically bad people, traitors, and jealous rivals of Caesar.
Quote 3:
“Et tu, Brute? – Then fall, Caesar!” (Act 3, Scene 1, Line 77)
This quote is said by Caesar when the conspirators stab, and kill, him. This is the most significant betrayal in the play where Brutus, a highly respected member of the senate and a long good friend of Caesar, betrays Caesar and is one who stabs him. Brutus has always been a good friend to Caesar however, when Caesar obtains power, Cassius is convinced that Brutus will be a tyrant and persuades Brutus to think so as well. Another reason Brutus is convinced by Cassius is because he trusts Cassius very much and through his loyalty towards Cassius, he betrayed Caesar. This in turn affected Mark Antony, Caesar’s closest friend, and causes him to find hatred towards the conspirators and become enemies with them. This directly relates to Shakespeare’s overall message because since Brutus was so loyal to Cassius, he betrayed Caesar who was once his good friend. This in turn led Mark Antony to hate the conspirators, especially Brutus and Cassius creating enemies within them.
Quote 4:
ReplyDelete“O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever lived in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!....(258)
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war, (273)
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
with carrion men groaning for burial.” (Act 3, Scene 1, Lines 254-275)
This is said by Mark Antony after the death of Caesar and after shaking hands with each of the bloody hands of the conspirators. He betrays them by saying this after telling them he is at peace with them, and telling them he is making friends with them. It is evident that Antony is truly loyal to Caesar and is enraged that the conspirators killed him. After making friends with them, after they leave, he then betrays them and even calls them “butchers” for killing such a great man. Along with this betrayal, hatred is portrayed towards the conspirators with anger which is extremely distinct when he quotes “let slip the dogs of war,” in anger towards them. This is pertains to Shakespeare’s overall message because through his loyalty to Caesar, Mark Antony would betray the conspirators after telling them he was a “friend”. He then also displayed hatred towards them in his speech after they left the scene. This changes the plot and story line significantly because it is here Mark Antony begins to become an enemy to Brutus, Cassius, and the conspirators.
Quote 5:
“I did not. He was but a fool that brought
My answer back. Brutus hath riv’d my heart.
A friend should bear his friend’s infirmities,
But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.” (Act 4, Scene 3, Lines 84-87)
This is said by Cassius after Brutus accuses him of denying him. He then says this showing that he sees that Brutus is betraying him. He states that the messenger must have misreported the message and then says that Brutus had broken his heart, and made Cassius weaknesses, or fault, greater than they already are. Cassius’ loyalty towards Brutus is shown here, but it is evident that Cassius is questioning Brutus’ loyalty and love towards him. Although this does not show any anger, it shows that Cassius was obviously upset with Brutus in his distrust towards him. This is also very important in Shakespeare’s message because it shows when Brutus’ loyalty to his own beliefs confronts his loyalty towards Cassius, there would be a conflict. This is an important example of betrayal that is only perceived by Cassius, however still pertains to Shakespeare’s statement because it still defines betrayal with the loyalty of Brutus and Cassius in question.
Angelin Antony
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
November 10th, 2011
Theme: Self-sacrifice for the Greater Good
(Part 1/2)
Self -sacrifice can be defined as the giving up of one's own interests or wishes, sometimes their lives, in order to help others or to advance a cause. The theme of self-sacrifice is thoroughly explored in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Shakespeare portrays both sides of self-sacrifice through the character of Brutus. The honour in being selfless is seen through Brutus' love for Rome, which provokes him to kill Caesar. He focuses solely on the good of Rome when he assists in the murder of Caesar, acting not on greed, but as a man devoted to his country. The greater good is of utmost importance to Brutus, and is willing to make sacrifices to ensure the well-being of Rome. However, this selflessness is extremely easy to manipulate and take advantage of as is seen through Cassius' manipulation of Brutus's feelings for Rome, which results in him being tricked into killing his dearest friend. One is able to see the different aspects of self-sacrifice; though it is admirable, it can also be manipulated very easily to accomplish one's selfish goal, resulting in complications.
Quote 1- [Cassius]: “He doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about, to find ourselves dishonourable graves.” (1.2.135-139)
Analysis: This quote shows us that Cassius is jealous of Caesar’s success and is indignant about his position, which makes us question whether his plan to kill Caesar was truly a sacrifice. Cassius describes the huge gap between Caesar and the rest of Rome. He and Cassius were once at the same level, but Caesar has grown to be ‘higher’ than him (in terms of political hierarchy). This is seen in Cassius’ description of Caesar as a Colossus, which towers over everyone with its magnificent height. He feels that Caesar does not deserve the power that he has, and is envious of the control that Caesar possesses. This is seen in the way Cassius describes himself and the Romans as inconsequential, showing the contrast between them and Caesar. Bitterness and jealousy are present in these words, because Cassius now walks in the shadow of someone that was once his equal. His resentment of Caesar causes him to devise a plan to murder him; a plan devised with only the thought of his own wants and needs.
Quote 2-[Casca]: “I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown...one of those coronets...he put it by once; but for all that, my thinking fain have had it...then he offered it to him again; he put it by again...to my thinking he was very loath to lay his fingers off it...the rabblement hooted and clapped their chopped hands and threw up their sweaty nightcaps.” (1.2.236-244)
Analysis: The coronet that is offered to Caesar holds symbolism that is similar to a crown. The Romans were afraid of a Monarch as the head of Rome, therefore if a crown was being offered to Caesar, it would make them nervous. A coronet is offered in its place to ease their anxiety, but it portrays a nearly identical message: absolute power over Rome. Caesar gave up the coronet, even though he wanted to accept it, as shown in his reluctance to take his hands off of it. Caesar’s true nature is revealed in this self-sacrifice, showing a man that is not filled with ambition, but with love for Rome. He wants to do everything he can for the betterment of society, willing to sacrifice his own desires for the people. It is this honourable character trait that becomes visible in this act of selflessness, proving that his sacrifice was solely for the good of Rome.
Angelin Antony
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
November 10th, 2011
Theme: Self-sacrifice for the Greater Good
(Part 2/2)
Quote 3- [Brutus]: “It must be by his death. And for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him...and to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections sway’d more than his reason. (2.1.10-21)
Analysis: Brutus admits to having nothing against Caesar; he does not see Caesar as one who would fall victim to tyranny. Because of the letters that were thrown into his house (that were written by Cassius), Brutus ignores his rationale and acts on impulse. Without thinking about it and without being guided by his own reason, Brutus is swayed by his love for Rome. Because of this true and sincere love he has, he can easily be manipulated. When the letters are read by Brutus, he abandons all the opinions he has of Caesar rapidly. He puts his personal feelings and beliefs aside, focusing only on the good of Rome. Much like Caesar, Brutus’ love for Rome is honourable, but it blinds him from seeing reason. Cassius uses this irrevocable love against Brutus, manipulating him to perform his will. As a result of his love for Rome and his error in judgement, Brutus assassinates his dearest friend.
Quote 4-[Brutus]: “If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his...Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar was living, and die all slaves?” (3.2.17-22)
Analysis: Brutus is rationalizing his decision by explaining to the Romans that he loved Caesar as much as they did. This quote shows to what extent Brutus will go to ensure the well-being of Rome. There is a shift in tone in this crucial part of this speech to the Romans. When he says that he loved Caesar no less than they did, he tries to reason with the Romans. He gets aggravated and uses callous words to convince the people that the murder of Caesar was the only option at the end of this quote. His internal struggle is audible because he tries to convince himself that what he did was the most appropriate action one could take. He is trying to prove his love, and gets frustrated because his words do not have as great an impact as he desired. Brutus assists in the murder of Caesar because he is led to believe that it is the best thing for Rome, going against his own beliefs. He is motivated by Cassius to kill Caesar, but this act of egotism has consequences. The death of Caesar results in a war between the conspirators and Mark Antony, ending in violence and bloodshed.
Quote 5- [Antony]: This was the noblest Roman of them all: All the conspirators, save only he, did that they did envy of great Caesar. He only, in a general honest thought and common good to all, made one of them.” (5.5.68-73)
Analysis: This quote spoken by Mark Antony gives one insight into many characters in this play. It is said that the conspirators did not plot to kill Caesar out of concern for Rome, apart from Brutus. The conspirators only had envy in their hearts, wanting to obliterate the power that Caesar had over Rome. In Brutus’ speech that was made on behalf of the conspirators, he claimed that the murder only took place for the good of Rome. In reality, the death of Caesar occurred because of the selfish desire the conspirators had to remove him from power. The true nature of the conspirators has been revealed in this quote, along with the character of Brutus. It can be seen that Brutus had the purest of motives and utmost love for Rome, but he was led astray by covetous men.
Chloe I
ReplyDeleteQuote Analysis 1/5
[Murellus]:
O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,
Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft
Have you climb'd up to walls and battlements,
To towers and windows, yea, to chimney tops,
Your infants in your arms, and there have sat
The livelong day, with patient expectation,
To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome.
...
And do you now put on your best attire?
And do you now cull out a holiday?
And do you now strew flowers in his way,
That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood?
Be gone!
(1.1.38-54)
When Shakespeare’s play begins, Julius Caesar has just returned from the battle of Munda. Caesar, Pompey Magnus and Marcus Crassus, previously formed a triumvirate. After Crassus’ death, Pompey and Caesar were left to power, although neither could agree to share it. Civil war broke out and Caesar defeated Pompey in the battle of Pharsalia. Later during the battle of Munda, Caesar conquers Pompey’s two sons. In this scene, the commoners are celebrating Caesar’s return from this battle. The celebration emphasizes Caesar’s power and influence in the state of Rome. Two tribunes, Flavius and Murellus, are upset that the commoners are taking a holiday and crowding the streets to see Caesar. Murellus and Flavius oppose the celebration, as they are worried about Caesar’s growing support from the plebeians. In addition, they desire to maintain the responsibility and power that they hold in the Senate, rather than crown Caesar as dictator of Rome. The tribunes question a cobbler, as they wonder why he is not at work in his shop. The cobbler says he has taken a holiday from work to rejoice Caesar’s triumph. This infuriates Murellus, who reproaches the citizens for their disloyalty to Pompey. The citizens seem to have forgotten their great leader Pompey. The tribunes recall that the commoners cheered and worshipped Pompey in the past, but now they cheer on Caesar, the man who defeated Pompey. This scene sets the conflict, the wavering loyalty that results in the act of betrayal, into motion. Therefore, Shakespeare implies that the commoner’s loyalty is easily influenced, which inevitably leads to their betrayal of Pompey.
Jessie Jin
ReplyDeleteThe Theme of Honour in Julius Caesar: Part 1
Honour is the perceived quality of worthiness and respectability based on the harmony of their actions with the moral code of the society. All the men in Julius Caesar seem to be acting in the name of honour, although some actions are dishonourable in themselves; each attempts to act honourably according to his own perspective. The definition of honour in itself however, is easily manipulated by men. Characters in Julius Caesar such as Caesar and Antony are almost obsessed with honourable acts and their actions and methods to achieve this title become questionable. At the same time, men lose sight of what is actually honourable. Men become blind to the true nature of their own actions because they are only driven by the desire to become an honourable man in the eyes of the public. Men also allow themselves to be misled by provocation of other men looking to abet when they are too fixated on the idea of honour. Cassius twists the idea of honour in the eyes of Brutus so that Brutus is convinced Caesar must be killed for the good of Rome. Brutus is so caught up with the idea of honour that he loses the ability to judge for himself. Shakespeare uses the play to reflect that people can become blind to their own actions and morals when in pursue of a respected repute in society, whether it involving power or in this case, honour.
2.2.94-106
[Decius]: to give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.
If you shall send them word you will not come,
Their minds my change. Besides, it were a mock
Apt to be render’d for someone to say,
‘Break up the Senate till another time,
When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.’
If Caesar hide himself, shall they not wisper,
‘Lo, Caesar is afraid’?
Pardon me, Caesar, for my dear dear love
To your proceeding bids me to tell you this,
And my reason to my love is liable.
[Caesar]: How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!
I am ashamed I did yield to them.
Caesar deems his wife foolish when compared to losing his respectability and honour in front of the public. Again, with a little prod and manipulation from an abettor, Decius, Caesar is quick to abandon his previous decisions and attempts to maintain his position of honour instead. In his desperate obsession with his image in the eyes of the public, Caesar doesn’t think twice to leave his distressed wife at home. Although Caesar acted humbly in refusing the crown three times, this is shown to be stripped away when Caesar immediately changes his mind when the crown is mentioned. He is so fixated on trying to appear honourable and respected in front of the Senates; he is compelled to mask morals and emotions such as humility, fear or even concern for his own wife. When provoked by Decius, Caesar quickly abandons all of the emotions. Caesar is blind to his own emotions and morals because he felt appropriate to put the idea of honour above both. His decision to desert emotions and morals for pursuing honour is ultimately what causes his death and downfall. Shakespeare uses Caesar as an accurate representation of people who lose sight of their own morals when in pursue of a respected position in front of others.
Chloe I
ReplyDeleteQuote Analysis 2/5
[Brutus]:
It must be by his death. And for my part
I know no personal cause to spurn at him
But for the general. He would be crown'd:
How that might change his nature, there's the question.
...
Crown him that,
And then, I grant, we put a sting in him,
That at his will he may do danger with.
Th’ abuse of greatness is when it disjoins
Remorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar,
I have not known when his affections sway'd
More than his reason.
(2.1.10-21)
This quotation portrays Brutus’ uncertainty about killing and betraying Caesar. Brutus is in a state of indecision; he does not know if he should remain loyal to Caesar or take part in the conspiracy to kill him. Brutus acknowledges that all men in authority, such as Caesar, will be too absorbed in power and eventually rule Rome as a tyrant. Brutus knows he cannot endure a dictatorship run by Caesar. Should Brutus decide to join the conspirators, he betrays himself, as he prides himself on being a man of moral righteousness. Although to Brutus, the idea of murdering his great friend is intolerable. If Brutus joins the conspirators, he believes that he is betraying Caesar, his dear friend. Shakespeare portrays Brutus as a man struggling between loyalty toward his great friend, Caesar and loyalty to the people of the state of Rome. Therefore, Brutus’ loyalty is easily swayed; either he takes part in Caesar’s murder for his interest in the betterment of Rome, or he remains loyal to Caesar and himself. Ultimately, Brutus’ desire for the well-being of Rome leads to his betrayal of Caesar. Brutus’ decision is perhaps the most compelling betrayal that occurs in the play, as Brutus’ betrayal was unforeseen by Caesar.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChloe I
ReplyDeleteQuote Analysis 3/5
[Caesar]:
The cause is in my will. I will not come:
That is enough to satisfy the Senate.
But for your private satisfaction,
Because I love you, I will let you know:
Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home.
She dreamt tonight she saw my statue,
Which like a fountain with an hundred spouts,
Did run pure blood, and many lusty Romans
Came smiling, and did bathe their hands in it.
And these does she apply for warnings, and portents,
And evils imminent, and on her knee
Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day.
[Decius]:
This dream is all amiss interpreted;
...
The Senate have concluded
To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.
If you shall send them word you will not come,
Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock
Apt to be render'd, for someone to say
'Break up the senate till another time,
When Caesar's wife shall meet with better dreams.'
If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper,
'Lo, Caesar is afraid'?
Pardon me, Caesar; for my dear dear love
To our proceeding bids me tell you this,
And reason to my love is liable.
[Caesar]:
How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!
I am ashamed I did yield to them.
Give me my robe, for I will go.
(2.2.71-107)
This quotation signifies Caesar’s tragic pride as well as his betrayal of Calpurnia’s wishes. Calpurnia tells Caesar about her ominous dream, and begs Caesar to stay home as she foretells the dangers ahead. Her dreams are vivid, yet brutal in nature. The most notable nightmare occurs when the statue of Caesar spouts blood and joyous Romans wash their hands with the blood. Caesar initially appears unfazed toward his wife’s wishes to remain at home, but he eventually agrees to his wife’s pleading. However, the entrance of Decius, another conspirator, changes Caesar’s mind. Decius uses flattery and clever arguments to persuade Caesar into leaving for the Capitol. Decius says that the dream was wrongly interpreted. Then, he tells Caesar that the Senators are going to crown him. If Caesar is not there at the Capitol, the Senators will surely change their minds. In addition, Decius says that the Romans will see Caesar as a coward if he did not go to the Senate House because of his wife’s bad dreams. Caesar lets his pride overrule his loyalty toward his wife. Instead of trusting the opinions of his wife, he chooses not to show weakness by staying at home for a seemingly insignificant reason. Ultimately, Caesar’s arrogance leads to his downfall. Caesar is blinded by his self-importance, so he cannot see that the conspirators are scheming against him. Therefore, Shakespeare insinuates that Caesar’s loyalties are easily manipulated, between his wife’s fears and Decius’ flattery. Caesar’s desire to maintain his self-importance leads to his betrayal of Calpurnia.
Jessie Jin
ReplyDeleteThe Theme of Honour in Julius Caesar: Part 1
1.3.306-310; 313-317
Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see
Thy honourable metal may be wrought
From that it is dispos’d. Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes;
For who so firm that cannot be seduc’d?
…
I will this night,
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings, all tending to the great opinion
That Rome holds of his name
Cassius plays a role of a calculating abettor who encourages Brutus to deceive himself in the name of honour. He takes advantage of Brutus’ honourable love for Rome and then twists it to aid in his own gain. Cassius uses the letters to plants a seed in Brutus’ mind that he is viewed honourably by the people of Rome. Brutus’ values honour so much that he will be moved even against his own friend and is compelled to chase after honour instead, especially after Cassius’ prodding. Brutus is lead to think that the people of Rome depend on him to bring justice and honour to society. His idealistic belief that all men conduct by honourable thoughts is another reason Brutus allowed himself to be mislead by Cassius. It is exactly because Brutus is noble, that he became vulnerable to Cassius’ manipulations: “Thy honourable metal may be wrought” (1.3.307). Even Cassius admits that if Brutus had stayed amongst noble minds, he could have been immune to another’s manipulation of honour. However, straying away from honourable thinking, Brutus decides to trust Cassius’ concept of honour instead of judging for himself. Shakespeare, in Cassius’ influence on Brutus’ idea of honour, presents that manipulating the impression of honour can easily mislead men.
5.5.44-48; 50-51
I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy Lord.
Thou art a fellow of a good respect,
Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it.
Hold then my sword and turn away from thy face,
While I do run upon it.
…
Caesar, now be still,
I kill’d not thee with half so good a will.
Brutus is facing his death, and the idea of honour seems to surround him and even haunt him to his death. Still, he also strives for the name of honour before he dies: "It is more worthy to leap in ourselves/ Than tarry till they push us.” (5.5.24-25). Brutus considers honour in all aspects, even death. Brutus chooses one man who he deems to still have honour in him, to aid in his death. By his death, Brutus still values honour so much that whoever he chooses must have some left in him, because the rest including himself, has lost all of their own. Shakespeare establishes that people are blind to their own actions when in pursue of a respected repute in society; at this last moment, Brutus is no longer pursuing honour. Brutus’ judgments become clear again when his honour is now meaningless in the face of death: he realizes in retrospection that he, in fact, was not truly willing to kill Caesar. Brutus was not as convicted as he once was when the title of honour came with the murder; the act of murder now stands on its own and Brutus is washed with guilt just before the moment of his death. He asks Caesar to be still because he finally sees that his act was dishonorable indeed, and Caesar is now truly avenged by his own death. The playwright brings contrast to Brutus’ previous thoughts and his thoughts in this moment to show that people lose sight of their actions when they are too fixated on achieving something such as honour, but when they are not, their actions are made clear again.
[Antony]:
ReplyDeleteThese many shall die, their names are prick’d
[Octavius]:
Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?
[Lepidus]:
I do consent.
[Octavius]:
Prick him down, Antony.
[Lepidus]:
Upon condition Publius shall not live,
Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony.
[Antony]:
He shall not live―look, with a spot i damn him.
(4.1.1-6)
Within this quotation, Shakespeare portrays Antony and Lepidus’ ruthlessness, disloyalty and betrayal to their family members. In this scene, the new triumvirates, Antony, Lepidus and Octavius, plan against the conspirators. They devise a list which names the conspirators who took part in Caesar’s murder. Lepidus’ brother and Antony’s nephew are on the list and as such, they are condemned to die. Lepidus agrees to have his brother killed and Antony condemns his nephew, too. Antony and Lepidus’ remorse is not to be tested, as the men are determined to avenge Caesar’s murder while maintaining their place in power. Undoubtedly, their emotions are replaced with mercilessness. One would assume that Antony and Lepidus would sympathize with their own family, but they show no mercy and feel no empathy toward their own blood. This signifies their unwavering faithfulness to Caesar and unrelenting attitudes toward the conspirators, regardless if they are family. Their persistence to avenge Caesar’s death overrules their loyalty to their own family members. Therefore, Lepidus and Antony’s loyalty to their family is overruled by the pressure of avenging Caesar’s death as well as their personal interest to maintain power as the triumvirate.
Chloe I
ReplyDeleteQuote Analysis 5/5
[Antony]:
Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal:
To every Roman citizen he gives,
To every several man, seventy-five drachmaes.
(3.2.237-239)
[Antony]:
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house,
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies.
(4.1.7-9)
This quotation indicates Antony’s manipulative personality, brought out by his desire for monetary gain. Antony, Caesar’s loyal friend, succeeds in betraying the Roman people. Through his influential speech at Caesar’s funeral, Antony is able to convince the citizens of Rome that the conspirators are traitors. Using rhetoric, irony and repetition to sway the emotions of the crowd, Antony gains their trust. However, Antony entices the plebeians to hear Caesar’s will. This will promises seventy-five drachmaes to be given to every Roman citizen. In the following act, Antony conspires to use the money from Caesar’s will for the military funds necessary for the upcoming civil war against the conspirators. Hence, Antony sways the plebeians’ loyalty and trust of the conspirators, as he truly desires to use the money for his own gain and the triumvirates’ benefit. Shakespeare infers that the loyalty of the Roman citizens is easily manipulated by Antony. Antony’s desire for personal gain leads to his dishonesty and betrayal to the plebeians.
Sorry, I forgot to include my introduction at the beginning of my posts.
ReplyDeleteChloe I
Betrayal in Julius Caesar
Within William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the motivations and loyalties of numerous characters are constantly influenced and varied as the play progresses. Throughout the play, many characters break the bond of trust and loyalty within relationships. This results in betrayal, which is driven by the need to satisfy a person’s desires, without concern for the effect it will have on others. Shakespeare implies that the virtue of loyalty is easily manipulated, through the taunts of personal gain and interest, which inevitably leads to the act of betrayal. Shakespeare delves into the minds of the characters, as they struggle to outweigh the benefits and disadvantages of betrayal. Staying loyal in a relationship is not an easy decision to make, but rather an agonizing process. The characters of the play learn that with betrayal come dire consequences for themselves and for others. It is evident in Julius Caesar that the ever-changing loyalties of several characters, such as Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Marcus Brutus, shape their decisions to betray.
Clara Lau
ReplyDeletePublic Appearance vs. Private reality 1/5
Intro + Quote 1
Through the juxtaposition of the public appearances and private realities of the characters in Julius Caesar, Shakespeare emphasizes the contrast between one’s true intentions and their appearance in front of the public. This can be seen through individuals in the play who aim to gain the support from their peers through the manipulation of their words and actions. In reality, they work for personal gain and purposes opposite of what their goals appear to be. The image of a group also masks the private realities of the individuals involved. In the play, the conspirators pretend to have the same intentions in order to gain the support of one another and the public allowing the one goal they all wish to achieve to be reached easily. However, what they hope to gain from achieving this goal differs greatly between each member. Lastly, leaders in the play are successful because they use their public actions and effective speeches to gain the support of the people. They appear to be working for the interests of the public while their true goals for personal gain are hidden behind their public image. Shakespeare establishes that the public appearance and actions of leaders, groups and individuals reflect the favour of those they wish to appeal to in order to gain their support and trust. Their actions in public contrast their true intentions to use this support to realize the personal goals that they keep hidden from their peers and the public.
[ANTONY]:
Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed
Sway'd from the point, by looking down on Caesar.
Friends am I with you all, and love you all,
Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.
[BRUTUS ]:
Or else were this a savage spectacle.
Our reasons are so full of good regard
That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar
You should be satisfied.
[ANTONY]:
That's all I seek,
And am ,moreover, suitor that I may
Produce his body to the market-place,
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.
[BRUTUS]:
You shall, Mark Antony.
(3.1.218-231)
In this passage, Antony hopes to gain the trust of the conspirators in order to speak at Caesar’s funeral. First, Antony shakes the hands of each conspirator after they murder Caesar and addresses them as friends: “Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed/ Sway'd from the point, by looking down on Caesar. /Friends am I with you all, and love you all,”. The act of shaking hands implies that Antony has accepted the conspirator’s decision to kill Caesar and makes it appear that Antony wishes to make peace with them. Antony treats the conspirators as his companions and reassures them that he genuinely wishes to know the reason for the conspirator’s actions so that he may come to understand them instead of harming them. The accepting image that Antony creates through his actions and words demonstrates the importance of gestures and choices of words in affecting one’s overall impression on their peers. Antony follows by requesting to speak at Caesar’s funeral by saying “And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend, /Speak in the order of his funeral”. He appears as a humble man who only wishes to speak at his friend’s funeral. Antony’s simple request further reassures the conspirators that he does not mean to harm them and allows him to gain their approval. The evidence that the conspirator’s do not feel threatened by Antony is when Brutus accepts Antony’s request without questioning his motives: “You shall, Mark Antony”. Brutus’ firm response ultimately establishes that Antony’s skillful manipulation of his words and actions has successfully allowed him to gain the trust of the conspirators. Shakespeare uses the success of the public appearance, which Antony creates in this passage, to highlight the importance of one’s public actions while in the process of establishing trust and support with their peers.
Amelia Chung
ReplyDeleteJulius Caesar
Theme: Public Appearance vs. Private Reality
In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare brings out the theme of public appearance versus private reality. He suggests public figures often create a public appearance for themselves to present to the greater audience, so that they may receive the public’s favour and gradually gain control of their mind. This is done even when their public appearance contrasts the reality of their private life. Along with this, Shakespeare also suggests that this constant desire of putting up a contrasting public appearance is due to the one’s rank in society. The higher one is placed, the greater the desire they have to maintain a good public appearance in order to maintain control. With regards to this, in Julius Caesar, Shakespeare reveals that the conspirators; the upper class men of Rome, manipulate the public’s favoring by appearing to side with them, but in reality, they plan on how they can use these favors to meet the desires of their own private reality. Shakespeare uses this to further emphasize that even though it may not always be the real situation in private reality, a public figure will still give in all their effort to maintain a positive public appearance so that they will be able to succeed in reaching the goals of their desires at the end. Shakespeare makes a statement with this theme that public appearance is used as a tool to better one’s private reality.
Et Tu? (Betrayal in Julius Caesar)
ReplyDeleteSandra Chan
William Shakespeare incorporated acts of betrayal throughout the play, Julius Caesar. In the play, Brutus betrays his dear friend, Caesar, for the betterment of the Roman people. The other conspirators betray their honourable leader, Caesar, for an entirely different reason: to ensure that Caesar and his power will never overshadow their own. Mark Antony betrays the Roman people as a result of his own greed. Shakespeare believes that betrayal happens simply because humans are selfish and that it is in our nature to do what we need, at all costs, in order to meet our goals. For instance, one may have to betray others, so as to fulfill their own needs. Shakespeare tries to reveal, throughout the play, that corruption leads to acts, such as disloyalty, that defy the basic principles of morality. For example, in the play, the conspirators were engulfed by their own power and the need to maintain it, causing them to betray and murder Caesar. The aspect of betrayal is something that contradicts our sense of ethics and values. However, Shakespeare suggests that the intentions for betrayal are not always selfish, but they are most of the time. Brutus was honourable and selfless. He betrayed Caesar with the best interests of the Roman people at heart, but in contrast the other conspirators betrayed Caesar to protect their own interests. Not only is Shakespeare implying that betrayal is motivated by both selfish and selfless thoughts, but he is also implying that people are simply willing to do immoral things, in order to satisfy their needs. Betrayal may just be one step in the process to attain what they want. People are willing to betray the ones that they love and the ones who trust them, just to meet their needs. No matter how strong the bond between friends, it can always be broken. One can never be sure of whom their true friends are because in the face of desire, friends may turn on one another. The consequences of betrayal are hardly ever positive. The aspect of betrayal often results in chaos and sometimes even death, as seen in the play. It accomplishes little yet turmoil is often associated with the act of betrayal. Shakespeare shows this inhumane side of mankind throughout various parts of Julius Caesar.
[Cassius]:
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings, all tending to the great opinion
That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely
Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at. (1.2.314-318)
This is an excerpt from one of Cassius’ monologues, where Cassius decides to send anonymous letters to Brutus. He pretends to voice the opinions of several citizens, insisting that Brutus should be the ruler of Rome, instead of Caesar. Cassius desperately wants Brutus to join the conspiracy and this quote demonstrates his willingness to do anything, in order to do so. Cassius is willing to betray Brutus’ trust in him, just so that he can manipulate him into joining this rebellion. This manipulation opposes the ethnics and principles of humanity, yet Cassius’ determination in reaching his goal eclipses the seriousness of this inhumane act. It is morally wrong for one to betray others, just to accomplish one’s goal. This is a result of the selfishness of Cassius, as he is determined to get what he wants, despite the fact that he may hurt others in the process. Furthermore, this quote also characterizes Cassius, as a devious and cunning man. His plan to trick Brutus is deceitful, which shows how Cassius is willing to do whatever it takes. The competitiveness of people also comes into play, where people manipulate and deceive others to fulfil their own self-centred wants and desires. This quote supports the theme of betrayal because Cassius is willing to give it all, in order to get what he wants. Similarly, people are willing to do anything, regardless of the fact that others may be affected, just to satisfy their own needs.
[Brutus]:
ReplyDeleteIt must be by his death. And for my part
I know no personal cause to spurn at him
But for the general…
Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented,
Would run to these and these extremities.
And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg
(Which, hatch’d, would as his kind grow mischievous)
And kill him in the shell. (2.1.10-34)
This passage is taken from Brutus’ monologue, where he tries to justify the murder of Julius Caesar. Brutus understands that murder is morally wrong and unacceptable, especially committing the murder of a close friend, who has complete trust in him. However, Brutus believes that as time passes, he will become more and more powerful causing him to Caesar will transform into a tyrant. In the monologue, Brutus refers to Caesar, as a serpent’s egg; harmless at first but will develop and grow into a brute. Caesar will turn into an oppressor who will use coercive force to strike fear in the lives of the citizens. Brutus knows that the murder of Caesar will be the best for the citizens of Rome. Brutus’ intentions are noble, unlike those of the other conspirators. Brutus also says that his death must happen. He has nothing personal against Caesar, but he will kill him, with the public’s best interests at heart. Brutus does not want to betray Caesar but does so anyway. This immoral act shows how far people will go, to meet their needs. Brutus and Caesar were very close acquaintances, yet Brutus murdered Caesar after simply thinking it over. One would have thought that their friendship would be deeper, but in the face of choice, Brutus chose to be against Caesar. Furthermore, Brutus knows that Caesar has not yet done anything in the slightest, which showed his hunger for power, but Brutus overlooks that fact. When one desires to do something, one will oversee all the downfalls that accompany it. This also verifies how one will do things, no matter how immoral or unreasonable, as long as it helps in achieving one’s goal.
[Caesar]:
Et tu, Brute? (3.1.77)
Although this quote is not very long in length, it is full of meaning. This is one of the most famous lines ever written by William Shakespeare and presented on the Shakespearean stage. The Senate has just assassinated Caesar and Brutus, being the last to plunge his knife into Caesar’s heart, surprises Julius. Caesar, astonished and disappointed, replies, “And you, Brutus?” Julius Caesar was shocked to discover that Brutus was part of the conspiracy to overthrow him; this is the ultimate betrayal by one’s closest friend. Julius Caesar never would have thought that Brutus would be one of the members of the conspiracy. Brutus’ desire to give Rome the best ruler that they could possibly have, overshadowed his sense of right and wrong. Furthermore, this quote demonstrates the instability of friendships; these bonds can always be broken, under certain circumstances, where one may betray a friend for the greater good. In this play, one would believe that Brutus would support and defend Caesar, when Cassius began to plot against Caesar, like friends should. Instead of defending Caesar, however, Brutus joined in the conspiracy to conquer him. There is always a victim of betrayal; one who is hurt by these morally wrong acts. In the play, Caesar is the victim and he is not only hurt, by Brutus’ betrayal, but is he also killed by the conspirators.
Jessie Jin
ReplyDeleteThe Theme of Honour in Julius Caesar: Part 3
2.1.10-14; 130-134
It must be by his death. And for my part
I know no personal cause to spurn at him
But for the general. He would be crown’d:
How that might change his nature, there's the question. (2.1.10-14)
…
Old feeble carrions, and such suffering souls
That welcome wrongs: unto bad causes swear
Such creatures as men doubt. But do not stain
The even virtue of our enterprise (2.1.130-134)
Brutus is affected by Cassius’ rousing; he convinces himself that killing Caesar is just and honourable if it was for the public. He admits that he does not see any reason himself that he should condemn his friend, but he deceives himself. Brutus’ idealism leads him to believe that everything Cassis tells him is true, and to let the letters from the ‘Roman People’ sway him without a second thought. Brutus tries to argue that none can taint this act because it is based on honour and virtue. His idealism is evident in that he believes no one would ever doubt the honour in the act; he misjudges the consequences this act will bring. Brutus’ downfall is a result of deeming the value of honour above all else, including loyalty to Caesar. Brutus so blindly follows his idealistic ways thinking that he could achieve honour in a simplistic way and allow himself to be taken advantage of. Shakespeare expresses again in Brutus that some men are too fixated upon their goals and their own thinking to consider and judge for themselves the true nature of the situation.
3.1.254-265
O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the nobles man
That ever lived in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy-
Which like dumb mouths do open their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue-
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men:
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy;
Blood and destruction shall be so in use
Antony mourns Caesar’s death and promises means of revenge. Previously, Antony labels the conspirators as honourable men while shaking their hands, and now Antony labels them as butchers. He strips any manner of honour away from the act of murder and openly curses the conspirators. Here, Antony is very clear about the kind of justice and honour he wishes to restore. He calls Caesar the noblest man that ever lived, showing a sense of judgement towards what is honourable and what is not, because he truly did deem Caesar honourable. Antony wishes to avenge the dishonourable act of murdering an honourable man. However, Antony goes on to describe the actions and disruptions he will bring to Rome in his revenge. In his anger, Antony begins to lose sight of the idea of honour. He wants to cause civil strife, blood, and destruction in order to reimburse for Caesar’s costly blood. Antony so strongly loved his friend and so strongly desired for justice, but he was also spurred on because executing justice will also make him respected and honoured. He becomes so overwhelmed by this task that he is blind to the dishonourable means this plan of revenge involves. Antony now wishes to avenge a dishonourable act with dishonourable means. Antony is especially impacted by the manipulative effects of honour and it is even apparent how easily one can transition from grasping the idea of honour and losing it, Shakespeare juxtaposes the two in this passage alone. Shakespeare uses this soliloquy to accurately show that people become blind to their own actions and morals when driven by the desire to achieve an honoured and respected position in society.
[Antony]:
ReplyDeleteFor Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar lov’d him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all.
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms,
Quite vanquish’d him. Then burst his mighty heart,
And, in his mantle muffling up his face,
Even at the base of Pompey’s statue
(Which all the while ran blood) great Caesar fell. (3.2.179-187)
Mark Antony is in the middle of his speech to the plebeians, about how Caesar death was unjust. In this passage, Mark Antony implies that it wasn’t the wound that killed Caesar but Brutus’ betrayal; it was the sight of Brutus amongst the conspirators that was the real cause of Caesar’s death. Not only does this quote examine Brutus’ betrayal but also Mark Antony’s betrayal to the conspirators. Although Mark Antony was not part of the conspiracy, he still lied to the members of the conspiracy. He made them believe like he was joining the conspiracy, while he was still grieving over the death of Julius Caesar. The conspirators trusted Mark Antony enough to give him the honour of speaking at Caesar’s funeral, but Mark Antony betrayed their trust. This betrayal was a cause of his love for Caesar. Antony’s actions will ultimately result in chaos and the escape of the conspirators, to Philippi. Betrayal often leads to disorder, as seen in the play, because betrayal affects and angers many people. People may become infuriated at one another, resulting in wars and deaths. Furthermore, betrayal does not bring many benefits. For instance, in the play, Caesar dies, yet the conspirators still do not achieve their goal. They do not get to rule Rome, but instead they are forced to flee. Betrayal is an immoral act that brings more mayhem than benefits, in many cases.
[Antony]:
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies. (4.1.8-9)
Mark Antony tries to find a way to take some of their expenses out of the legacies in Caesar’s will, after he gave his speech to the plebeians. The conspirators have already fled and Antony, Octavius and Lepidus begin to plan their strategy. This quote displays Mark Antony’s betrayal to the Roman citizens. When giving his speech, Antony is very generous and speaks openly about Caesar’s will. When he is with Octavius and Lepidus, however, Antony shows his true face of greed. This shows how the public appearance of a person may vary drastically from their true intentions. Mark Antony betrays the Roman citizens, as a result of his own selfishness and greed. He wants to keep some of the legacies from Caesar’s will for himself. This quote supports the idea of Shakespeare believing that mankind is selfish. People commit immoral acts, such as betrayal, motivated by their avarice. Mark Antony’s greediness has overshadowed his moral conscience; he is blinded by his own gluttony.
In the play, Julius Caesar, the aspect of betrayal is a very prominent theme. Acts of betrayal occur in many of the scenes in the play. Shakespeare tries to convey that betrayal is an act, powered by the need to satisfy one’s wants and desires. Most of these desires are selfish, while some may be selfless. For instance, Brutus’ intentions were noble and generous but the rest of the conspirators acted for egocentric reasons. Betrayal inflicts harm on people and often results in chaos. Furthermore, friendships and bonds scarcely ever last forever; one may turn on their friend, when they are faced with difficult decisions, such as choosing between themselves or a friend. Few choose to support a friend where there is the choice to benefit themselves, as shown in Julius Caesar. It is hard to succeed without any act of betrayal. William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, examines the theme of betrayal in detail.
Quote 1 - Act 1 Sc 2 Lines 135-161
ReplyDeletehttp://www.playshakespeare.com/julius-caesar/scenes/357-act-i-scene-2
In this passage, Cassius speaks to Brutus about the worries he has on Caesar becoming a dangerous ambitious man. But when speaking of this, Cassius has another intention, and that is to win Brutus’ favouring so he can use it to enhance his own private reality. Cassius first appears to Brutus as someone who speaks for equality, for the best of Rome and most importantly in best interest of Brutus. Gradually, this is the appearance Cassius uses to target Brutus’ weak spot on only doing what is best for Rome, because Cassius knows there is no way he will succeed in getting Brutus to betray Caesar into fulfilling his own private reality. So he then changes the story into he who is worried for Rome, this way Brutus will be won over easily. Through this Cassius’ effort in creating an appearance for himself to enhance his private reality is seen. Cassius is able to successfully gain Brutus onto his side because he was able to manipulate him through his appearance not because he actually wanted to do what was best for Rome. In this passage Shakespeare leaves a message on how one will go outside of what they believe in, just so they can create a public appearance for themselves to meet the desires of their private reality.
Quote 2 - Act 1 Sc 2 Lines 235-239 (lines 241-245 in the book)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.playshakespeare.com/julius-caesar/scenes/357-act-i-scene-2
Casca: “And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by, and still refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chapped hands”
This quote is spoken by Casca regarding the appearance Caesar gives to the Romans to achieve his inner desires. Caesar was a man that thought highly of himself, he was over confident in what he did and had charisma that gave him the manipulative control he had with his people. This too was shown in his appearance, Caesar knew he was the “man of the people” and could make an appearance that bettered his own private reality. By wanting to obtain the crown and win the hearts of Rome into willingly wanting to give him the crown at the same time, we can see how Caesar plans to use his appearance to manipulate. When Casca says the crown was given to Caesar a third time and he still refused it Caesar uses this as an appearance to change the minds of Romans into thinking he is not desperate and power hungry. He knows the people of Rome do not want to be governed by a monarchy, so if he does not appear to acknowledge the crown the people will in turn ask him the accept the crown. This fulfills Caesar in wanting to appear as “the man of his people” who only does as his people wish and being able to receive the crown he desires in private reality. Shakespeare suggests the reason to one’s desire in maintaining control is because of their rank in society, the higher they are placed, the greater the desire. When one sees themselves as a leading role in society just as Caesar sees himself, they will choose to use all effort in order to maintain their appearance.
Quote 3 - Act 1 Sc 2 Lines 291-305 (lines 305-320 in the book)
http://www.playshakespeare.com/julius-caesar/scenes/357-act-i-scene-2
In Cassius’ soliloquy, he plans to write to Brutus appearing as the people of Rome who have concerns on Caesar’s ambition. Cassius plans to use these letters to make Brutus betray Caesar and in turn help Cassius enhance his own private reality. Cassius acknowledges Brutus’ loyalty to Caesar; but knows Brutus is even more loyal to Rome. Cassius knows once he pretends to be Romans who are writing to Brutus, he will be able to gain Brutus’ trust and then betray it and use it to better his own private reality. Cassius had such great desire for having power; he uses public appearance as his tool to manipulate Brutus into helping him better his own private reality. In this soliloquy, Shakespeare also suggests when using an appearance to achieve one’s private reality, selfishness comes out. By writing in as the people of Rome, Cassius only thought of how that could better his private reality, he did not think of how it may affect Rome.
Quote 4 - Act 3 Sc 2 Lines 75-85, 91-98 (lines 83-93, 99-106 in the book)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.playshakespeare.com/julius-caesar/scenes/364-act-iii-scene-2
In this passage Mark Antony states he only came only to bury Caesar, not to praise him. By saying this, Mark Antony appears to be neutral; however, that is only used to play on the crowd’s mind. Although Mark Antony says he is not here to praise Caesar, he constantly makes comparisons of Brutus and Caesar throughout his speech that indirectly praises Caesar and calls Brutus foolish. In this speech, he indirectly questions on Brutus’ reasoning on killing Caesar but then quickly says Brutus is an honourable man. Mark Antony speaks of him as an honourable man several times and enough to make it seem as a mockery rather than a genuine statement. Here it illustrates Mark Antony taking advantage of his innocent appearance to hide his intentional mockery to appear as someone who is bringing up these topics without meaning to insult an individual. This way, he may get the crowd into having second thoughts and they gradually sway them to listening to him. Through the play, Shakespeare brings out the message on how one will intentionally use an appearance to better their private reality even when it contrasts it. Similarly to how Mark Antony is illustrated to use his appearance to better his private reality, not to actually bury Caesar.
Quote 5 - Act 3 Sc 3 Lines 131-146 (lines 139-154 in the book)
http://www.playshakespeare.com/julius-caesar/scenes/364-act-iii-scene-2
In this passage, Mark Antony gains the public favours to his ideas and takes advantage of them to carry out his next plans. In order to manipulate the crowd Mark Antony uses his knowledge in Julius Caesar’s will to capture them. He then uses these favours as his back up and support against the conspirators. The words spoken by Antony towards the crowd reflects the calculative mind he has into using an appearance to manipulate. Mark Antony appears as a worried man to the crowd, but on the inside, he is only using this as an act to manipulate the audience into thinking what he wants; the conspirators are unjustified men and the only man that speaks with reason is he. Mark Antony knows even when he turns against the conspirators; he will not lose because his appearance has helped him gain the whole town of Rome to his side. He also knows if the conspirators attempt to attack him, Rome will not allow this to happen easily. To them, Mark Antony appears as the man of good news to Rome because he has told them they are included in Caesar’s will. This message is equivalent to doing good to all Romans. Therefore if the conspirators go against Antony, they are going against the good of Rome. Through this, Mark Antony uses public appearance to get what he wants. He intentionally appears as a noble man who is only trying to stand up for what is right without meaning to harm anyone. However this is a fraud that completely differs from his private reality, this can be seen when the response of wanting revenge comes up from the public in the passage. Revealing that, that has been the response Mark Antony had been anticipating for from the start. Through this passage, Shakespeare demonstrates how one can be so caught up in fulfilling their desires; they will choose to use a public appearance that contrasts their private life to better their private reality rather than actually speaking of these desires.
Clara Lau
ReplyDeletePublic Appearance vs. Private reality 2/5
Quote Analysis 2
[ANTONY]:
…Over thy wounds now do I prophesy,--
Which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue--
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men:
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy;
Blood and destruction shall be so in use
And dreadful objects so familiar
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quarter'd with the hands of war,
All pity chok’d with custom of fell deeds;
And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war,…
(3.1.259-273)
Shakespeare reveals Antony’s true goal of avenging Caesar to contrast Antony’s humble appearance in the presence of the conspirators. The contrast emphasizes the gap between the intentions that one reveals to their peers and the private intentions that they keep hidden behind their public appearance. During his monologue, Antony says “To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue--/ A curse shall light upon the limbs of men”. Antony suggests that he hopes to use his words at Caesar’s funeral to cause conflict; this purpose contradicts his humble wish to speak at the funeral as a Caesar’s friend. The differences between the two purposes for the funeral speech that Antony provides emphasizes how one’s public appearance does not truthfully reflect their private reality. Antony follows by stating that “Domestic fury and fierce civil strife/ Shall cumber all the parts of Italy”. He suggests that he wishes for there to be violence and conflict which is the opposite of the intention of maintaining peace created earlier by Antony’s actions and words. Finally, Antony exclaims that “Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,/ With Ate by his side come hot from hell, /Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice/Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war,”; through this statement he reveals that his true aim is revenge against through violence. By revealing these goals, Antony completely shatters the public image of not wishing to harm the conspirators and betrays the trust that was earned through the manipulation of his public appearance. Shakespeare works through Antony’s goals for revenge to emphasize how the one’s personal intentions can be masked behind a false public appearance that allows them to gain trust; their true aims are clearly the opposite of what they appear to be based on their public image.
Adriena had some problems with commenting so here's her assignment! So yeah, this is ADRIENA'S assignment.
ReplyDeleteAdriena Wong's assignment
Theme: Self Sacrifice for the Greater Good
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1EdpS5Fd7W4uIx0_phb6BWmrGe6j31Fh5irY2wecQ3r4
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteClara Lau
ReplyDeletePublic Appearance vs. Private reality 3/5
*correction for quote 2*
should say "Shakespeare works through Antony’s goals for revenge to emphasize how one’s personal intentions"
Quote Analysis 3
[BRUTUS]:
…If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him
I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If
then that friend demand why Brutus rose against
Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less,
but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar
were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were
dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for
him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant,
I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.
There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune, honour for
his valour; and death for his ambition. Who is here so
base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him
have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be
a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is
here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak,
for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
[ALL]:
None, Brutus, none.
[BRUTUS]:
Then none have I offended.
(3.2.17-35)
Shakespeare uses the reasons that Brutus presents to the public to show how the intentions of individuals can be hidden behind one goal that a group appears to stand for. Brutus explains that Caesar was murdered not because “I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more”. The purpose that Brutus’ presents is in the interest of the citizens and therefore it positively influences the image of the conspirators. The purpose of a group appears to reflect the goals of all of the group members causing the public to view each conspirator as someone who was against Caesar solely for the good of Rome. Brutus elaborates by claiming “I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. / There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune, honour for/ his valour; and death for his ambition”, he explains to the audience that he respects Caesar and killed him for his ambition and not out of hatred. This once again implies to the public that the conspirators, as a whole group, support one goal and keeps the true goals of each individual hidden. In the end, Brutus asks for the audiences approval of the reasons he has presented; they reply “None, Brutus, none.”. The audience has accepted the reasons for Caesar’s murder and therefore have accepted all of the conspirators as a group. Even though the true intentions of each conspirator are unknown, the public assumes that each member has the same reasons as Brutus because of the strong public image that the group has established. Shakespeare uses the conspirators to demonstrate how an individual can gain the support of the others through the image of a group that has a positive public reputation.
Clara Lau
ReplyDeletePublic Appearance vs. Private reality 4/5
Quote Analysis 4
[CASSIUS]:
…Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature and must bend his body,
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
He had a fever when he was in Spain,
And when the fit was on him I did mark
How he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake;
His coward lips did from their colour fly,
And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan,
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books,
‘Alas’ it cried, 'Give me some drink, Titinius,'
As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone.
(1.2.115-131)
Cassius’ anger and jealousy against Caesar shows how individuals in a group aim for private goals that contrast the purposes they appear to have based on the image of the group they associate with. Cassius says that Caesar has “now become a god, and Cassius is/ A wretched creature and must bend his body”. Shakespeare emphasizes the jealousy that Cassius feels toward Caesar’s superior status to contradict the image of the conspirators who claim to honour Caesar’s success and valour. This contrast shows how one’s true thoughts are not necessarily reflected through their public appearances and associations with a group. Next, Cassius says “Ay and that tongue of his that bade the Romans Mark him and write his speeches in their books”. This statement shows that Cassius not only disrespects Caesar but also blames the Roman citizens for being swayed by Caesar and his speeches. Evidently, the reasons of the conspirators to kill Caesar for the sake of Rome are not reflected in Cassius’ feelings of disgust towards the citizens of Rome. At last, Cassius remarks that he is surprised that Caesar, “A man of such a feeble temper should/ So get the start of the majestic world/ And bear the palm alone.” Cassius is envious of Caesar and therefore wishes to gain power over Caesar through his murder. His reasons for wishing to murder Caesar contrast the intentions of the conspirators to kill Caesar for the benefit of their country and not themselves. This passage shows how an individual’s purposes and thoughts may differ from the goals and values displayed by the group they are part of. A person may work for personal gain and out of feelings of hatred towards other while their participation in a group allows them to appear to be working for the well being of the public.
-- TIFFANY YIU'S ASSIGNMENT --
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1BTPeOhsgoFWhJC7SPAk45BdcRfvUbwGjOV3XQUtlwQ0
-- TIFFANY YIU'S ASSIGNMENT --
Sam Gu
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
November 10th, 2011
Theme: Honour and Nobility
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-gT6Beq3ZiCdC7CryWxhkqSluJVb35pfcRwcxh2SNSk/edit
Clara Lau
ReplyDeletePublic Appearance vs. Private reality 5/5
Quote Analysis 5
[CASCA]:
Why, there was a crown offered him: and being offered
him, he put it by with the back of his hand thus, and
then the people fell a-shouting.
(1.2.220-222)
[CASCA]:
…but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had
it. Then he offered it to him again; then he put it by
again; but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his
fingers off it…
(1.2.238-241)
[CASCA]:
... Three or four wenches, where I stood, cried
'Alas, good soul!', and forgave him with all their hearts.
But there's no heed to be taken of them; if Caesar had
stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less.
(2.1.270-273)
In the play, Caesar’s actions in front of the public are key examples of how leaders use their public appearances to sway the views of the people to their favour. By depicting Caesar as a charismatic leader, Shakespeare highlights how the success of a leader often relies on their appearances in public while their true goals are not revealed. When Caesar is offered the crown he puts it “by with the back of his hand thus, and/ then people fell a-shouting”. Caesar knows that the Romans do not want a king and therefore he refuses the crown to appear as if he is working for the wishes of the whole public. However, Casca believes that “he was very loath to lay his fingers off it”. Casca’s thoughts hint that Caesar wants the crown even though the Romans do not want a monarchy; His private goals are for personal gain instead of the good of the public. Caesar’s desire for the crown shows that leaders often have hidden private goals that are in their own interests which may contrast the interests of the public. The effect that Caesar has had on the crowd is emphasized when Casca says: “Three or four wenches, where I stood, cried/ 'Alas, good soul!', and forgave him with all their hearts./ But there's no heed to be taken of them; if Caesar had/ stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less”. Unlike Casca, the citizens have not taken notice of Caesar’s desire for the crown; this shows that a leader can manipulate their public image to gain the favour of others and also cover up the private intentions they do not want to reveal. Shakespeare uses Caesar to convey that a leader’s public appearance contributes to their success, allows them to gain the support of the people and also assists them in keeping their private desires for personal gain hidden.
Brian Leung
ReplyDeleteBetrayal: To achieve ambition, betrayal is the only option
Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, can be seen by many viewpoints, being seen as a story around ambition, self-sacrifice, or honour. The theme of betrayal however, is clearly evident throughout the story from the beginning when Caesar kills Pompey to when the conspirators assassinate Caesar; betrayal plays a key role in the play. It develops the plot very well when each character has their own ambitions and goals; betrayal comes into play being the only option which they choose to solve their problems. It helps characterize who the people truly are and defines whether they are ambitious or not. Shakespeare utilizes the act of betrayal to emphasize ambition in each character, Brutus betrays Caesar for his ambition to free Rome. May it be used to gain freedom, trust or even money when it comes to the act of betrayal; it is the only option to gain power.
The Struggle and Corruption of Power in Julius Caesar
ReplyDeleteBy: Elissa Bozhkov
PART 1:
In Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare effectively establishes the theme of power and corruption as being the driving force for the events that take place and further develops the struggle to gain and maintain it. Constantly being fought over, power ultimately changes the lives of those who seek it. Viewed negatively by the conspirators, power is portrayed as dangerous and is often accompanied by the possibility of corruption. Many characters are worried about the corruption that will occur due to Caesar’s unlimited power; therefore they conclude that the only solution will be his assassination. Shakespeare further develops concepts of ambition and greed as the leading factors that contribute to gaining power. Although the conspirators in the play create a public image of honour and nobility to the public eye, many of the men act out of selfish and personal interests. This quest for power finally leads to the death of almost all of the main characters and the altercation of leadership and government in Rome.
“Let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look, he thinks too much: such men are dangerous” (1.2.192-195).
This famous line, spoken by none other than Caesar himself, shows the effect of power and ambition in one’s life. Caesar wishes to have men that are satisfied with their lives around him, using the word “fat” as a metaphor. Contrary to this description is Cassius’s “hungry look”, as he is lacking satisfaction and has a yearning desire to accomplish his goals. Although this may seem like a positive description, Shakespeare effectively establishes Cassius’ ambition in a negative and even dangerous point of view. Cassius is characterized as someone who will stop at nothing to achieve power, even if it means harming those in his way. His desire for Caesar’s death is one of personal ambition as he resents Caesar achieving such great power over all of Rome. Greed and selfishness overtake Cassius as he wishes to gain more power for himself and deceives Brutus in his attempt to complete his plan. The struggle for power is ever present in this quote, as it hints toward plans of Caesar’s assassination, thereby moving the play along in a swift manner.
Act 1 Scene 1
ReplyDelete[Cobbler]: “But indeed, sir, we make holiday to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph.”(Line 32-33)
[Murellus]: “And do you now cull out a holiday? And do you strew flowers in his way, that comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood?” (Line 51-54)
One of the plebeians known as “The Cobbler” begins the story declaring that Caesar has defeated Pompey and that they are celebrating his triumph when he says, “We make holiday to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph.” In which Murellus replies, “And do you strew flowers in his way, that comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood?” This exchange in conversation between the cobbler and Murellus kicks off the story already showing that through Caesar’s ambitions he was willing to slew Pompey to achieve dominance over Rome. His ambition is emphasized and is clear already to the reader that Caesar is an ambitious person. Shakespeare’s use of betrayal to begin already shows that Romans are quite power hungry and ambitious. The act of betrayal against Poppy hints already that these characters are willing to put their friends and allies on the line to achieve their ambitions. It is very effective in the fact that betrayal like this will follow throughout the play and to put the reader in this mindset right at the beginning.
Act 2 Scene 1
[Brutus]: “No, not an oath! If not the face of men, the sufferance of our souls, the time’s abuse if these be motives weak, break off bedtimes.” (Line 114-116)
[Brutus]: “What other bond than secret Romans that have spoke the word and will not palter? And what other oath than honesty to honesty engaged?”(Line 124-127)
The story then follows into the planning of Caesar’s assassination, Cassius insists on the conspirators to take upon an oath however Brutus refuses when he replies with, “No, not an oath! If not the face of men, the sufferance of our souls, the time’s abuse if these be motives weak, break off bedtimes......What other bond than secret Romans that have spoke the word and will not palter? And what other oath than honesty to honesty engaged?” Brutus insists with these quotes that he does not want an oath to be formed because of cheating or betrayal. He believes that to truly have a partner who will not betray the other both must be full out honest. He also suggests that corruption will come if motives are not strong, with a honest friendship the motives between each other are strongest. If other distractions such as ambition, which is displayed in this play, is stronger than the friendship’s motives than betrayal will most defiantly occur. These quotes suggest again that if a person’s ambitions are large enough then betrayal of their friendships to achieve these ambitions will occur.
Act 3 Scene 1
ReplyDelete[Caesar]: “Et tu, Brute?”(Line 78)
The stabbing of Caesar is a very important if not the most important scene in the entire play; this is when the entire story shifts and also when betrayal is at its highest and clearest point. Caesar’s famous quote “Et tu, Brute?” has few words but a very in-depth meaning. Brutus being one of Caesar’s best friends delivers the final stab which eventually kills him. The quote said by Caesar explains how he felt after Brutus stabs him, he is filled with question and shock that one of his most noblest friends would do such an act as betrayal. Shakespeare’s choice to input this line into the play emphasizes the fact that ambition is not a healthy trait if it goes too far. The ultimate sacrifice for Brutus to kill Caesar was the hint that ambitions will lead to betrayal. This entire scene overall shows that ambitions is achieved when betrayal is put into play. The conspirators intentions/ambitions were to rid Rome of Caesars tyranny and to do this they used their close relations with Caesar to close in and betray him at the last second. This climactic point in the play truly reveals that ambition and betrayal go hand in hand.
Act 3 Scene 2
[Brutus]: “I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than him. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (Line 19-22)
Later in the story Brutus explains the reasons for the killing of Caesar and his speech again relates back to betrayal and ambition when he says, “Why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” In this speech Brutus clearly states that his relationship with Caesar is strong and bound with love however his ambitions to protect Rome and make it a free nation overpowered his friendship. Again the theme of betrayal being the only option to obtain power occurs and this time Brutus clearly states that he slew Caesar to achieve this ambition. His love for Rome and his goal to obtain freedom corrupted his thoughts resulting in his irrational actions to ultimately slay Caesar being the only course of action. Shakespeare openly quotes betrayal to be the act of ambition and inputting this into Brutus’s speech is very important. Throughout the play Brutus is shown as a rational and sensible man so the betrayal and ambition theme is emphasized even more when Brutus incorporates it into his speech and ultimately declares ambition to be the reason he slew Caesar.
Act 4 Scene 1
[Anthony]: “Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house, fetch the will hither, and we shall determine how to cut off some charge in legacies.” (Line 8-9)
Lastly in act 4 the betrayal begins to die down however it has not disappeared. Mark Anthony’s speech was delivered right after Brutus’s and he promised the plebeians that in Caesar’s will he would give every commoner seventy-five drachmae. Even thought Mark Anthony read the will and promised the plebeians, he eventually turns his back towards them while in his private quarters when he says to Lepidus, “We shall determine how to cut off some charge in legacies.” This quote again suggests that betrayal is the only way to achieve ones ambitions. Having after swayed the Roman citizens into believing that the conspirators must be punished and that Anthony himself was a righteous person, he quickly turns his back to Rome. He knew that the fight against the conspirators needed money therefore he betrayed the citizens by breaking his 75 drachmae promise to achieve his own goal of revenge upon the conspirators.
Throughout the entire play betrayal occurs not only between people but even against an entire city. It is evident that betrayal is a main factor in the play however betrayal to achieve ambition is what Shakespeare was aiming for. Power being a major concept in the play as well, Shakespeare utilizes betrayal as a way or the only way to achieve it, and the fact that to obtain great things, there first must be great loses. The great loses shown by Shakespeare in the play is the breaking of relationships, may it be between Brutus & Caesar, Caesar & Pompey or Anthony & Rome the act of abandonment or betrayal of a companion is the only way to achieve goals. Shakespeare is able to teach us through this play that with ambition there must be betrayal, even though ambition is a good trait, when it goes to far there will be regret that follows.
ReplyDeleteBy: Elissa Bozhkov
ReplyDeletePART 2:
“And why should Caesar be a tyrant then? Poor man, I know he would not be a wolf but that he sees the Romans are but sheep; he were no lion, were not Romans hinds” (1.3.103-106).
Shakespeare emphasizes, in this quotation, the balance and struggle of power between the leader and the public. Cassius believes that it is not entirely Caesar’s fault for his possible tyranny, as the public is the one that has given him the power and control of the country. Using animal imagery, Shakespeare compares the citizens of Rome to sheep, as they allow themselves to be ruled under a dictator, therefore are giving up the ability to control their own lives. Cassius further emphasizes the importance of the public keeping their leaders in line, in order to restrain them from assuming unlimited control. If Caesar is given such power by his followers, corruption will surely occur as greed and personal ambition will consume him. As an already arrogant and prideful man, Caesar will become even more fixed on personal gain. Such a leader is seen unfit to rule by the conspirators and the public, therefore the plans of conspiracy are drawn up. This struggle for power between Caesar and the senate is ever prevalent throughout the play as even after Caesar’s death, the public, like sheep, are easily swayed by the funeral speeches.
“But ‘tis a common proof that lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, whereto the climber-upward turns his face; but when he once attains the utmost round he then unto the ladder turns his back, looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees by which he did ascend” (2.1. 21-27).
Shakespeare introduces the notion that it is Caesar’s ambition that leads to his rise to power and also eventually his death. The ladder is used as a symbol of Caesar’s climb to power, as in order to achieve greatness, he must use others as his stepping stones. The actions that Caesar took implied that he acted out of personal gain and glorification instead of for the benefit of the country. It is at this time in the play that Brutus decides to join the conspiracy because he believes Caesar’s quest for power will corrupt him, and thereby destroy the government and society as well. Brutus worries that the temptation of Caesar’s personal gain may overtake his duty to his followers and the common good of the public. Unlike the other conspirators, who wish to benefit themselves through the assassination, Brutus views the death of Caesar as the only way to achieve a fair and just society. Being perhaps the only truly honourable man, Brutus believes that power over the nation would be righteously controlled by the senate.
PART 3: FINAL
ReplyDeleteBy: Elissa Bozhkov
[Brutus]: “What means this shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king. [Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so” (1.2. 79-82).
This quotation shows the fear and worry that consumes Brutus as he learns of Caesar’s rise to power. The crowd, easily persuaded, fall prey to Caesar’s clever tricks of refusing the crown. To the public eye, Caesar appears to be humble and well deserving of the crown, however in his private life; Shakespeare reveals his true ambition and hunger for power. Although Caesar is a great man, his ambition proves to be potentially destructive and all consuming if accompanied with immense power. Fearing that Rome will fall enslaved to the rule of an absolute power and a man who views himself as more than a mere mortal, Brutus makes the plot-changing decision to join the conspiracy. Although Brutus loves Caesar dearly, he loves Rome more, and is willing to kill one man to ensure the freedom of many. Caesar’s ambition also conflicts with Cassius personal goals, and it results in great conflict and struggle.
“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 dishonourable graves. 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” (1.2.135-141).
In this quotation, said by Cassius to Brutus, Caesar is depicted as nothing more than a terrible dictator who looks down upon his subjects. Through the effective use of metaphors, Cassius expresses his disgust with Caesar being the sole leader responsible for all the power in Rome and the danger in men allowing others to control their own fate. Caesar is being raised up so highly by the citizens of Rome that he does not even seem human anymore. The notion of corruption is also evident, as Caesar is described to ascend to roles of tyranny and harsh ruling. Shakespeare further evokes the basic human nature of greed and personal ambition, hinting that will they will take over Caesar if he is allowed to reign with unlimited power. The conspirators however, are also corrupt in the sense that they wish to have Caesar’s power for themselves. This imbalance of power between the senate and the absolute authority, Caesar, is recognized by Cassius and subsequently gives rise to the plans of conspiracy.
-- TIANNA PARK'S ASSIGNMENT --
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1Gb8RRQsNiGQv_WCzUYP_aIaXdzKLW453BSv7DE9fmnY
-- TIANNA PARK'S ASSIGNMENT --
Marette Abdelmaseh
ReplyDeleteTheme: The Bonds Between Men
Part 1
The play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare explicates the strength of the bonds that are formed between men through several of the relationships between characters in the play. The connections formed are irrevocable and are hardly ever broken. The characters in the play all develop bonds for different reasons. Some of the bonds made are a result of the circumstances that the men share and others are made out of love and friendship. Once a bond is formed, it connects those in it in such a way that their connection withstands many obstacles. The outcome of these bonds may be positive or negative as they may benefit the characters or become a hindrance to them. The play contains different types of bonds each resulting in different outcomes. Shakespeare illustrates elements that can strengthen a bond and those that can weaken one. Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows how the bonds themselves often affect the outcome as an honest and loving bond will not be harmful to a character whereas a bond made selfishly may result in unfortunate consequences.
Quote #1: [Brutus]:
“What needs we any spur but our own cause
To prick us redress? What other bond
Than secret Romans that have spoke the word
And will not palter? And what other oath
Than honesty to honesty engag’d
That this shall be or we will fall for it?”(2.3.123-138)
In this passage, Brutus is speaking to the conspirators about how they do not need an oath to unite them in their cause. Their strong motives and loyalty to Rome will bond them to each other to ensure that they carry out what they believe must be done. The bond between the conspirators is an example of a bond created between men in similar circumstances. The strength of this bond is demonstrated through Brutus’ belief that an unspoken agreement rather than an oath will be enough to keep them united. All the men are affiliated through their plan of action. They all hold firm beliefs that Caesar must be eliminated for the greater good, although their reasons may differ. Their common goal unites them and it is what will motivate them to fulfill their plan. Their loyalty to each other and the cause will ensure that it is done. However there is potential for conflict in this bond as it is made on the most part for selfish reasons and envy of Caesar’s power. We see the negative repercussions of the bond these men made as after they kill Caesar, Antony turns Rome against them, they are driven out of the city and they later face the consequence of death
Quote #2: [Antony]:
ReplyDelete“O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever lived in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood.”(3.1.254-258)
Antony is left alone with Caesar’s dead body after he tries to understand from the conspirators the reason for Caesar’s death. Antony asks for forgiveness from Caesar for how he acted with the conspirators. In a way, Antony feels that he has betrayed Caesar by the way he spoke calmly to the “butchers” who killed his best friend. Shakespeare develops Caesar and Antony’s powerful connection by showing Antony’s loyalty and devotion for Caesar even after his death. The quote continues to show Antony’s great love for Caesar as he goes on to describe him as noblest man to ever live. Antony had immense respect for Caesar when he was alive, and he still does as Caesar lies dead before him. Antony was never envious or spiteful towards Caesar because of his power. He appreciated Caesar as a great ruler and thought there was no one else worthier of the position than his friend. Shakespeare demonstrates this when Antony offers a coronet to Caesar three times. This proves the authenticity of their relationship as it is pure with no hidden bitterness. In line 258, Antony says woe to the conspirators and it seems that he wishes to avenge his best friend. This is a form of foreshadowing as later in the play, they all face the dark fates of death. Antony and Caesar had a strong bond of friendship that was rooted in love and this bond was so strong that it withstood even death.
Quote #3: [Antony]:
“Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb’d,
And as he pluck’d his cursed steel away,
Mark how the blood of Caesar follow’d it,
As rushing out of doors to be resolv’d
If Brutus so unkindly knock’d or no,
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar lov’d him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all.
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms,
Quite vanquish’d him. Then burst his might heart,” (3.2.174-184)
[Brutus]:
“Caesar, now be still.
I killed thee not with half so good a will” (5.5.51-52)
The first quote is made in Antony’s speech to the people at Caesar’s funeral. It describes the complicated yet undeniable bond that Caesar and Brutus had. Shakespeare establishes the love Caesar has for Brutus in Cassius’ soliloquy after his attempt to recruit Brutus to the conspirators. After speaking of Caesar’s immense love for Brutus, Antony depicts what Brutus thought was an honourable deed for the betterment of Rome as a horrible act of betrayal to Caesar. He says that Brutus’ ingratitude for Caesar’s love is what killed him, rather than the conspirator’s violence, for Brutus’ disloyalty caused his heart to burst in sadness. Shakespeare backs this theory up in the moment of Caesar’s death when he utters “Et tu, Brute? – Then fall, Caesar!” (3.1.77). This deepens the bond between Caesar and Brutus binding them in a unique way through Caesar’s death. Shakespeare proves this connection when Caesar’s ghost appears to Brutus before the battle at Philippi telling him that he will see him there. Brutus is confused by this at first but comes to the realization of what Caesar means after Cassius’ death. Brutus acknowledges that even in death, Julius Caesar is still powerful, turning the conspirator’s swords against themselves and taking their own lives. He is bound to Caesar as long as he lives; a bond he desperately wishes to escape as demonstrated in the second quote, when he seems almost anxious to die; “I kill’d thee not with half so good a will”.
Quote #4: [Cassius]:
ReplyDelete“I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love” (4.3.162)
[Brutus]:
“But this same day
Must end that work the Ides of March begun.
and whether we shall meet again I know not,
Therefore our everlasting farewell take:
For ever and for ever, farewell, Cassius!
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;
If not, why then this parting was well made.”(5.1.117-116)
These two quotes illustrate the bond of friendship between Brutus and Cassius. Out of all the conspirators, these two created a true bond, not just one for the sake of the assassination of Caesar. The initiation of their relationship suggested that their bond would be fleeting and meaningless as Cassius used Brutus as an ally in his plan against Caesar, but the two developed a connection that lasts for the entire play. This bond begins as one made between men in similar circumstances but evolves into one of true friendship. As times get hard, and their plan does not work as they hoped, their friendship is pushed and prodded as they argue, but as true friends, they forgive each other without a second thought for their love for one another is strong. As they prepare to go into battle, they acknowledge that they may not see each other again as a result of the day they joined together and murdered Caesar. However, their hopes of meeting again are dashed as Brutus after his victory over Antony, finds his friend dead and is filled with great sorrow: “Friends, I owe mo tears/ To this dead man than you shall see me pay.” (5.3.101-102). Through Brutus and Cassius’ characters, Shakespeare effectively depicts the growth and development of a genuine bond of friendship.
Quote #5 [Cassius]:
“O, coward that I am to live so long
To see my best friend ta’en before my face.”(5.3.34-35)
Cassius asks his servant, Pindarus, to go up a hill to watch what is happening on the battle field, where he sent his best friend, Titinius, into the fight. Pindarus reports to him that Titinius was surrounded, and killed by Antony’s men. Cassius is filled with grief and guilt as he sent his own best friend to his death. Shakespeare demonstrates another bond of friendship here between Cassius and Titinius. Shakespeare exposes another side to Cassius, who previously throughout the play is portrayed as an uncompassionate, greedy man. This demonstrates really how powerful a bond of friendship can be, for even the most reserved men show vulnerability in regards to those whom they love. Here as he is struck with sorrow for Titinius, the bond between him and his best friend is manifested for he drops his cold exterior front and shows his true emotions. This causes him to act rashly and demand that his servant kills him. He could not bear to live any longer with the guilt of having caused his best friend’s death. Cassius’ anguish and impulsiveness, however, lead him to jump to conclusions. He never sought confirmation that Titinius was dead. Titinius returns, with good news of Brutus and Cassius’ success to find his best friend in a pool of blood, having taken his own life in grief of Titinius’ failure. Shakespeare reinforces the magnitude of the friendship when after placing the crown of victory on Cassius’ lifeless head, he turns the sword on himself to be reunited with his best friend.
Quote #6 [Lucilius]:
ReplyDelete“And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I,
Brutus, my country’s friend. Know me for Brutus!” (5.4.7-8)
This is spoken by Lucilius when he and Cato are approached by Antony’s men in battle. Lucilius calls out saying he is Marcus Brutus to try to distract the soldiers giving the real Brutus a chance to get away. Lucilius knew that Brutus was the man Antony’s army would be searching for the most and that it would be dangerous to impersonate, him and yet for the sake of his friend, he did so anyways. Lucilius sees Cato slain before his eyes but he does not falter. He continues to pretend he is Brutus even with the knowledge of the imminent danger that could result from this claim. Shakespeare once again demonstrates the loyalty of friendship as Lucilius willingly risks possible capture and death for his friend. Through Lucilius’ potential self sacrifice, Shakespeare reinforces Brutus’ nobility and honour by showing that Brutus had friends who loved him so much that they offered themselves to the enemy to help him. Shakespeare does this to restore the damage done to Brutus’ moral character through Caesar’s murder and Antony’s speech. If Brutus was an immoral and unjust man, his friends would not be so faithful to him. The bond between Lucilius and Brutus is one of love and honour.
Ewen Lee
ReplyDeleteENG 2D7
November 10, 2011
Mr. Sarracini
The Bonds Between Men in Julius Caesar
Intro
Through the play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare uses the different personalities of the men to explain the importance of lasting friendships and the necessity for trust in bonds between men. The majority of the play revolves around the men in the play, emphasizing Shakespeare’s intent on the struggle that men face in times of difficulty. The bonds between the men in the play are often misused and abused, so much that even characters like Caesar are deceived. These bonds are instead used as a tool to gain higher status and power rather than to gain trust and faith in one another. However, through the characters and their personalities, Shakespeare shows that the bonds can be tied closer together with honesty, forgiveness, acceptance and encouragement. These essential values enrich our lives with long lasting friendships, evident in the play. Lastly, Shakespeare also hints that having connections with other people is a vital part of living in society.
Quote 1
O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever lived in the tides of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Over thy sounds now do I prophesy
Which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men:
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy;
Blood and destruction shall be so in use
And dreadful objects so familiar
That mother shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quarter’d with the hands of war,
All pity chok’d with custom of fell deeds.” (3.1.254-269)
Analysis 1
This passage is a monologue from Antony right after he sees Caesar’s dead body. In it, he reveals his deep hatred towards the conspirators for what they have done, and plans to start a war, or civil strife, to justify Caesar’s death. Even after Caesar has died, Antony still maintains his loyalty to Caesar and does not back away in fear of being killed himself. This is the reason why Antony and Caesar’s close friendship is a key point in proving the bonds between men in Julius Caesar. Shakespeare uses Antony’s willingness to fight for Caesar to illustrate the contrast between Brutus’ and Antony’s personality differences and friendships with Caesar. In this quote, Antony calls Caesar, “the noblest man that ever lived in the tides of times,” which further emphasizes the fact that in Antony’s eyes, Caesar is greatly respected and seen as a higher power. The deep hatred towards the conspirators stems from this great respect for Caesar, evident when he says, “Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood,” in which he despises whoever destroyed the powerful leader, whom Antony looked up to. The assassination had a large impact on Antony and Caesar’s relationship, but it managed to stay intact. Through this loyalty and strength, Shakespeare characterizes Antony as the hero protagonist who is the perfect example and role model for a true man. The strong leadership qualities of Caesar and the nobility of Antony creates a very solid bond which is never broken apart. Overall, Shakespeare explains that the only successful and lasting friendship is one that incorporates trust, forgiveness and loyalty.
Quote 2
ReplyDelete“If there be
any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him
I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If
Then that friend demand why Brutus rose against
Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less,
but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar
Were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were
dead, to live all freemen? As Caesar loved me, I weep for
him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant,
I honour him; but as he was ambitious, I slew him.” (3.2.17-26)
Analysis 2
In this passage, taken from Brutus’ speech, Brutus explains the reason behind the assassination of Caesar. He does this by saying that he, “loved Rome more”, trying to manipulate the audience to give in to whatever he had to say. Obviously, Brutus has a very twisted perspective on what he sees as dangerous and harmful to the common good. He is unlike the other conspirators, who only assassinates Caesar in order to gain more power. Brutus hopes for the better good of the people, but he thinks too far ahead of the situation, and his hope for the greater good eventually leads to Rome’s destruction. In this speech to the public, he describes how great a friend Caesar was, but just by look at his actions, it is very clear that he is hiding the truth from the commoners to make the intentions of the conspirators justified in the Plebian’s minds. By telling the public that he had a very strong and close relationship with Caesar, he sends out a great lie, and it is also understood the reason Caesar was killed for the common good. Brutus disguised his fear of Caesar becoming a tyrant with his “friendship” or loyalty to Caesar, deceiving Caesar himself as well as the public. Brutus also says in his speech that, “I honour him; but as he was ambitious, I slew him,” which proves his misinterpretation of the situation and his poor analysis of the circumstances as a loyal friend of Caesar and a conspirator plotting the assassination.
Quote 3
ReplyDelete[Cassius]:
Hath Cassius liv’d
To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus
When grief and blood ill-tempere’d vexeth him?
[Brutus]:
When I spoke that, I was ill-temper’d too.
[Cassius]:
Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.
[Brutus]:
And my heart too.
[Cassius]:
O Brutus!
[Brutus]:
What’s the matter?
[Cassius]:
Have not you love enough to bear with me
When the rash humour which my mother gave me
Makes me forgetful?
[Brutus]:
Yes, Cassius, and from henceforth
When you are over-earnest with your Brutus,
He’ll think your mother chides, and leave you so. (4.3.113-123)
[Brutus]:
Give me a bowl of wine.
In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.
[Cassius]:
My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.
Fill, Lucius, till the wine o’erswell the cup,
I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love. (4.3.158-162)
Analysis 3
This entire scene is based upon an argument between Brutus and Cassius, and in this passage, they are forgiving each other for insulting each other. They regret what they have said, and want to restore their previous stage of friendship, where there was mutual respect and agreement between them. This bond between Brutus and Cassius is much different from the bond between Antony and Caesar because of the different ideas that the characters have in mind. Cassius is using Brutus as a stepping stone for his journey to achieve more power and fame. There is also an element of trust and friendship, but their bond is much weaker than what Antony and Caesar possess. They do not have the same level of respect for each other as Antony has for Caesar. This is evident when Cassius says, “Hath Cassius liv’d to be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus,” almost dehumanizing himself in a way. Their friendship is based and built upon the need for power and the need for a leader. Either Brutus or Cassius governs each other, and there must be a constant need for responsibility in order for the relationship to function the way it does. In the end however, they revert to being equals when Cassius refers to Brutus’ plea for forgiveness: “My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge...I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love.” Once again, Shakespeare shows the interaction between Cassius and Brutus to reveal the true necessity of a successful friendship: forgiveness and friendly love. Not only does Shakespeare summarize a very important aspect of friendship within this quote, but he also discusses the drama that will unfold because of this argument in the tent.
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ReplyDeleteTimothy Hsu
ReplyDeleteENG 2D7
Mr. Sarracini
November 10, 2011
Julius Caesar-Shakespeare
Theme: Betrayal
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kXmJYZkye4CIlYPqg1kwXcsUAArWtjkUMK3gPegk2kU/edit
Quote 4
ReplyDelete“O, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit
And no dismember Caesar! But, alas,
Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends,
Let’s kill him boldly, but not wrathfully;
Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods,
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.
And let our hearts, as subtle masters do,
Stir up their servants to an act of rage
And after seem to chide ‘em. This shall make
Our purpose necessary, and not envious;
Which so appearing to the common eyes,
We shall be called purgers, not murderers.
Analysis 4
In this quote, Brutus is discussing with the other conspirators about how they are to assassinate Caesar. Once again, he tries to persuade the others into thinking that what they are about to do is done in a more “humane” way. Brutus feels that with the right mindset, they can make the assassination a just act that will not come with consequences. Brutus once again misinterprets the situation and continues to blunder down his path of mistakes. This blindness to the truth of the situation is the reason why he disguises his true intentions with a fake friendship that he shares with Caesar in order to become closer, keeping the element of trust in mind. However, even though Brutus plans to kill Caesar for the good of Rome through betrayal of him and Caesar’s friendship, he still acknowledges that Caesar is a higher power and deserves respect, even after his death. Brutus also makes it clear that he wants this plan to be executed to appear as if this was done for the good of Rome when he says, “Our purpose necessary, and not envious; Which so appearing to the common eyes; We shall be called purgers, not murderers.” Once again, he feels the need to hide the greater truth behind a wall of lies, and this ultimately leads to his downfall.
Quote 5
[Cassius]:
Now, most noble Brutus,
The gods today stand friendly that we may,
Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age!
But since the affairs of men rests still incertain,
Let’s reason with the worst that may befall.
If we do lose this battle, then is this
The very last time we shall speak together.
What are you then determined to do? (5.1.93-99)
[Brutus]:
And whether we shall meet again I know not,
Therefore our everlasting farewell take:
For ever and for ever, farewell, Cassius!
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;
If not, why then this parting was well made. (5.1.114-118)
Analysis 5
In this quote, Cassius and Brutus say a final farewell to one another right before the war begins. In this passage, their true bond of friendship is revealed. Unlike the argument scene, they are not occupied with anything on their minds. Their only main concern is losing one another in the battle between them and Antony. Both have gotten through so many events together that there is no doubt that they have become true, loyal and loving friends who are willing to be supportive. In this passage, Shakespeare once again highlights the main key points of friendship: Trust, hope, encouragement and friendly love. Even with all the disagreements and fights, they are still able to part with such sincere and uplifting words to one another. They continually emphasize that this will be there last time when Brutus says “For ever and for ever, farewell, Cassius!” and “…is this the very last time we shall speak together.” Throughout the play, as they gained trust through experience, Cassius and Brutus matured their relationship with each other, tying them together and making themselves more powerful.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete-- ALEX WOO'S ASSIGNMENT --
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1dwcW4133l-RB9kMKjxo7rh69tU-jboWytypFJ4yRPgo
-- ALEX WOO'S ASSIGNMENT --
Benedict Tsui
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
2011-11-10
Julius Caesar - Shakespeare
Theme: Power
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lZUXkR8TgCKmIXHR-wPJS8uNbgdMi3azqX3EvuSfUAY/edit?hl=en_US
-- JERRY MIU'S ASSIGNMENT --
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1peXyYDO4MrzPc4QUCpoaJMXRN8qg7E4dcFNRkmOtxwU
-- JERRY MIU'S ASSIGNMENT --
Karen Tang
ReplyDeleteHonour and Nobility
Introduction:
In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, a major theme that is recognizable throughout the play is honour and nobility. They are both traits that many people are proud to have, as the public sees them to be important and admired. Nevertheless, not all of the characters in the play deserve to have these titles. Cassius and most of the conspirators claimed that they were honourable because Caesar was going to become a threat to Rome, and it was right to kill him. However, they only used honour as an excuse to cover up their true intentions; they were greedy and jealous of Caesar’s power. Brutus was also a conspirator, but he had killed Caesar with the full purpose that his was for the best interest of the people. He had loved Caesar, and honoured him, but his honour was tainted by the hands of the other conspirators. They manipulated Brutus into making decisions that he should not have, and led him to a fate that should not been the final outcome of all his work.
-- JEANNE LAI'S ASSIGNMENT--
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1j0D-YOpJ2X5MXXO-38PxNAwpa23_ss3GBnhHTmugBJA
-- JEANNE LAI'S ASSIGNMENT --
Karen Tang
ReplyDeleteQuote #1
[Brutus]: If it aught toward the general good,
Set honour in one eye and death i’th’ other
And I will look on both indifferently.
For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honour more than I fear death.
(1.2.85-89)
The speaker in this quote is Brutus, the character who truly values honour the most in the play. Shakespeare shows how he is a noble man who puts his country before himself, because this is how he interprets honour to be seen in the society. However, as the citizens of Rome have come to recognize and respect Brutus due to this reason, he has set a very high bar for himself. Brutus must constantly calculate his actions very carefully so that he is able to reach the public’s expectations of him. Slowly, it seems to become second nature for Brutus to act upon any chance so that his honour is continuously shining in the public’s eyes, which can force him to accidently overlook problems that may follow his actions. This became Brutus’ weakness and was also what gave the advantage to Cassius to be able to manipulate his actions later on.
Karen Tang
ReplyDeleteQuote #2
[Cassius]: Well, honour is the subject of my story:
I cannot tell what you and other men
Think of this life, but for my single self
I had as life not to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
(1.2.92-96)
In this quote spoken by Cassius, Shakespeare indicates his theme of honour and nobility that is misused in society. The public recognizes killing as a dishonourable act. However, Cassius believes that the assassination of Caesar will actually be an honourable thing to do. He knows that Brutus is willing to do anything that is for the best interest of Rome, and by claiming that honour is the reason for this action, he feels that Brutus would surely comply. He wants to get rid of Caesar because he sees him as a man who is of the same social status as he, and does not want him to be able to receive all the advantages he gets as the dictator. As Cassius states “but for my single self”, one can clearly see that he thinks about the situation only from his perspective; he believes that what he honours should be what others honour as well. He manipulates Brutus into fearing Caesar’s growing power, while he himself is on the climb for more. He uses honour as an excuse to cover up the true greed he has deep inside of him.
Karen Tang
ReplyDeleteQuote #3
[Brutus]: Not that I loved Caesar less,
But that I loved Rome more.
(3.2.21-22)
[Brutus]: As he was valiant,
I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.
(3.2.25-26)
These quotes spoken by Brutus also revolve around Shakespeare’s theme of honour and nobility. Corrupted by Cassius’ perspective of honour, Brutus has convinced himself that killing Caesar had been an honourable act for the better of Rome. Even though he loved Caesar and was his trusted friend, Brutus betrayed him because he did what he thought was for the best of his beloved country. Protecting Rome is always Brutus’ intention, and on the other hand, is also his way of preserving his honour to the general public. He had respected how Caesar was courageous and brave, but once he was influenced into thinking that Caesar’s growing power would become a great threat to the society, he had to eliminate him. Shakespeare develops Brutus into a character that is ready to take on any kind of situation as long he sees the justice in them. Because of this trait he has, Brutus cut of the deep brotherly bond he had between him and Caesar, to protect his bond with Rome and its citizens. Although he does not truly know how the public would respond to Caesar’s death, Brutus was completely convinced that the people would support him in his reasoning, as he did all of this for them.
Karen Tang
ReplyDeleteQuote #4
[Antony]: He was my friend, faithful, and just to me,
But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honourable man.
(3.2.84-86)
Antony, like Brutus, is a very close friend of Caesar who stayed loyal to him till the very end. Because of this reason, Antony did not find the conspirators’ actions to be honourable, just the exact opposite. He felt betrayed that Brutus, whom Caesar had trusted and loved, played a hand in his death. Antony did not accept the reason that the possibility of Caesar misusing his growing power as a reason to kill him. Brutus had convinced Rome that Caesar was going to be a bad leader and dishonoured him, but in this quote, Antony is able to retaliate against Brutus’ words as he speaks of how great and kind of a person Caesar truly was. Antony can see how Brutus’ view of what he felt was right for Rome and what he thought of Caesar was corrupted by Cassius and the others, and with his speech that turned all of the citizens against the conspirators, Antony knew that he had caused Brutus to lose all of the honour the people had gave him.
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ReplyDeleteKaren Tang
ReplyDeleteQuote #5
[Antony]: This was the noblest Roman of them all:
All the conspirators, save only he,
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar;
He only, in a general honest thought
And common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mix’d in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, 'This was a man!'
(5.5.68-75)
The theme of honour and nobility in Shakespeare’s play truly comes to a conclusion in this quote. Antony speaks that out of all the conspirators that claimed themselves to be honourable men by killing Caesar, Brutus was the only one who truly deserved that title. Brutus’ intentions were pure, and his actions where all truly meant for the better of Rome, unlike the others who had only killed out of their greed of Caesar’s power. Brutus never had the same purpose as the other conspirators. Although he played a big role in Caesar’s death, Antony still regards Brutus as an honourable man because he knows that if Cassius had never manipulated Brutus into joining the conspirators, he would have been the true image of a man honour, acknowledged and respected by everyone.
Kevin Kang
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
November 10, 2011
THEME: Power
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ALrSMvFTTf7sznWQnoPSaGLVCeqeWPHp_r8wrzIkPJc/edit?hl=en_US#
Sorry sir, couldn't figure out how to post... same goes to my brother... we just figured it out now, I'll explain it to you tomorrow
Response to Kelvin’s blog post-
ReplyDeleteKelvin, you had an excellent analysis of Shakespeare’s honour and nobility theme intentions for the play. Each of your quote analysis were direct, straight-forward, easy to follow, and well written. Your first quote, regarding how excess honour and nobility can blind one person from reality and from the true intentions of others was well supported. The quote choice directly supported your explanation, and your choice to break-up the quote into various parts within the analysis was effective. Furthermore, your fourth quote explaining how Brutus died to protect his nobility and public view was thoroughly supported as well. I had not seen this take on the theme in the play, and thought it was unique. Your analysis of the theme of honour and nobility within the play was very well done. Great job!
Response to Steffi’s blog post-
ReplyDeleteSteffi, your analysis was outstanding as well. My favourite quotes within your write-up were the third and the fifth quote. You had excellent from your quote to support the view that the temptation from society can result in betrayal and that bonds are created between people with similar interests and views. As in all of quote analysis, as a reader, I believe that your use of the quote within your analysis really made your point clear. All of your points were very unique, well thought out, and well supported. Additionally, within your writing, I found your choice of words to be superb. It was a pleasure to read your analysis! Excellent!
Response to Kelvin's assignment
ReplyDeleteKelvin, I thought that your analysis on the theme of honour was very well thought out, and the quotes were also well supported by your analysis. I felt that your first and third argument were very well planned out. Also, I liked how your arguments were all very to the point and were relevant to the topic at hand. You clearly explained Shakespeare's message on the theme of honour and nobility. There is a good transition between points, and the level of language is also very good. The way you incorporated the quotes into your analysis helped support your stance on the topic and made it easier to connect the theme back to Julius Caesar. Overall, I thought your assignment was very well written and easy to follow. Good Job!
Response to Tim's assignment
ReplyDeleteTim, regarding your introduction paragraph, it was very well written, and I agree with many of the points you mentioned in it. Your points were valid and they clearly transitioned, from one point to the next. However, the last sentence in the introduction was a slightly weak statement to end the introduction with. In the first argument, it was good how you supported your quote with your analysis on the role betrayal has on the situation, but the ending sentence of the argument was seemingly unfinished, and could be expanded. Overall, the first argument was solid and a good way to start the arguments. The second argument was much stronger than the first one, and was supported by Brutus' conflict with himself whether or not to kill Caesar, which was a good point that you brought up. The third argument, in my opinion, was one of the strongest, mostly because of the strong and true statement at the beginning. "This is the ultimate betrayal of all". Throughout the third argument, you also connected your point back to the second argument, in which you stated that Brutus killed Caesar for the good of Rome. Once again, your thoughts were well communicated and transitioned. The fourth and fifth argument are both very well written with valid statements proving the bonds between the men (Brutus+Cassius, Antony+Caesar). Overall, the assignment was very well done, and I really enjoyed reading it. As a reader, I felt it was very easy to follow along and understand the points you were trying to make. Your level of language was pretty good, and each argument was solidly presented. Well Done!
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Angelin's assignment:
ReplyDeletehttp://juliuscaesar10ib.blogspot.com/2011/11/yo-its-mrsarracini.html?showComment=1320979833858#c2807238528584779827
Your paragraph at the beginning was excellent. Defining self-sacrifice was a strong way to begin your argument, immediately drawing the reader in. However, there was a repetition of the word "manipulation" which could have been replaced or changed. In all of your quotes, you explained skillfully, but your language sometimes became slightly informal and more creative. The quotes you used sometimes might have been weaker, as Quote 1 is, because it does not directly relate to your theme. It can only be seen in your argument afterwards why you used the quote, which still provides the necessary proof to support your paragraph at the beginning. There is logic in your arguments and they are reasonable. Ultimately, it was exceptional and I now feel as though I understand the theme Self-Sacrifice for the Greater Good better than I originally did.
In response to Ryanne's assignment:
http://juliuscaesar10ib.blogspot.com/2011/11/yo-its-mrsarracini.html?showComment=1320974887529#c7206837557856089363
Your paragraph was good! It states your points clearly, although it could have been a bit clichéd at points. Your quote analyses were also very effective, but sometimes you exaggerated a little, being more metaphorical than literal. This is a good method, but I found it slightly confusing. You wrote quite a lot, and although slightly repetitive, you enhanced your arguments successfully, creating a very effective overall analysis. It seemed as though you put a lot of work into it, using a colourful vocabulary and showing many strong points that must descend from good research.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is Angelin A commenting in response to...
ReplyDelete1) Tianna Park's assignment
Your arguments are organized well; they are descriptive and informative. I especially liked how you put two contrasting ideas together in one quote, to show the difference between their private lives and their lives as public figures.If your quotes are going to be so large in size, your analysis should be a little longer. When you have two different ideas within one quote, it should be analyzed in more detail for the reader to understand both ideas clearly. This will increase the impact of the piece because the contrast between both ideas will be easier for the reader to see. Your first argument is strong – it shows the confidence and lack of fear in Brutus’ public appearance, but he worries so much that his sleep is disturbed in private. It shows the way that people in this play strive to be: without fear, confident, and noble. His private thoughts are hidden or even disregarded. Your second argument shows the same theme expressed through the character of Caesar, another important political figure. The sentence, “Caesar therefore rejects the private life of his wife’s concerns, for the public reality of gaining authority in Rome.” seems to be worded in a confusing way. The point you are trying to make is evident, but it is not very clear in the language you have chosen to use. Antony is the character that depicts this theme in your third argument, and the quotes you have chosen are very powerful. I agree with your statement: “Antony is careful not to reveal the truth of his private life to the public, because revealing his greed and dishonour would evoke the absence of trust and power with and over the Romans.” Overall, your final statements for each of your arguments enhance your thesis and are carefully planned. A very insightful and informative analysis.
2)Tiffany Yiu's assignment
The way you chose to interpret the theme “the bonds between men” was one I had not considered. I would have thought the bonds would have been strong, but your analysis has convinced me that the bonds were truly weak, thus easily overshadowed by other virtues. Your first argument proved to me that Brutus’ bond with Rome is above all else, and he puts Rome first, even before his dearest friends. The quotes you used in your second and third arguments are very long, and could have possibly been shortened with the use of ellipses. The second argument reinforces the idea of Brutus putting his morals and his love for Rome above the bond he has with Cassius. The third argument shows the insincerity in some relationships; bonds that are there but are not based on real friendship, only on power. I think this is definitely an important part of the play, and it was explained thoroughly in this analysis. His lack of reaction of Cassius’ death also shows us that the bond between the two men had diminished. Your analysis consisted of carefully constructed arguments that were concise but informational. Your thesis statement was often referred to and a wide range of vocabulary was used. Well done!
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ReplyDeleteThis is commenting on Chloe’s post.
ReplyDeleteChloe, your quotes were well chosen and they all refer back to the point that you’ve made in the introduction. I like how each quote describes a different betrayal and their spread throughout the story. Your fourth quote showed a betrayal that I didn’t notice and it’s great how you found it when it’s mentioned so briefly. The transition within each paragraph was great and it was easy to follow. The vocabulary was diverse and each paragraph brought new ideas about the theme of betrayal. I think you could add some more analysis to your first and third paragraph so that your ideas are more strongly reinforced. A lot of the paragraph was similar to a summary and I don’t think all the details were necessary. In the first paragraph, the history of the battles weren’t even part of the play and some of it could be removed. Overall, your post is well done but a bit more analysis could make it even better.
This is commenting on Tiffany Lo’s post.
Tiffany, I think your post is well written. All your quotes were clear evidence of the theme and they represent the idea that you believe Shakespeare is trying to make. I like how most of the paragraphs were an analysis of the quotes and it worked to strongly support your thesis. I fully agree with your thesis about how power can be easily corrupted and that it could lead to conflict after I read your post. As well, you have proven that the theme has been repeatedly shown throughout the play by finding one quote from each act. In the conclusion, the ideas were summarized but it could be more detailed. As well, I don’t really understand your last sentence. If the corruption ended, how could it cause a major conflict? Overall, great job on writing your post; it was detailed and supportive
This is Steffi commenting:-
ReplyDeleteResponse to Adriena Wong's post:
I like how you contrasted the conspirators and Cassius with Brutus. By doing so, your idea of self-sacrifice made out of love was well supported. I also liked how you stated that Brutus did sacrifice Caesar for Rome, and although he got selfish for honour and greed at one point in the play, he still sacrificed his life in the end for the common good of Rome. I also find it true that the conspirators where hiding their desires for killing Caesar behind Brutus’ reason to kill Caesar. By stating that, I felt it showed that your idea of self-sacrifice out of love is only sincere if one does it out of love, rather than for something like power or honour. I also found it interesting that you portrayed Mark Antony as seemingly willing to sacrifice for Rome when he was hiding certain desires such as power and honour, since it may apply to today’s world too, where people are more greedy rather than giving and able to self-sacrifice. In addition, I also think that the idea of sincere self-sacrifice as rare also applies to today’s society because there are very little people who would sacrifice their possessions, jobs, or life, and so on, for the greater good. Overall, I liked how you were able to show sincere self-sacrifice out of love as very rare by using Brutus as the only character in the play who truly self-sacrificed.
Response to Brian Chak's post:
I found your idea of Shakespeare’s point of view on honour and nobility as gained from good intentions, actions, and motivations and not gained from social status or position as a very strong and interesting point that I really agree with. I felt that your choice to use Brutus as the most honourable character was good because by comparison to other characters, it showed that honour is gained and not given. In addition, by suggesting that Caesar was not the most honourable man, it further supports and proves that honour is not given by position or social status. To add on to your ideas, I also think that nobility is often the common way to gain honour, and similarly, nobility can also easily corrupt because of selfishness and greed. Moreover, I think that honour and nobility are related, but are very different since having nobility does not necessarily mean to have honour. All in all, I like how you were able to show that honour and nobility can be manipulated in most cases, as shown in the characters such as Cassius and Mark Antony, but can also be used for good intentions, actions, and motivations for the common good, as shown through Brutus.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Lo
ReplyDelete1. Response to Nitika's post
I really enjoyed reading your analysis and it was really well organized and detailed. I agree with your statement on how humans are often described as "two faced". Your analysis of your chosen quotes are easy to follow and understand. I also agree what you said about cassius and how he appeared to seem uninterested for power but deep inside he was. But i do not really see how the quotes relate to the line in your intro paragraph: Julius Caesar, for example, was murdered because he was suspected of having a secret desire for more power, which would turn him into a tyrant.
Though your analysis were not as long, they were simple, easy to understand and right to the point and relevant to the theme.But I feel that you could have added a bit more to your analysis. In your intro paragraph, I liked how you talked about Cassius' secret thoughts of Caesar. Good job though!
2.Response to stefi's post
i felt your explanation on the theme bonds between men showing both the positive and negative sides on what affects they have were good interpretation for the theme. Overall I agree with your interpretation of the theme bonds between men and the quotes for evidence. Also I think that bonds between men are really difficult to strengthen through interactions and being on the same side, such as the conspirators became closer together after the assassination of Caesar. But these bonds can easily broken through betrayal and lies. Overall I really liked how you chose the different interactions and relationships between the different characters and your choice of quotes were excellent. Good work!
-TIANNA PARK-
ReplyDeleteThis comment is in response to Brian Leung’s assignment on betrayal: “To achieve ambition, betrayal is the only option.”
Perhaps your second quote might not have been the best quote to choose if you are supporting the idea that betrayal is the only way of achieving one’s ambition for power. When I read the second quote, I feel that Shakespeare is suggesting that the absence of betrayal will lead the conspirators to success in the assassination of Julius Caesar. Shakespeare suggests that the trusting bond (or loyalty) between the conspirators will bring the great success in their desires of ridding Rome from Caesar’s tyranny. Also, the second quote is dialogue from the Brutus- the most honourable conspirator who killed Caesar for the good of Rome- not for power.
On the other hand, I feel that your idea for the analysis of the third quote was good. I completely agree with your argument that Brutus ultimately betraying Caesar was essential, since Brutus took part in Caesar’s assassination. I felt that using Brutus and his disloyalty to Caesar was the best evidence you used in an attempt to support your thesis. However; I found your statement, “The ultimate sacrifice for Brutus to kill Caesar was the hint that ambitions will lead to betrayal,” a bit confusing. Perhaps you meant that Caesar’s ambition for power forced Brutus to betray him as a friend? I found it a bit confusing because it is unclear whose ambitions you are referring to. (I know you are implying that it is Caesar’s ambition, but I would suggest explaining that Caesar’s ambition forced Brutus to betray him).
In response to Tianna’s Analysis:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your statement about Shakespeare’s theme on the public versus private lives of men. Your take on the theme in Julius Caesar is very prominent in the play and I think it was especially effective how you chose quotes from four different characters to show that this theme is manifested and reflected in many. I think the quotes surrounding Caesar and Antony’s public versus private lives were very effective because it provided a sharp contrast between the two. However, I disagreed with your choice of the fifth quote. It did reveal developments on Cassius’ private character but I thought the public aspect of Cassius’ case would be more of his image in front of Brutus, rather than the Roman general public. Nevertheless, you still strongly supported the fact that individuals do set aside their private lives in order to accomplish within their public lives in your analysis.
-ALEXANDRA GAGLIONE-
ReplyDelete-ALEXANDRA GAGLIONE-
-ALEXANDRA GAGLIONE-
(posting on her behalf)
Continuation response for Steffi's blog-
In your second quote, you mentioned how strong bonds made between men relax one and results in true friendship. Another aspect of this quote which you can focus on is that strong bonds made between people last for a long time, even after one's death. Strong bonds always carry into the future, as the bond between Marc Antony and Caesar carried on following Caesar's death, when Marc Antony and the conspirators battled for power over Rome.
Further response to Kelvin's analysis-
In your second quote, you focused on how Brutus conspired with Cassius because he believed he was doing what was best for Roman Society. An additional way which this quote can be viewed is that Brutus only conspired with Caesar because he desired for the public to regard him as honourable, as opposed to him conspiring with Cassius because he believed that his actions would make him honourable
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete-TIANNA PARK-
ReplyDeleteThis comment is in response to Angelin Antony’s post: Self-sacrifice for the Greater Good
I’d like to start it off by saying wow- the theme of self-sacrifice being easily manipulated by another individual to accomplish their own selfish goal, never even occurred to me! Within the first paragraph, your post already provided me with an interestingly new insight on the theme of self-sacrifice within the play. As for your first quote and analysis, I could not really understand why you were focusing on Cassius and his envy towards Caesar’s power; however your concluding sentence was extremely strong and tied your paragraph together perfectly. The concluding sentence connected back to your thesis well, and it then made sense why you chose to include this quote said by Cassius.
Your second quote also provided me with plenty of new insights. To me, Caesar rejecting the coronet meant that Caesar was only rejecting it because he knew that the Romans wanted him to. It meant that he was only rejecting it to gain the trust of the Romans. It never occurred to me that rejecting the coronet was a sacrifice on Caesar’s behalf. I therefore fully agree with your statement, “It is this honourable character trait that becomes visible in this act of selflessness, proving that his sacrifice was solely for the good of Rome.”
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post about self-sacrifice for the greater good. I learned a lot from your analysis of each quote, and the new insights you offered succeeded in captivating my attention throughout your entire report. Well done, Angelin!
Response to Adriena’s:
ReplyDeleteI support your stance on the theme of self sacrifice for the greater good that it is something very rare and requires one to love their community more than themselves; this aspect of self sacrifice can be seen through the characters in Julius Caesar, especially Brutus. Your first analysis states that Brutus was the voice of the conspirators to the public, I think this is a valid point and you could perhaps go on explain that even though the reasons that Brutus presents to the public do not reflect the opinions of all the conspirators, they do reflect the true intentions of Brutus himself. This would support that people like Brutus who are willing to sacrifice themselves are not common because few people have public appearances that match their private realities. In your second argument I agree that Antony was not completely working for the good of Rome. It is possible that Antony’s original purposes may have been for the public and later changed. You could connect this to Brutus metaphor about a ladder and how when one reaches the top they turn their back on others; Antony gains power and therefore changes his goals for personal gain instead of the good of the public. Your next analysis shows how Brutus sacrifices his bonds with others for Rome. I think this point is well supported and can be further shown by Brutus’ idea of killing Caesar in a respectable manner over a slaughter. This shows how his intentions are not to use violence for revenge but only to kill Caesar to prevent tyranny. Your final two arguments build on Brutus as the only character who truly sacrificed himself for Rome. It is valid to say that Brutus has a strong definition of what a Roman citizen is and that in the end his actions are justified and recognized by others. Insightful analysis on the theme of self sacrifice for the greater good, further development of certain points is recommended but overall excellent work.
Response to Ewen’s:
I agree that the characters in Julius Caesar show how long-lasting friendships are built on trust and that bonds can be misused. In the last sentence of your first argument you said that forgiveness is a key part of strong bonds. This is a valid point, however, I feel that you did not support it in your analysis. I suggest that you could show how Antony’s incapability to forgive Brutus and the conspirators prevents him from creating a strong bond with them which results in conflict. Next, I find that in your second analysis it is unclear as to what you are trying to prove. Your point that Brutus uses his friendship and good relationship to cover up his fear of tyranny is valid. I suggest that you should focus on how this point reflects how a bond can be abused to hide one’s doubts; this connects to your earlier statement about the misuse of bonds in your introduction. Your third analysis supports the point on necessity for forgiveness which was poorly explained earlier. I agree that Brutus and Cassius’ friendship is weaker than Antony’s bond with Caesar; perhaps this idea is further emphasized through Antony’s victory over Cassius and Brutus. The fourth argument you presented, once again, seems a bit messy. However, this quote does support the theme of abusing bonds. I feel you could have focused more on how Brutus is more concerned about success and keeping a good public image over how this event will affect his relationship with Caesar. Finally, your last argument strongly builds off your third analysis. I agree that Cassius and Brutus’ relationship did mature and I think you can go on to expand on how weak bonds can eventually develop into stronger ones. The theme of bonds between men is subtle in the play; I feel you showed good effort to reach a conclusion using the different relationships between characters in the play. Overall, you have many valid points in your assignment; I recommend that you should make stronger connections to your main thesis and clearly support all of your points.
IOANA DIACONESCU
ReplyDeleteCOMMENTARIES
Commentary for Nitika:
I though that your essay was very well thought out overall. Your arguments were fresh and original, and your quotes were well-chosen and very relevant. I especially agree with what you said about Caesar's wishes to be surrounded my fat, satisfied men. Caesar fears Cassius not because of his serious public appearance, but because of how he hides his private appearance. The fact that Cassius does not show his private appearance to Caesar, intimidates Caesar because he doesn't know what to expect from a man like Cassius. Caesar, being a very rigid, and logical leader, would naturally be discouraged by the unknown. I love your 'mask' analogy. Its so true that corrupt leaders may use their public appearance as a mask to gain the public's support, and with their support he can gain even more power. This is the problem with leaders. You never know their public appearance from their private appearance. Someone who appears to have a good public image can either be a good leader, or a power-hungry tyrant. This sort of paranoia is the source of a lot of distrust between characters. For example, it seems more likely that the conspirators killed Caesar out of distrust, than because they thought him 'corrupt' (even though there was no evidence of his corruption). All this distrust among characters leads to betrayal, which adds to the general turmoil.
Commentary for Elissa:
I enjoyed your essay because your arguments seemed to flow really well, and how your quote analysises kind of look at the bigger scheme of things and how this theme has affected other parts of the play. I loved how in your introduction, you mentioned how the struggle for power between different men eventually leads to death. I agree with this because throughout the whole book, all the characters who want to gain power are motivated to do what they do,in one way or another, by their longing for this power. And because no one is willing to settle with letting one person have the power, the conspirators and Caesar's supporters (Antony, Octavius, etc.) kept the fight for power going, long after Caesar's death. And so it seemed that the fight over power was only stopped by death. After Brutus and Cassius killed themselves, Antony and his supporters were then free to take the power. Therefore, power-hungriness is not only a way of life, but also a death sentence. I also loved the point you made about how Cassius was willing to trick Brutus and put his trust in jeopardy, in an attempt to gain Brutus's support in order to overthrow Caesar's power. This shows how power-hungriness can consume one to such an extent that they are willing to put their bonds with other men on the line.
In response to Jeanne’s analysis:
ReplyDeleteI began reading your analysis disagreeing to your viewpoint on the theme of self-sacrifice in Julius Caesar, but as I read on, I began to agree with you. Your breakdown of the reasons why each character thinks self-sacrifice were necessary was very strong, I especially agree with your statement: “people tend to view sacrifice as noble and honourable, and that Brutus, regardless of his motives behind killing Caesar, wanted his actions to be accepted by society.” In relation to the theme of honour and nobility, Shakespeare might have also been trying to establish that in an individual’s desperate search for a position of honour, they are willing to sacrifice anything.
Jerry Miu’s Comments to Analyses
ReplyDeleteIn response to Andrew Siu:
Andrew, I find the way that you interpreted the theme of betrayal to be very peculiar when you said “at the heart of betrayal lies loyalty”. I would have interpreted it differently as greed or ambition as the root cause of betrayal. I also found your analysis of your first selected quote interesting. You stated that the people or Rome betrayed Pompey because of their loyalty to Caesar. I would like to add that this fickleness and instability in the public opinion as they quickly betray Pompey for Caesar is demonstrated later on when they betray Caesar for Brutus. As well they betray him for Antony, showing how loyalty to one leader or politician can quickly cause betrayal and hostility to another. Perhaps Shakespeare is expressing a message when he makes the public intentionally variable. He is probably commenting on how the public is too readily persuaded by politicians who appeal to the emotions instead of rationally appealing to the people. I think Shakespeare is suggesting that the common citizen should form deeper loyalties to the people we truly care about and to remain steadfast on the alliances that we form. As well, in your third quote you mentioned how “Brutus, a highly respected member of the senate and a long good friend of Caesar, betrays Caesar and is one who stabs him.” I agree with your analysis about how his loyalty to Cassius causes him to betray Caesar. In addition, I would like to add how Shakespeare is conveying that even long-term friends can become enemies if one is loyal to someone else. Therefore this theme of betrayal due to loyalty is clearly expressed throughout the entire play.
In response to Ewen Lee:
Ewen, I agree with you stated about how “bonds between the men in the play are often misused and abused” as well as how they are “used as a tool to gain higher status and power”. In the first quote you mentioned how Antony expresses a monologue in which he reveals his deep hatred toward the conspirators and his loyalty to Caesar. The bonds between the conspirators and himself are strained with each party viewing the other in detestation. However, I would like to add to this by mentioning that in this next scene Antony praises Brutus and the conspirators as being noble yet this is simply a ploy used by Antony to deceive the conspirators demonstrating how this bond between them is used to gain status and power. On the other hand, in your fourth quote analysis, I have to disagree on your interpretation that Brutus disguises his true intentions with a fake friendship that he shares with Caesar. I believe that Brutus genuinely wanted to kill Caesar in order to liberate Rome from tyranny. If he was power-hungry he would not have cared how Caesar died. Instead he shows respect for him and wishes to “carve him as a dish fit for the gods”. I feel that what led to Brutus’s downfall was not his “wall of lies” but his stubbornness to listen to the men whom he has the strongest bonds to, the conspirators. Although it is not Brutus who is manipulating the minds of the conspirators but the conspirators using the bond that they share with Brutus to make their actions appear nobler to the public. However, I generally agree with your other interpretations of the quotes. Thus, the theme of bonds between men in the play being used to gain power is demonstrated throughout the play.
-- TIFFANY YIU'S RESPONSES --
ReplyDeleteResponse to Ioana
I thought your analysis on the topic of self sacrifice for the greater good was great. You gave me a new perspective on this idea in the play. Your multiple ideas and quotations supported your thesis and you clearly emphasized how each quote proved your point about the play. I especially enjoyed reading your analysis of the third quote. The belief that Brutus sacrificed his relationships with other characters for the benefit of Rome is commonly considered, but you have convinced me to believe that the conspirators’ portrayed nobility is false and only a lie to help themselves. In addition, I thought your analysis of the fifth quote was well written. I agree that power can become the main focus in one’s mind and conflict with other parts of their life. Your argument that it is a person’s conscience causes them to struggle the most is an idea that I had never thought of but your quote and explanation that declaring their actions as a justified deed for the common good was very persuasive. To add on to your thoughts in your fourth quote when you stated that Brutus should be more caring to the citizens, perhaps the effect of greed for power has overcome Brutus’ thoughts and words. He is usually seen as a caring and loyal character but this quote proves otherwise. Lastly, I feel your choice to state that self sacrifice for the greater good does not exist is truly an original and captivating claim.
Response to Nitika
I found your analysis on Shakespeare’s expression of one individual with two contrasting lives interesting. You suggested that the characters in the play are two-faced, which I believe is quite evident in their actions. However, your opinion that Shakespeare tried to show that these multiple attitudes leads to betrayal is an additional level that is intriguing to investigate. I was particularly drawn to your fifth quote analysis saying that Cassius’ public life of throwing letters in Brutus’ window and later being in close relationship with him proved that he was envious of Caesar rather than caring like Brutus. It’s important to note that Cassius’ conflicting actions are a result of a desire for power. Thus, this quotation expressed the effect that power has on a person’s attitude and character as shown through their actions and ultimately affects their relationships. Overall, you effectively showed how your topic affected the characters in the play and your explanation of how the theme is expressed throughout the work was great.
Comment to Adrienna’s analysis:
ReplyDeleteOverall you supported your points very well. I particularly liked how you used quotes after your points to further emphasize and prove them better and also referred back to quotes every so often so the reader does not get lost and can following what you are thinking. You are very clear and detailed in explaining how your quotes relate to your thesis on how only sincere people, who sacrifice for the greater good, will receive love and respect. In general, you did a very good job on proving your thesis with highly detailed explanations.
Comment to Ryanne’s analysis:
I liked how in your thesis you stated that there is not only one kind of bond between men. I fully agree with the statement you made on Shakespeare demonstrating throughout the play no matter what the bond was, the bond formed is unshakeable. In your analysis, it was very effective how you used words such as together, in unison, and united, this really supported your thesis on the bonds between men. It helped support your thesis by emphasizing to the reader that there is no he or individuality in bonds between people. It is always about doing everything together and embracing together in what they have done, you used this very well to prove what bonds truly were and how Shakespeare showed this.
Response to Andrew S’s analysis
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I think your view of the theme of betrayal was very intriguing and very original. I agree with your statement about the imbalance of loyalty and trust being the determinant of betrayal. Your ideas were supported by most of your quotes, except for the quote 2 your analysis only touched upon the relationship between betrayal and loyalty. However, I think that all of your arguments were very well throughout and clear for the readers to perceive the thematic message and Shakespeare’s intentions. For example, your first analysis was a perfect illustration of the thematic message because the commoners portrayed the imbalance of loyalty towards Caesar that Flavius and Murellus viewed it as betrayal. To add on to your 3rd analysis, you could’ve said that Brutus betrayed Caesar because of his stronger loyalty and love towards the citizens of Rome rather than his loyalty towards Cassius.
Overall, your view of Shakespeare’s thematic message of betrayal was very convincing and easy to follow. It was a pleasure to read your analysis.
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Response to Sam G’s analysis
Sam, I think your analysis on theme of honor and nobility was very precise and you effectively voiced your opinion on the controversial debate of Brutus’ nobility. You stated both sides to the topic but clearly stated your take of Brutus’ nobility by showing the contrast. At first, I agreed with your statement about corruption being involved with Brutus’ plan to assassinate Caesar for the good of Rome in the first analysis. However, throughout the rest of the analysis, you contradicted this assumption by supporting your view of Shakespeare’s thematic message with your repertoire of effective quotes. I think your strongest analysis was on the last quote where you pointed out that even Brutus’ enemy, Antony, respects his nobility which reflected upon his decision to assassinate Caesar for the common good, unlike the intentions of the other conspirators. To improve your analysis, you could have analyzed the other political figures’ decision that reflected their honor and nobility.
Overall, your opinion of Shakespeare’s thematic message of honor and nobility within the play was very well-defined and effectively structured. It was a pleasure to read your analysis.
In Response to Kevin Kang’s Assignment
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1ALrSMvFTTf7sznWQnoPSaGLVCeqeWPHp_r8wrzIkPJc/edit?hl=en_US#
Kevin, your analysis of the theme power in Julius Caesar is very original. I admire that you took a very distinctive approach to this theme of power. I agree with the point you made. The power of persuasion is indeed a very influential and effective weapon to obtain power. You almost made a very valid point when you said that individuals are easily manipulated as a result of something they hear. Your first quote analysis regarding how Brutus felt honourable and powerful is great evidence of this impact. In addition, your points are very organized and easily to follow. I also liked how you used modern day examples to help reader relate to the thematic statement that Shakespeare is trying to make. However, I believe that if you incorporated one or two quotes from the Act 4 and Act 5, it would further emphasize that the theme of power in speech is present throughout the play. None the less, you formed a very original thesis and had strong convincing support points. A pleasure reading your work.
In response to Jerry Miu’s Assignment
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1peXyYDO4MrzPc4QUCpoaJMXRN8qg7E4dcFNRkmOtxwU
Jerry, I believe that you have a very strong argument regarding the theme of self-sacrifice for the greater good. Your point that many individuals use the excuse of self-sacrifice for greater good to mask their true intentions is very accurate. In my opinion, most of the conspirators, except for Brutus, did indeed rise against Caesar in order to satisfy personal desires. In other words, they claimed to have made a sacrifice for the greater good but not wholeheartedly. However, I believe that the Brutus’ intentions were just and he that he made a large self-sacrifice for the good of Rome. Brutus sacrificed his loyalty towards his closest friend, Caesar, in order to free Rome from the tyranny. Brutus says this in the conclusion of his speech, “I depart – that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death,” (3.2.43-46). However, Shakespeare does not make it completely clear whether Brutus was truly honourable and had pure intentions. Therefore, whether Brutus made a true self-sacrifice for the greater good is up for debate. Nevertheless, great work analysing this theme. I would like to add that you made an excellent point when you clarified that self-sacrifice does not only pertain to the loss of a life but instead the loss of something that is valuable to the character. I really enjoyed reading your work.
This is Kelvin L.'s response to Jerry M.'s analysis on self-sacrifice.
ReplyDelete--
I completely agree with your thesis: we never do anything that does not, in the end, benefit ourselves. However, I think that self-sacrifice only applies when we act with full knowledge of the situation. I do not think that someone who acts without full knowledge will need to use the excuse of “sacrifice for the greater good” if he was manipulated, such as in the case of Brutus. In saying this, I strongly agree with your fifth quote, that Brutus sacrificed his love for Caesar, to what he believed was the greater good. I would also like to add, however, that Brutus did not sacrifice himself just for the greater good, but also because he wants to obtain more honour and respect. He is manipulated by Cassius only because he craved for more respect, and acknowledgement from other people. I like the idea in your third analysis, that a power hungry man would sacrifice his own safety for more power. Adding on to that, I would also like to point out that Caesar in Act 1, sacrifices temporarily his pleasure by refusing the crown, so he can earn more respect by the plebeians. This show that Caesar, or any person for that matter, will be willing to sacrifice things, if he knows he will benefit from it in the future. Finally, I disagree with you when you say that Antony sacrifices his own honour for a chance to rule Rome. I think that he never regarded himself as honourable, shown as he follows Caesar around, and does everything Caesar tells him to. He only insulted the conspiracy because he wanted to rule Rome. Overall, I liked reading your analysis very much. Good work.
This is Kelvin L.’s response to Andrew S.’s analysis on betrayal.
ReplyDelete--
Great work, Andrew. I agree with you that in many circumstances, we betray people due to loyalties with other people. I like your third analysis, with the quote, “Et tu, Brute?” However, it puzzles me how Brutus is more loyal to Cassius than to Caesar, since you said that Caesar was Brutus
’ “long good friend.” I am fascinated about how you said that betrayal can have a domino effect – which one betrayal leads to another. In your fourth quote, I like how you took the view that Antony is a loyal friend of Caesar instead of a skillful politician. I think that you should have also mentioned, that in Act 1, Antony says to Caesar that whatever Caesar says, Antony will do. That will make your argument stronger because proceeding Antony’s speech, he starts to think of ways to cut the plebeian’s expenses, therefore, making him seem more like a skillful politician than Caesar’s friend. I also liked your fifth quote – that Cassius is upset because of Brutus’ distrust towards him. I agree that many times, like you said, a character’s greatest enemy is himself. If he cannot perceive past himself, he will find it hard to confront others therefore, causing conflict. If you consider this play a tragedy, Brutus’ inner turmoil can be a topic all on its own, provided that you support that idea with quotes from Act 1, when Brutus tells Cassius that he is not himself lately. Brutus says that he was troubled, and did not know how to respond to Cassius. After reading this analysis, I am unclear about something. I do not understand how your second quote relates to loyalty being an essence in betrayal. However, I really enjoyed reading your analysis. Keep up the good work.
*THESE ARE ADRIENA'S COMMENT RESPONSES*
ReplyDeleteThis is in response to Steffi Chan’s post on ‘the bonds between men’.
I felt your choice of quotes was excellent because it covered many examples of the different bonds in Julius Caesar. Focussing on your second quote, I agree with what you stated about the bond between Caesar and Mark Antony. It is definitely evident throughout the play that this bond was very strong, even after Caesar died. I like how you mentioned that Mark Antony reassured Caesar of his worries, because I agree that this strengthened their bond. As you mentioned, Caesar trusted Antony with his thoughts on Cassius. Even afterwards, Caesar asks for Antony’s opinion on Cassius’ character as they walk off. This shows that it is a true friendship and that it is not one-sided. However, from this quote, I can also see how the bond between Caesar and Cassius is very weak. Caesar does not trust Cassius, and even fears him, as seen evident from the quote. By focussing on this bond as well, I think it can further support your idea that true bonds are made of trust. Now focussing on your last quote; although I do not agree that Brutus considered Caesar as an enemy, I agree that even enemies are to be respected. I felt that Brutus did love Caesar and wanted to keep the friendship, but his love for Rome overcame their friendship. However, I agree that enemies should be respected and that the hatred should not be expressed openly. Another example of this would be when Antony respected Brutus by calling him the noblest man, even though they were enemies. Overall, I felt you gave a good analysis and you provided many excellent supporting details for your thesis.
This is in response to Tiffany Lo’s post on ‘power’.
I really liked how you focussed on the power corruption of Caesar and the conspirators. I felt it was very well done. In your first quote, you mentioned that Cassius was given a little power and is therefore hungry for more. I agree with this completely, but you may want to explain why Brutus was given a little power but was not hungry. I think you can expand on this idea by saying that Brutus wasn’t corrupted by power because his love for Rome was greater than his want for power. It is only when the greed for power overwhelms the individual that power corruption would occur. In your second quote, you stated that Brutus feared Caesar was going to turn his back on the Romans. Something you could have added was that Mark Antony was beginning to act similar to Caesar as well. I agree that there is a great potential that Caesar would ‘turn his back’ on Rome. Adding the idea that Antony had begun to turn his back on Rome, when he changes his mind about Caesar’s will, can further strengthen and support your quote. In your last quote, you mentioned that their un-satisfaction of power caused the urge to diminish others for their power. I really like your idea in this because I never thought of power this way. I think this was well stated and I agree with you fully. Another example for this is when Caesar tries to receive complete power over the people by killing Pompey. All in all, I felt your analysis was thorough and very well done.
(I'm not sure if my previous attempts as posting my response worked, but here I go again)
ReplyDelete-Ryanne-
This comment is for Amelia's response
I really enjoyed reading your response to the theme "Public Appearance Vs Private Reality," because your responses flowed very well, and you supported your thesis with great quotes. I liked how you mentioned all your valid points throughout your introduction, which strengthened your response. As you said, I agree that men of power maintain a good public appearance in order to maintain control; however, I feel that it is also to maintain a good reputation. Men of high authority want to maintain a good public image so they are considered worthy in the eyes of the public, which is not always the exact personality of the leader. I think that a good quote to support this argument would be "Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house, / Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine / How to cut off some charge in legacies. (4.1.7-9). Here, after telling the public that Caesar's money was to be shared amongst the public, Antony secretly asks Lepidus to get Caesar's will, so he can obtain a greater amount of the money, demosntrating that his response to the public was not his true honest view. Other than that, I feel your response was outstanding! I love how in each quote analysis, you tied you response back to the thesis! Well Done!
-Ryanne-
ReplyDeleteIn response to Karen's post
I thought your response for the theme "honour and nobility" was great because your quotes supported your thesis very well. I enjoyed reading it because you response was structured very well, as you clearly supported your arguments without repeating your ideas too much. I agree with the fact that many of the characters in this play manipulated the idea of honour and nobility, such as the conspirators. They used their power for selfish reasoning, and only used the idea of honour and nobility to mask their true intentions, as you mentioned. I also like how you related your quote analysis back to your thesis after every explanation, which I feel strengthened your response. However, I feel that your analysis of Antony can be looked at in a different perspective. I think that Antony was not truly noble because in Act 4 he mentioned taking Caesar's will in order to divide up the money/property, which was supposed to be for the public. Other than that, you response was very well thought out and explained. You provided a great amount of support to demonstrate how the quote you chose was significant! Great Job!
Benedict Tsui
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarracini
ENG 2D7
2011-11-10
Julius Caesar - Shakespeare
Theme: Power
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BOZaS2dbAkyMehwE6VgWhepRQ45KFWUZa4dwvL2eULE/edit?hl=en_US
This is a response to Elissa B's post on "Power"
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with your theme of how personal ambition and greed will eventually lead to corruption. Your 2nd quote was well written as you explained the metaphor thoroughly , and showed how it characterizes the characters. It is true that all the characters had their personal ambitions which led to corruption. Your last quote about Colossus was very well written and a indepth analysis. Using Cassius's quote to characterize Caesar to show that he was corrupt, and also showing that the conspirators themselves were corrupt to gain such enormous power was interesting.
Your 3rd quote was well chosen however the analysis was not as informative as it could be. It was rather short and could of been focused more on Caesar's corruption and betrayal of his citizens rather than Brutus joining the conspirators. Saying how Caesar's rise to power led to corruption and ultimately betrayal of his people would of been the point you could of expanded upon. Overall I agree with your statement that being power hungry and greedy will eventually lead to corruption as well as the the fact that ambition throughout the play was for self-gain instead of for the greater good.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete-- JEANNE LAI'S RESPONSES --
ReplyDeleteCommenting on Clara’s Post:
In response to your analysis, I strongly agree with your argument that public figures often pretend to work towards the common interest, while in actuality, they are working towards their personal gain. I felt that the quotes you chose to back up your points were very effective, especially the scene where Caesar repeatedly refuses the crown to gain the favour of the Romans, despite that he clearly wanted to take the position of leader. However, I disagree with your argument that as a group, the conspirators worked towards a common goal. While they did present themselves in a certain way to the public, I believe that even within their group, the individual members still had their own ambitions, and had to hide their true intentions from each other. I would like to add to your analysis that Shakespeare effectively contrasts the selfish ambitions of the conspirators with the honest intentions of Brutus to develop the idea that people tend to present themselves differently in public than in private. Furthermore, I think that the writer is trying to establish, through the play, that it is necessary, even for those with noble intentions, to disguise their true motives in public in order to achieve their goals. You were consistent in reinforcing the theme in all your quotes, and your analysis made it easy to understand the relevance of the theme public versus private appearance present in Julius Caesar.
Commenting on Ewen’s Post:
After reading your analysis, I gained a better understanding of the significance of relationships in the play, Julius Caesar. Even though your supporting points were strong, I somewhat disagree with your thesis statement. You stated that bonds between men are often abused, but that they can be fixed with honesty and forgiveness. I don’t exactly find this true throughout play; instead, I feel that most situations in Julius Caesar in which trust was abused often lead to further tension and hatred. For example, Brutus betrayed Caesar by plotting with the conspirators to assassinate him, and by extension, caused Mark Antony’s relationship with the conspirators to falter. As a result, he sought revenge against the ones who had betrayed his friend, and would not forgive them, despite their claims that their actions were for the best of Rome. Neither Mark Antony nor the conspirators displayed honesty to one another. On the other hand, I found your argument that Brutus’ reasons for severing his relationships were due to his poor judgement and misinterpretation about the various situations very convincing. I hadn’t considered that, and I strongly agree that the characters decided to sacrifice their relationships because they found it absolutely necessary. Your passages were very insightful, and I was able to understand a different perspective of the theme of ‘bonds between men’ than what I had originally thought of it.
This is a response to Sam Gu's post about "honour and nobility"
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with your thesis stating that power and honour are not achieved when born but rather judged by the person's actions. An action for the greater good is shown as being very honourable and noble. I also like how you had a sub-thesis of how honour and nobility are used to cover personal ambitions. The point you stated in your second analysis is very strong saying that to have ambitions for the greater good, there must not be any personal ambitions behind it. I believe that this is very true and you were able to incorporate it into the analysis reinforcing the thesis.
For the 4th quote your analysis was very well written to the fact that it was able to connect to the thesis as well as explain the quote clearly. The statement which you took out of the quote saying that the word "villian" is used to describe people who do a crime but not for justice was interesting and i agree on your saying. However i believe you could of expanded on that point which could of made the backbone of your 4th analysis.
Your 3rd analysis began strong but died out at the end because it was not the sense of gaining honour that led Brutus to say he would sacrifice himself but rather his ambition for a greater Rome.
Overall your quotes were very well analysed to connect to the main theme of the play. Well Done!
-- ALEX WOO'S RESPONSES --
ReplyDeleteIn response to Tiffany Yiu’s Assignment:
http://juliuscaesar10ib.blogspot.com/2011/11/yo-its-mrsarracini.html?showComment=1320983804028#c107732232943696734
Hey Tiff,
I agree with your analysis of Shakespeare’s message on the bonds between men in his play, Julius Caesar. While characters in the play, such as Brutus and Caesar, and Brutus and Cassius, have bonds, or friendships between them, many of them also have something that is more important to them. For example, to Brutus, his honor and the Roman people are more important to him than anything else. He is even willing to kill his best friend, Caesar, as he thought that the Roman people wanted it. “If there be
any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him/I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If/then that friend demand why Brutus rose against/Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less,/but that I loved Rome more.” (3.2.17-22). I agree when you say that Brutus’ commitment to the Roman Empire made the assassination and the conspiracy possible. However, Brutus only joined the assassination because he was tricked by Cassius into thinking that the Roman people did not want Caesar as a leader. This is also why I agree with you when you say “this dominating drive in the conquest for power causes the characters to hide the motives of their friendships in order to gain power for themselves”. Cassius’ friendship with Brutus may have been false, as, although they shared a common goal, to kill Caesar, Cassius did it for power, while he manipulated Brutus into joining, who did it for the good of the Roman people.
-- Alexander
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In response to Alexandra Gaglione's Assignment:
http://juliuscaesar10ib.blogspot.com/2011/11/yo-its-mrsarracini.html?showComment=1320975274467#c1960140548920141666
Hi Alex,
While I agree that Cassius had wanted to overthrow Julius Caesar for power, I disagree that this was Brutus’ intention as well. Caesar acknowledges the fact that Cassius is intelligent, and is dangerous, as it is possible for him to be plotting against Caesar. “Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look,/He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.” (1.2.194-195). This shows that, as you said, Caesar fears losing his power. It also shows suggest a change in plot, and may be foreshadowing the fact that Cassius may eventually take part in killing Caesar, so that he can gain power. However, I feel that Brutus was not eager for power, and did not kill Caesar for power, as you stated (“Throughout the play, this eagerness for sole power became the prime focus and mission for Brutus and Cassius, conspirators against Caesar[…]”). Brutus kills Caesar for the good of Rome, as he feels that Caesar is ambitious, and will turn into a tyrant, being detrimental to the people of Rome. When Caesar says, “What means this shouting? I do fear the people/Choose Caesar for their king”, I believe he fears that the people want Caesar as their king, because they do not realize that Caesar is ambitious. I do not think it shows Brutus’ desire to gain power over Rome, rather his desire to keep the people of Rome safe and happy. Even though Brutus wishes the best for Rome, he is actually tricked by Cassius into thinking that Caesar is ambitious, and so joins the conspiracy, thinking that it will benefit the Roman people. This shows that Cassius himself wants power. While Cassius tells the Roman people that the actions of the conspirators are honourable and benefit Rome, Cassius is simply replacing Caesar, who they say is an ambitious man, with other ambitious men, such as Cassius, and several other conspirators, excluding Brutus.
-- Alexander
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ReplyDeleteResponse to Ewen's Post-
ReplyDeleteHi Ewen,
Your analysis on the bonds between men was very interesting and very well analysed. I like the way you introduced your topic in your first paragraph, however I think you should have stated your thesis more directly. In your introductory I would like to point out that you made your points clear, which was a job well done. I would have included more direct examples however to further introduce those main points. For example, where you stated that certain qualities and actions can bring men closer together and create long lasting friendships, you could have implemented the example of Antony and Caesar's friendship, or Cassius and Brutus' friendship. I liked your choice of quotes very much because they truly displayed your point and were also very good examples of the bonds between men. However, in all of your analyses, I would have added how the point directly relates to your thesis. Although it was evident that you tried to relate it, it was never stated. Therefore, I would like to add that each of the quotes do exemplify Shakespeare's thematic intentions through the bond between the men within the play. Overall, you had a very well written analysis. Keep up the good work.
-Chloe I-
ReplyDeleteTHESE ARE CHLOE'S RESPONSES-
Response to Ioana's post:
Your overall interpretation of the theme was extremely insightful. I did not initially interpret the theme of self-sacrifice for the “greater good” as you did. I believed that self-sacrifice, whether through sacrificing one’s moral values or sacrificing one’s private life, is necessary in positions of power, which work toward the greater good of the people. Your choice of quotations and analysis made me think otherwise. Your introduction was very well-written and I agree with your logic. You used such a rich vocabulary and I really liked your inclusion of the psychological aspect regarding the decision-making process of the characters. I especially liked your explanation and analysis of the fourth quotation. Upon reading your fourth quotation, I couldn’t understand how it was related to your theme. However, I agree that Brutus clearly does not have the greater good in mind, evident through his lack of respect for the poet, who represents the Roman citizens as a whole. Adding to your first analysis, if Cassius truly had the “greater good” in mind, he would not have killed Caesar in the first place. This is because Caesar is highly respected by the Roman citizens; he is a man for the people. As well, in your first analysis, I believe that Cassius isn’t afraid of Antony because Antony has shown potential to take over the power of Rome. Cassius seems concerned that the Romans will be ‘seduced’ by Antony into thinking that the conspirators were traitors, and not the ‘honourable men’ Brutus perceived them to be. As well, Cassius might have been concerned about Antony’s attempts to avenge Caesar’s death. Adding to your last analysis, Brutus should not be worried about acting on behalf of the “greater good”, as he knows that he has the support of the public. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to read your highly detailed and well-organized. Great work!
Response to Tiffany Lo's post:
Overall, your argument that a desire for power is never satisfied as power causes conflict and corruption is very well-supported through your choice of quotations. Upon reading the play, I interpreted the theme of power the same way. I noticed that you included one quotation from each act in the play. This successfully expresses the development of power as the play progresses. I really like your point that men will never be satisfied with the amount of power they have. It seems that each character who struggles for power never seems to achieve it. Your first analysis mentions the character of Cassius, but an in-depth analysis of his character would show how that he is truly the instigator in the play. Adding to your first analysis, Cassius is a judgemental man who is able to judge other men and their abilities. I think that in addition to Cassius’ craving for power, Cassius gets too motivated by his own emotions. His personal hatred and envy of Caesar resulted in their decision to assassinate Caesar. In the fourth analysis, I believe that Cassius did not get rid of Caesar because he wanted to gain more power, but because Cassius simply wanted to maintain his status in power. If Caesar rises to power as “dictator of Rome”, the Senate members would lose the power and influence they have. In your last analysis, every conspirator, except Brutus, took part in Caesar’s assassination because of their envy of Caesar. They let their personal opinions of Caesar overshadow their decision-making, which ultimately leads to the death of Caesar. However, I like how you provided a lot of examples to show the consequences as a result to a greed for power. If necessary, I think you could have extended and strengthened the conclusion paragraph of your analysis. However, I enjoyed reading your analysis, too. Great work!
Commenting on Ryanne's post:
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with how you stated that Shakespeare proved how the bonds between the characters, rather than weakening, became stronger as the time passed, and cannot be broken easily. I also liked how you stated that there are many different types of bonds that can be found in any given situation. The way you structured your paragraphs made it a very easy and pleasant read. In your third quote analysis, you brought up the bond between Antony and Brutus, which had surprised me because I had never felt that there was a deep connection between them besides the honour Antony felt for Brutus at the end. However, after reading your paragraph, I came to realize and understand how the two of them were truly so similar to each other, due to the fact that Antony realizes how Brutus had always loved Caesar like he did, causing him to be unable to severe the bond between two of them. I also really liked your first quote, because I find that this was the one that truly showed how all the conspirators were all so deeply connected, and how the murder they committed means that they are in this together until the very end. This was when they all knew that they would never be able to turn back on the decision they made. Overall, all your other analysis' were able to strongly support your thesis, and i enjoyed reading what you had to say about the unbreakable bonds between men. Keep up the great work!
Ioana-
ReplyDeleteI thought your analysis of the theme of self sacrifice in the play Julius Caesar to be outstanding. I really liked how you went beyond the obvious quotes expressing this theme, and took quotes that were a bit more subtle such as quote 1 and quote 5. With these quotes, you took what was said, and rather than directly interpreting it, you went deeper and analyzed the logical thought processes that would go behind those words. You questioned the true motives of people’s actions that would lead them to say what they said. This was a very effective method of expressing the prominent theme of true self sacrifice. With several of your quotes, I discovered new examples of how this theme was portrayed; ones that I hadn’t recognized on my own. Your analysis’s for the quotes were thorough and demonstrated a high level of understanding of your theme. The methods you used to back up your quotes made it very easy to believe what you were trying to prove. I was also impressed with how you didn’t stick to pre-developed ideas such as “Brutus was true honourable man” as in several of your quotes you questioned his true intentions and implied that he was, in truth, not all that honourable. I felt that all your quotes effectively backed up your thesis. Good job :)
Commenting on Sandra's post:
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I want to say how impressed I am about the detail you have put into your analysis. The quotes you have chosen, and how you analyzed them all strongly supported your thesis of how there are many reasons for betrayal, but at the end, the outcome is rarely positive. I completely agree with your points, as we see how each character betrays the other to get to their goals. I really liked how you also continuously mentioned that betrayal is an inhumane act and is morally wrong, because that shows how Cassius and the other conspirators, excluding Brutus, were not the honourable men they claimed themselves to be. For Brutus, his true intentions were different from the others, and only did betray Caesar because he felt that it was for the best interest of Rome. However, due to the fact that Cassius had done the first act of betrayal when he had forged the citizens letters for Brutus and manipulated him, it continued to grow as it affected even more people, and it grew uncontrollable. Betrayal always leads to problems, many that cannot be erased. Overall, your analysis was structured very well, and was a pleasant to read. You were able to show how betrayal was truly a major them in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Keep up the good work!
sandra doesn't know how to post.....
ReplyDeleteI AM SANDRA CHAN.
I am commenting in response to...
1) Sam Gu
I want to start off by saying that your theme analysis was very well prepared. Your use of quote support from the play was excellent. I also felt that the statements you were making had strong logical reasoning. I agreed with the points that you made, as they were logically sound and skilfully supported by a wide selection of quotes throughout the play. I also felt that your piece was very well tied together and all of your statements were related in some way. All your ideas flowed and it was easy to distinguish the overall statement that you were making about the theme. Honourable people do indeed place the best interests of others' before their own. Their intentions are always good yet their actions may sometimes be morally wrong. However, I think that there is more to being noble than simply thinking about the needs of others before your own. To be truly honourable, one must do what is right despite what others may think. One must do what they solely believe is the best for the situation, and acting upon good intent. One must pick the right choice, when faced with a difficult decision. Furthermore, honour and nobility are fuelled by the desire to do the right thing. As for the effect, honour and nobility may or may not be beneficial. Sometimes harm is inflicted on people. It all depends on the situation. Although Brutus murdered Caesar because he thought that it would be best for the Romans, the consequences were heavy. This is because Brutus committed an immoral act, even if he had a moral reason for doing so. Honour and nobility are given to those who deserve it; you have to work for it. Brutus earned his respect from others through his pure and selfless intent. On the whole, your piece was very well thought out and planned.
2) Karen Tang
I thought that your approach to this theme was very interesting. You pointed out that if all the conspirators had had honourable intentions for killing Julius Caesar, the outcome might have been different. I think that this is a very unusual take to this theme and I do feel that you have backed it up sufficiently. However, I think that there were better quotes in the play, that you could have used to better support your statements, but your quote support was very good. I agree with how you said that Cassius had selfish reasons from the start. Cassius only thought about his own social status and Cassius, not wanting Caesar to overshadow him, murdered him. He was motivated by his own hunger for power. In my opinion, no matter what your intentions are, murder is wrong and immoral. It cannot be justified, especially in this play, where Caesar was not even given the chance to rule. Karen, in your third quote analysis, you stated that Brutus killed Caesar "to preserve his honour to the general public." I do not think that Brutus killed Caesar to be admired by the public. I feel that Brutus killed him because he felt that it would be the best decision for Rome. Brutus thought that Caesar was a developing tyranny and for the sake of Rome's freedom, he had to kill his friend Julius Caesar. Murdering his Caesar was not easy for him, but because he believed that it would be best and so he took his life. If Brutus had killed Caesar, wanting the public to acknowledge his nobility, this would contradict your thesis. You would be saying that Brutus was not honourable, but instead he had selfish intentions. It is because Brutus committed murder despite what the public thought or would think, is what made him so honourable. Honour is not something that is given to you; it is something that you earn. Brutus earned his honour. Karen, your piece was very insightful and a pleasure to read. Good job!
Nitikia-
ReplyDeleteI’d like to say that I thought your post was a very well rounded and thought out piece of work and I enjoyed reading it. The introductory paragraph caught my attention right away and held it so that I was interested to see what quotes you would use to back up what you stated. However, as the paragraph progressed, you’re thoughts became less organized and I felt that, although still very good, it lost the intensity it started with. Moving through your quotes, I was very impressed with how you demonstrated your theme of public appearance versus private reality. Your first quote stuck out to me as it wasn’t an action that displayed the theme, but rather just a comment made by Octavius. I hadn’t interpreted what he had said in that way and it made a lot of sense to me. I thought your other analyses were also very well done. Your fifth quote was very strong, but when you went to explain it, I didn’t quite see the point that you were trying to make. Overall, I think that all six quotes effectively supported the thesis and that you understood your theme very well. Amazing work!
Benedict Tsui's Responses to Analyses
ReplyDelete-In response to Jerry M’s assignment-
Jerry, your analysis of the theme of self-sacrifice for the greater good provided a totally new approach to my understanding of the theme. After reading your quotes, I have come to grasp your thesis, that self-sacrifice for the greater good is just an ideal concept and it never truly exists within the play. You effectively used different quotes to prove that self-sacrifice does not refer to the loss of one’s life. The thesis was evident in all quotes; when one reflects on your entire essay, one is able to see the contrast between characters associated with this theme. I strongly agree with your analysis of quote 3. It is very effective how you showed that even Caesar, despite depicted as a power-hungry individual, sacrifices his relationship with his wife. In addition to your analysis of Caesar’s sacrifice, I would suggest an analysis of Decius’s sacrifice as well. This dialogue is mainly from Decius, and it reveals a bit about Decius. I believe through this passage, Decius is sacrificing his own pride and dignity as well. He manipulates this situation to influence Caesar to attend the event. As a fellow Roman, Decius sacrifices his own pride and dignity by lying and twisting the pure and caring words of Calpurnia. If included, these two interpretations within the quote would further strengthen the analysis of this quote as it provides two different perspectives of self-sacrifice.
-In response to Tiffany’s assignment-
Tiffany, your analysis of the bonds between men provided a new perspective regarding the theme. With a clear thesis, the five quotes selected successfully exemplified the idea that “the greed for one’s own goals is stronger than the bonds in human relationships.” I absolutely agree with your analysis of the fourth quote. Despite being a short quote, it was accurately chosen to exemplify the greed of Antony. Your analysis of this quote, specifically through “He was able to manipulate this respect and trust so that he could secretly take his own share in what should belong to the citizens.” shows your deep understanding of the scenario. However, I disagree with your analysis of the fifth quote. In my perspective, Brutus does not take the time to mourn for the tragic event because of the situation, even saying “I owe more tears/to this dead man than you shall see me pay./I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time.” This reveals that Brutus is deeply moved by his death. The bond between them is too strong for Brutus to ignore Cassius’s death. He is afraid it will affect his emotions and thoughts; thus he orders the body to be moved. Overall, the essay was well written with specific quotes to support the thesis.