An Analysis Of Politics In Julius Caesar, A Play By William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar relates human struggles to a dramatic history that can be easily understood by both an audience in person and one who is reading. The play depicts the internal conflict that exists between individual values and political or social constructs. The decisions that individuals make between morality or personal gain reveal their character. The audience realizes that politics is not a matter of right or wrong but rather a struggle between leaders to decide what’s best. This leads to the conclusion that political leadership is defined by their character. Shakespeare uses Julius Caesar’s story to demonstrate how a character can influence a political leader’s beliefs and actions.

Shakespeare shows his audience through the characters that the choices people make can determine their character. The play is filled with key conflicts where characters must choose between what’s right for them and what’s right for others. Brutus has to make a choice between what is best for others and themselves when he finalizes his plans to murder Caesar. Brutus states that he is not personally offended by Caesar, but rather the general. He decides to assassinate Caesar to protect Rome and its representative government. Brutus chooses to act in a way that is beneficial for the Roman people and government, despite risking his reputation and safety. He put the needs of others before his own. And he understood the dangers of assassinating Caesar. Brutus is also close to Caesar, so he knows killing him will betray their relationship. He is aware of the fact that he puts Rome’s security and success before his own. Brutus fiercely defends Portia and refuses to inform her of the plot to kill Caesar despite Portia begging for him to make “her” aware of [his] grief (2.1.271). Brutus is not interested in putting Portia at risk or worrying her. Brutus understands that he could suffer personally as a result his choice to help in the assassination of Caesar, but he also knows he can’t expect Portia to go through the same. Although Brutus does not care that Portia will be in danger as a result of his actions, he tries to make her feel comfortable by ensuring that she remains unaware of what her husband is doing. Although he loves both Portia, and Caesar, he will risk them both for Rome. However, the difference is that Portia is protected, while he agrees to betray Caesar for the sake of Rome. Brutus’ character is redefined by these moments, which portray him as a loyal and selfless friend to his family and the Roman Republic. Antony must also decide whether to act selfishly or selflessly when Octavius comes to Rome. Antony says to Octavius, “Let [their] allies be combined” in order to defeat Cassius and Brutus (4.1.47). Antony works first with Octavius, when he forms the triumvirate. They also lead Rome. But their partnership is motivated by other reasons. Antony’s alliance with Octavius ensures him a powerful position after the battle. He does this so he will either be a part the triumvirate, or Octavius if he wishes to become the sole Roman Emperor. Antony could have intended to win the war and build up his army. This would be less selfish. It may seem like a selfish choice, or merely a strategic one. But it changes the way people view Antony. In the play, both Brutus & Antony make morally challenging choices that reveal their characters. Shakespeare demonstrates to the audience how a person’s character impacts their decisions. Thus, a character is defined by the choices they have made in the past.

In Julius Caesar, the political conflict shows that political decisions are more complex than choosing between correct or incorrect options. Shakespeare uses his use of this metaphor to show that leaders are free to choose what they believe is the best option, since there’s no one right answer. The idea of this is introduced subtly in the scene where Julius Caesar is encouraged to be Rome’s sole leader. Casca explains to Cassius that senators want to make Caesar a king (1.3.90). Brutus along with the other conspirators think that Caesar’s reign and the end to the Republic will be disastrous for Rome. Caesar may become king. Or he may not. There are no known, definite outcomes for either possibility. It is impossible to predict which option will lead Rome into the future. Rome’s people and leaders can only make subjective predictions about the future of Caesar, each one being unique. Shakespeare uses the uncertainty of politics to show how complex political decisions are and how politicians decide based on the best decision they think is possible because they can’t see the result of their actions. Julius Caesar’s ending shows this to be true. At the end, neither Antony or Caesar get the result they expected. Casca tells Brutus & Cassius he “saw Mark Antony / offering [Caesar] a king” at the Feast of Lupercal. Antony is indicating his preference for Caesar’s rule. Antony thinks that Caesar being king will benefit Rome and Antony. They oppose Caesar because they are afraid that he would make Rome “stand in awe of one man” (2.1.52). Conspirators think that the Roman Republic’s end will harm the Roman people as well as the Roman government. Caesar is murdered before he could take the throne. But his nephew Octavius succeeds Caesar after he defeats Brutus Cassius. The play fails to live up to the expectations that were set at the start. The play’s final result shows how unpredictable and fragile politics can be. Antony, the conspirators, and others have a vision of the future they believe is best for Rome and them. They base their decisions on this vision, no matter how unrealistic or fantastic it may seem. The characters base their decisions on their values and opinions because they can’t be sure which option will end up being more advantageous. Shakespeare uses Caesar’s imminent rule to demonstrate the uncertainty of politics. His characters don’t face simple right-or-wrong issues, but rather complex ones with multiple options that can have different outcomes.

Shakespeare uses the assassination of Julius Caesar to show the complex relationship between political leaders’ character and their decisions. Shakespeare shows that the character of a political leader has a strong impact on their decisions. Julius Caesar shows, despite the fact that it’s not always apparent, that decisions made in politics are usually based on the morals of the people making them. Antony has a selfish nature and is driven by a desire to power. The political decisions he makes are a reflection of his character. It is his desire for power that explains the fact that he prefers to work with powerful leaders like Caesar and Octavius. Antony’s self serving tendencies enable the audience’s interpretation of his political choices. From his point of view, he is making the best political choices. Brutus’s personality is also a strong influence on his politics. Brutus was shown to be loyal and obedient. Caesar’s death is a result of his loyalty to Rome. In a subsequent battle, his loyalty to the Roman Republic led to him opposing Antony Octavius. Brutus has a strong commitment to ensuring political stability in Rome. He tends to be adamant about his decisions and beliefs. In addition, he is selfless by putting himself in danger for the Roman Republic. Even though he could die as a result, he kills Caesar because it is what he believes to be the most effective way to help Rome. His loyality and selflessness influence his ideas and beliefs, leading him make decisions that he thinks are right for others and to act accordingly, regardless of how they may affect him. He puts his own life at risk to ensure the success of the republic, but he only considers the consequences for those who are close to him. It is evident that Brutus, as well as Antony, both have a strong character which influences their political decisions and contributions. Their character traits have all had a significant impact on their decisions, and the audience is led to believe that it’s nearly impossible to make a political decision without allowing personal beliefs to influence their judgement. Leaders make their decisions based on the things they know, what they want and expect. Their character traits are a major influence. The character of a leader determines their decisions.