Theme Of Soliloquy In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Blaise Pascal’s notion that people are generally better persuaded by the ideas they themselves have discovered rather than those which have been given to them, is evident Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Throughout the play Shakespeare is able to demonstrate this notion through his use of soliloquy. In the opening act, Cassius’ soliloquy conveys his true intentions and ambitions. This is followed by Brutus’ soliloquy, in which Brutus wrestles his decision to join the conspiracy against Caesar. Finally, following Caesar’s death, Antony presents his soliloquy in which he reveals his deceptive nature, and the real reasons behind his actions.
Shakespeare uses Cassius’ soliloquy to demonstrate the notion that people are more easily motivated by their …show more content…
Brutus faces inner turmoil as he meditates on whether he should join the conspiracy. Brutus engages in a soliloquy that strengthens his resolve to assassinate Caesar. Unlike Cassius, Brutus’ decision is not associated with personal gain or power, rather purely driven by is concerns about Rome and the Republican system, “I know no personal cause to spurn at him/But for the general”. Throughout the passage Brutus’ recurring use of a high register in words such as “spurn”, and “scorn,” reveals that he is trying to persuade himself. Brutus laces his soliloquy with understatement, utilising reason rather than passion to consolidate his perspective. Brutus indicates that when Caesar is at the peak of his political and military power he has metaphorically reached a “bright day”. He states, however, through a biblical allusion to evil that these types of days “bring forth the adder. The image of the snake symbolises how benevolence can be corrupted, relegating the “bright day” to a state serving the interest of the sole ruler. Brutus then metaphorically compares Caesar’s rise to power to a person climbing a ladder, criticising his lack of sensitivity, “ when he once attains the upmost round… then unto the ladder turns his back… scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend.” Through this comparison Brutus suggests that Caesar’s thirst for ambition …show more content…
Following Caesar’s death, Antony recognises that his life is in jeopardy, and he is at risk of being murdered by the conspirators. Instead of opposing the conspirator’s actions, he appears to be resigned to Caesar’s death in the hope of saving his own life, and in addition, in the hope of receiving permission to speak in Caesar’s funeral, though inwardly, he is appalled by their decision to murder Caesar. Once Antony is alone with Caesar 's body, he expresses the powerful, turbulent feelings he has been hiding. Antony begins his soliloquy by addressing Caesar’s corpse in the phrase “O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers.” The metaphor creates powerful imagery of Caesar’s body, conveying how Antony had been counterfeiting his true feelings of hatred and desire for revenge. Antony maintains his loyalty to Caesar, and isn’t persuaded by reasons of others, and devises a plan to protect himself against the dangers he is faced by. Antony wishes revenge, and seeks to punish the conspirators for killing Caesar, “A curse shall light upon the limbs of men/ Domestic fury and fierce civil strife/ shall cumber all the parts of Italy”. In his soliloquy, Antony prophesises that a civil war will erupt. The soliloquy presents Antony as a changed man who is now filled with hatred and vengeance. He also