Examples Of Manipulation In Julius Caesar

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Julius Caesar is ironically known most infamously for his assassination. The series of events that led up to it showcased the theme throughout the entire play, that theme being manipulation and deception. The theme of manipulation and deception is made most evident through the organization of conflict throughout the play, ranging from Cassius attempting to persuade Brutus in joining the Conspirators, to getting Caesar to the Capitol after Calpurnia's dream, and finally Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral. Cassius’ plan of persuasion was essential to the finalizing of his main plan of killing Caesar and it’s strength. He is the first character we witness in the play who uses manipulation for his own self-benefit. In Act 1 Scene ii, Cassius …show more content…
He then proceeds to say that he “had as lief not be as live to be In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar.” (Shakespeare, 6) By comparing a normal man to Caesar through telling stories of his past with Caesar, Cassius shows Brutus that Caesar had weaknesses just as the rest of the men, meaning anyone would be fit for his role. To …show more content…
However, at that same time, Calpurnia had demanded Caesar to stay at home after her dreadful dream of his death. At this point, Decius, a conspirator, had arrived to fulfill his duty of escorting Caesar to the Capitol. The theme of manipulation comes in at this point as Decius tells Caesar that his wife's dream was “all amiss interpreted.” and that it was not a sign of death but of “fair and fortunate.” (Shakespeare, 31) By sharing this interpretation with Caesar, Decius has begun his act of deception. To complete it, he also shares that the Senate planned on giving the crown to Caesar, and that if he didn’t show out of sickness, they would see him unfit to rule. This point is emphasized as his “ trusted friend”, Brutus, and Conspirators show up to make sure the job had been done successfully. Thankfully it had been, and Caesar went to the Capitol only to be stabbed in the back by Brutus and all those who he thought were his

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