Literary Criticism Of Julius Caesar

When the title of a play is Julius Caesar, you tend to think the play is going to be centered around Julius Caesar. Even though Julius Caesar isn 't entirely about the tragedy of Caesar, the plot suggests a deeper meaning. Shakespeare 's play, Julius Caesar balances the struggle between the ideals of the Roman morality and the looming threat of tyrannical rage as illustrated by the historical figure, Caesar. The play opens amid a celebration for the victor of Rome, Julius Caesar, fresh from victory against his archenemy Pompey. Flavius and Murellus, two tribunes, enter the street, where they are greeted by various commoners on their way to celebrate Caesar. Flavius and Murellus are angered by this and order the commoners to return home …show more content…
Caesar is attending festival with his friends, which included military figures Brutus, Cassius, and Antony. He is chatting with them when a Soothsayer unexpectedly runs up and says "beware the Ides of March." Caesar looks at the Soothsayer with great disdain and subsequently dismisses the warning. While Caesar continues to celebrate with his adoring followers, Brutus and Cassius have a foreshadowing conversation. Cassius is troubled, blames Brutus for being distant, and explains how he thinks Caesar is wrongfully acting like a king. Cassius is angered that Caesar is treated like a god though he is no better than anyone, including Cassius and Brutus. Without being very blunt, Cassius suggests that perhaps Brutus should lead Rome. Brutus understands Cassius 's intent, but he is also a friend of Caesar, so he advises against rushing into quick decisions. They run into Casca, a friend and ally, who reports that Antony has offered Caesar the crown three times. Casca is very upset, because every time the crown was offered to him, Caesar would pretend he didn 't actually want it. This made the crowd (the already adoring crowd) love him even …show more content…
His wife, Calphurnia, won 't stop crying and begs him to stay home, because she had a bad dream that predicts something awful is going to happen. But Caesar ultimately decides to go to the Capitol, because Decius (one of the conspirators) tells him that he will surely be crowned king that day. Caesar leaves eagerly. Even on the way to his assassination, an old man attempts to give Caesar a letter warning him about the murder plot, but Caesar ignores his efforts. It 's literally like the universe tries to warn Caesar over and over and Caesar ironically never chooses to listen. Once arrived at the Capitol, Caesar begins to tout his own accomplishments to everyone and anyone who will listen. Just as he 's explaining how he is the brightest star in the sky, everyone stabs him to death. The killers venture around Rome assuring everyone that Caesar 's tyranny is over. But, instead of hailing Brutus and Cassius, the citizens erupt in chaos: the current situation is not exactly