One of the main themes demonstrated in “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” was fate versus free will. In the play, most of the characters end up succumbing to fate, however Shakespeare still conveys how their fate could have been avoided. Fate was demonstrated through omens and prophecies, while free will was shown through the character’s ability to chose their own future.
For instance, Caesar had been warned about his death by three different people. Most notably, Calpurnia predicted Caesar’s and insisted that he stay at home. Caesar initially listens to Calpurnia, but he later changes his mind and declares, “How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia! I am ashamed I did yield to them” (III, ii, 105-106). Caesar allowed his pride to overcome him and blind his reasoning. By ignoring Calpurnia’s warning and going to the Capitol, Caesar succumbed to his fate. Shakespeare emphasizes how Caesar could have let go of his pride and chosen not to go to the Capitol. Because of his decision, he …show more content…
After Antony’s speech, the plebeians feel betrayed by Brutus and are anxious, since they realized that the state of the Roman Empire was in the hands of corrupt individuals. They form a mob to purge Rome of its corrupted conspirators and attack Cinna the poet, who merely shares the name of a conspirator. Cinna tries to declare his innocence, however a plebeian exclaims, “It is no matter, his name’s Cinna; pluck his heart and turn him going” (III, iii, 33-34). Despite Cinna’s innocence, the mob brutally murder him in a frenzy. Instead of listening to Cinna or considering the situation, the mob was so blinded by fear that they disregarded their humanity and attacked. Ultimately, the plebeians were so fixated on eradicating the evil that failed to notice the flaws within themselves. Shakespeare conveys man’s vulnerability to fear and its ability to drive people to make irrational
For instance, Caesar had been warned about his death by three different people. Most notably, Calpurnia predicted Caesar’s and insisted that he stay at home. Caesar initially listens to Calpurnia, but he later changes his mind and declares, “How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia! I am ashamed I did yield to them” (III, ii, 105-106). Caesar allowed his pride to overcome him and blind his reasoning. By ignoring Calpurnia’s warning and going to the Capitol, Caesar succumbed to his fate. Shakespeare emphasizes how Caesar could have let go of his pride and chosen not to go to the Capitol. Because of his decision, he …show more content…
After Antony’s speech, the plebeians feel betrayed by Brutus and are anxious, since they realized that the state of the Roman Empire was in the hands of corrupt individuals. They form a mob to purge Rome of its corrupted conspirators and attack Cinna the poet, who merely shares the name of a conspirator. Cinna tries to declare his innocence, however a plebeian exclaims, “It is no matter, his name’s Cinna; pluck his heart and turn him going” (III, iii, 33-34). Despite Cinna’s innocence, the mob brutally murder him in a frenzy. Instead of listening to Cinna or considering the situation, the mob was so blinded by fear that they disregarded their humanity and attacked. Ultimately, the plebeians were so fixated on eradicating the evil that failed to notice the flaws within themselves. Shakespeare conveys man’s vulnerability to fear and its ability to drive people to make irrational