The Absence of Loyalty in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Loyalty can typically be viewed in two ways; first, as faithfulness to commitments, obligations, or relationships, or secondly, as faithfulness to a government or leader. Both aspects of this term are showcased in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, although their display is not always obvious. People often tend to brush aside or disregard loyalty. Loyalty is frequently taken for granted and left unappreciated in facile relationships. In Julius Caesar, loyalty is often assumed to be present and active, which greatly contributes to the downfall of Caesar, Cassius, and Brutus, and their relationships with one another.
The most evident illustration of the absence …show more content…
The entirety of the play revolves around Brutus’ infidelity and manipulation of his ties to Caesar. At first, Brutus tries to hide his underlying disobedience, as he showcases when he questions Cassius, “Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, / That you would have me seek into myself / For that which is not in me?” (I.ii.65-67). Although he is always careful to remain stoic, Brutus’ internal conflict between his desire to protect Rome and his desire to remain faithful to Caesar is shown as he converses with Cassius. Eventually, the winner of the emotional civil war starts to prevail as Brutus worries, “What means this shouting? I do fear, the people / Choose Caesar for their king” (I.ii.81-82). Brutus can no longer deny his faltering loyalty to his best friend, Caesar; however, Caesar still …show more content…
While Antony is honoring and respecting Caesar, he subsequently tricks and manipulates Brutus and Cassius. Antony pretends to be on the conspirators’ side following Caesar’s death, when really he just wants to gain their trust enough to get approval on his eulogy. He manipulates them when he meets the still-bloody senators and falsely assures, “I doubt not of your wisdom” (III.i.187). Antony causes Brutus and Cassius to believe that there are no hard feelings and that he has proclaimed loyalty to the senators. Because of his proclamation, the conspirators grant Antony, who quickly becomes a masterful manipulator, a speech at Caesar’s funeral. He then deceives the conspirators and betrays their trust when he weeps to the plebians, “My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, / And I must pause till it come back to me” (III.ii.104-105). When Antony declares this, he is swearing his never-ending loyalty to his beloved mentor and friend. Antony proves that it is not safe to assume that people will always be true to their word. If Brutus had been sensible enough to realize that Antony may not be completely loyal like he claims to be, Antony may not have been successful with his manipulation during the eulogy. Rarely is it a good idea to assume the best of people, no matter how much you want them to be speaking the
Loyalty can typically be viewed in two ways; first, as faithfulness to commitments, obligations, or relationships, or secondly, as faithfulness to a government or leader. Both aspects of this term are showcased in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, although their display is not always obvious. People often tend to brush aside or disregard loyalty. Loyalty is frequently taken for granted and left unappreciated in facile relationships. In Julius Caesar, loyalty is often assumed to be present and active, which greatly contributes to the downfall of Caesar, Cassius, and Brutus, and their relationships with one another.
The most evident illustration of the absence …show more content…
The entirety of the play revolves around Brutus’ infidelity and manipulation of his ties to Caesar. At first, Brutus tries to hide his underlying disobedience, as he showcases when he questions Cassius, “Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, / That you would have me seek into myself / For that which is not in me?” (I.ii.65-67). Although he is always careful to remain stoic, Brutus’ internal conflict between his desire to protect Rome and his desire to remain faithful to Caesar is shown as he converses with Cassius. Eventually, the winner of the emotional civil war starts to prevail as Brutus worries, “What means this shouting? I do fear, the people / Choose Caesar for their king” (I.ii.81-82). Brutus can no longer deny his faltering loyalty to his best friend, Caesar; however, Caesar still …show more content…
While Antony is honoring and respecting Caesar, he subsequently tricks and manipulates Brutus and Cassius. Antony pretends to be on the conspirators’ side following Caesar’s death, when really he just wants to gain their trust enough to get approval on his eulogy. He manipulates them when he meets the still-bloody senators and falsely assures, “I doubt not of your wisdom” (III.i.187). Antony causes Brutus and Cassius to believe that there are no hard feelings and that he has proclaimed loyalty to the senators. Because of his proclamation, the conspirators grant Antony, who quickly becomes a masterful manipulator, a speech at Caesar’s funeral. He then deceives the conspirators and betrays their trust when he weeps to the plebians, “My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, / And I must pause till it come back to me” (III.ii.104-105). When Antony declares this, he is swearing his never-ending loyalty to his beloved mentor and friend. Antony proves that it is not safe to assume that people will always be true to their word. If Brutus had been sensible enough to realize that Antony may not be completely loyal like he claims to be, Antony may not have been successful with his manipulation during the eulogy. Rarely is it a good idea to assume the best of people, no matter how much you want them to be speaking the