Julius Caesar was first performed in 1599. It is one of Shakespeare’s History Plays, although it is worth mentioning that fiction supersedes fact, and it is this which seems to have created the plays powerful resonance with audiences all over the world. Like so many plays Julius Caesar fits into more than one genre, and the play is also considered to be a tragedy.
Interestingly, in 1583, when Shakespeare was aged nineteen, there was a conspiracy to murder Queen Elizabeth which was concocted near Shakespeare’s home in Warwickshire. Furthermore, the man selected to commit the murder was married to a member of Shakespeare’s mother’s family. It is possible that this detail in Shakespeare’s past could have sparked his keen interest in assassination.
Synopsis of The Play
Julius Caesar tells the story of the plot to murder the Roman ruler. Although, it is clearly a play about the murder of a head of state, it also illustrates the struggle of the senators to maintain the state which they have founded. Frequently the conspirators claim that their reason for killing Caesar is a noble act, with the sole aim of preventing a dictatorship. Their believe is further entrenched by the ritualistic murder, in which they indicate it is more of a cleansing than a killing.
All of the conspirators seem to be striving for the same goal. It is fair to say, however, that Cassius has an ulterior motive. Undoubtedly, part of his motivation is revenge. However, broadly speaking all of the assassins one very simple drive, which is to outdo their peers.
As with most of Shakespeare’s plays there is an ambivalence about Julius Caesar. Shakespeare does not seem to make a judgement about the rights and wrongs of the assassination. The audience is left to moralise about the characters actions.
Another interesting facet of this play is the use of portents, visions and dreams. Many of which have an animalistic theme. It could be argued that this emphasises the basic primeval motivations which drive the actions of the characters.
Et Tu Brute?
Brutus is possibly the most interesting character within the play. He wrestles with his duty to Caesar versus a conviction that he is becoming a tyrant. Cassius cleverly manipulates Brutus into believing that Caesar is a hugely ambitious and a danger to the state. With this in mind, it could be said that Cassius resembles Iago from Othello.
Undoubtedly it is Brutus who goes on the rollercoaster of emotions and it is ultimately his compliance with the conspirators, which is the catalyst for Caesar’s murder. All of the characters of the play are complex, but this is especially true of Brutus, who of all the assassins commit’s the biggest betrayal.
Marc Antony
Brutus’ counterpoint is Marc Antony. The speech patterns and styles of the pair are vastly different, as if to illustrate this point further. Both characters are excellent orators, demonstrated by their monologues to the populace. It is Marc Antony, however, who with subtle and clever use of language persuades the people that Caesar was unjustly killed.
Julius Caesar is a fascinating play, which explores themes far broader than just regicide. It questions the difficulties of leadership, loyalty, the limits of friendship and the consequences of actions. It is one of Shakespeare’s shorter works, especially for a tragedy. It is moves at a very quick pace and is certainly action-packed.
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