Julius Caesar Themes

Betrayal-

Betrayal is a knife to the heart, and to betray some one close to you is that much more significant.

This picture is illustrating how Brutus betrays Caesar. Brutus was one of Caesar's closest friends and it hurt the most to Caesar when Brutus stabbed him.

"For Brutus, as you know was Caesar's angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! This was the most unkindest cut of all; For when the noble Caesar saw him stab, Ingratitude, more strong then traitors' arms... " (Shakespeare, 3.2, 180-185). This quote is demonstrating how When Brutus Stabs Caesar he is betraying him because Caesar thought they were friends. So to Caesar it was the worst wound of them all.

" 'Upon condition Publius shall not live, Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony.' 'He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him' " (Shakespeare, 4.1, 4-6). In this quote, Antony is talking with Lepidus. Lepidus says that he is okay with his brother dying as long as Antony's nephew also dies. Antony is betraying his family by allowing his nephew to be killed.

When Brutus comes out and after he talks to the Plebeians they say: "Live, Brutus! Live, Live!" (Shakespeare, 3.2 47). Then after Antony talks to the Plebeians they say, "We'll burn the house of Brutus" (Shakespeare, 3.2, 232). The Plebeians are betraying Brutus because at first they think that he is the good guy but then they go against what they said before and decide that Brutus is not the good guy.

Ambition-

Though ambition may be the force propelling one towards accomplishment, it may still get you killed along the way.

This picture is showing how someone can bite off more than they can chew. Like how Brutus decided to kill Caesar but didn't realize all that would come with it... He eventually dies.

"But, alas, Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends, Let's kill him boldly" (Shakespeare, 2.1, 170-172). In this passage, Brutus is saying that Caesar must die for what he's done. Brutus is being ambitious because he is planning to kill Rome's most loved man. Brutus eventually dies.

"What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king" (Shakespeare, 1.2, 78-79). Brutus is saying here how the Romans might want to make Caesar their king but Brutus thinks that Caesar is ambitious... Both Caesar and Brutus eventually die.

"What should be that in 'Caesar'? Why should that name be sounded more than yours?" (Shakespeare, 1.2, 142-143). Here, Cassius is saying to Brutus, "why should his name be more important than yours?" Cassius wants to kill Caesar because he doesn't want him to become too powerful. Cassius eventually dies.

Selfishness

Selfishness is a weakness; too much focus on oneself leaves the other person vulnerable.

This picture shows how the selfishness of one person can make someone else upset or hurt. Like how Brutus never talked to his wife, and that hurt her so she killed herself.

"And when I asked you what the matter was, you started upon me with ungentle looks. I urged you further; then you scratched your head" (Shakespeare, 2.1, 241-243). In this passage, Portia is talking to Brutus about how he never tells her anything anymore and how it troubles her. Brutus doesn't care about her enough to tell her what is going on with him.

" 'Upon condition Publius shall not live, Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony.' 'He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him" (Shakespeare, 4.1, 4-6). In this section, Lepidus is asking Antony to kill his own nephew. Antony is so concerned with making this list of men who must die that he doesn't even care that he is going to murder his own family. He selfishly made the decision.

"Impatient of my absence, And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony Have made themselves so strong--for with her death That tidings came-- with this she fell distract, And (her attendants absent) swallowed fire" (Shakespeare, 4.3, 150-154). Here Brutus tells Cassius that Portia has died. He says it's because she missed him and that Antony made her so depressed. But it's actually because he didn't pay enough attention to her. She never got the communication with him that she wanted so in response she killed herself by swallowing coals, which is symbolic of her being done with her voice, being done trying to get Brutus to talk.

Loyalty-

One possesses the quality of loyalty by demonstrating acts of trust and support for another.

Loyalty is demonstrated by those who stand by other's sides. Antony displays acts of loyalty to Caesar and even after Caesar's death he wants the others to kill him because it is the best time for him to die.

"O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?

Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,

If I myself, there is no hour so fit

As Caesar's death hour, nor no instrument

Or half that worth as those your swords made rich

With the most noble blood of all this world." (Shakespeare, 3.1, 164-179).

Antony displays his acts of loyalty by telling the others that if they are to kill him, kill him next to the most noble man (Caesar) and with the weapon that shed his most noble blood.

"If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more." (Shakespeare, 3.2, 20-22). Brutus demonstrates his loyalty to Rome by killing Caesar. He believes that taking the power out of Caesar's hands will improve the well-being of Rome.

"Here is the will, and under Caesar's seal. To every Roman citizen he gives, To every several man, seventy-five drachmas" (Shakespeare, 3.3, 240-242). This demonstrates Caesar's loyalty to Rome. By leaving money for every citizen of Rome, he proves his support and loyalty to his country.

Leadership-

Leadership requires many different skill sets, those include taking responsiblity and giving commands to guide others.

Someone who wants to be in charge and is different is a leader. Like how Cassius sparks the idea to kill Caesar, He is the one who leads all the conspirators to get the job done.

"Upon what meat doth this great Caesar feed, That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed! Rome, thou hast lost the breed on noble bloods!" (Shakespeare, 1.2, 149-151). This is when Cassius initially puts the idea into Brutus' head that Caesar is getting too much power. He is sparking the conspiracy ; he is a leader in this.

" Bid the commanders Prepare to lodge their companies tonight" (Shakespreare, 4.3, 136-137). This is Brutus giving a command to Lucilius and Titinius to move their companies. Brutus is a leader in the war between the conspirators and Rome, so he is going to be giving orders.

" 'Beware the ides of March.' 'What man is that?' 'A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.'" (Shakespeare, 1.2, 18-19). The soothsayer is also a leader in the death of Caesar because he is the one who first points out the ides of March.

Quotes

Quotes

By Amalia Netjes, Kristin McConnell,

Kayla Thomas, and Raven Pummill

Julius Caesar Themes