Julius Caesar Theme Essays (1733 words) - , Term Papers

Julius Caesar Theme Act I This first Act contains only three scenes, but each are important for many reasons. It begins with two tribunes, Flavius and Murellus, who scold commoners who parade down the street to celebrate Caesar's victory over Pompey. The two tribunes shame the commoners for celebrating the death of one of Rome's former leaders, and they depart solemnly. On February 15th the festival of Lupecalia is celebrated, and Caesar arrives in the city along with Antony and Brutus. A soothesayer approaches Caesar and tells him to, "Beware the ides of March". Brutus and Cassius remain and converse with one and other. Cassius complains that Caesar has become so powerful that even though he once saved Caesar's life, he must now bow before him. Meanwhile Caesar remarks to Antony that Cassius thinks too much, and that such men are dangerous. Later on, Antony offers Caesar the crown three times, and three times Caesar turns it down. The people worshiped Caesar even more for turning away from the crown. There are many details in Act I that to what will happen in the near future. Act II In this Act, with the help of Brutus, the conspirators come together to seriously form a plan to kill Caesar. It begins with Brutus in his garden who has made up his mind that Caesar must be killed because Caesar is abusing his power and is ascending too far too quickly. The conspirators come to Brutus's house to discuss their plan. After they leave, Brutus's wife Portia begs him to tell her why he's been so upset recently by stabbing herself in the leg. Caesar's wife Calpurnia had a dream where Caesar is murdered, and she convinces him not to go to the Senate that morning. However, Decius arrives at that moment and claims that Caesar would be mocked if he didn't show up. Decius also sarcastically asks if the Senate should be dissolved until Calpurnia has a more favorable dream. Caesar decides to go the Senate and is escorted by the rest of the conspirators along with Antony. Artemidorus has written a letter to Caesar containing the names of all the conspirators, and he plans to give it to Caesar who is on his way to the Senate. The beginning stages of Caesar's assassination have already taken place so the final act is inevitable. Act III This Act can be considered the climax of the play. Caesar is outside of the Senate house with Antony and all of the conspirators when he sees the soothesayer, and tells him that the ides of March have come. The soothesayer responds, "Ay Caesar, but not gone". Next, Artemidorus attempts to give Caesar the letter, but is thwarted by Decius. Then, Trebonious lured Antony away so that he may not interfere with the assassination. Caesar decides not to grant Metellus Cimber's brother release from banishment which creates an uproar of disapproval from many of the conspirators. Finally Casca kneels down and says, "Speak hands for me". They all stab Caesar many times who falls saying, "Et tu, Brute!" Brutus then gives a short speech of finally receiving peace and freedom. Antony's servant then arrives, and tells Brutus that Antony wishes to meet with and learn why it was necessary to kill Caesar. Antony arrives and laments the death of Caesar. Brutus tells him that Caesar was destroying the republic and had to be removed from power. Antony pretends to be convinced, and shakes the hand of each of the conspirators naming them as he shakes their hand. Antony asks for permission to take the body to the marketplace, and show it to the crowd. Brutus decides to give his speech first at the funeral, and allow Antony to speak afterwards, as long as he speaks positively about the conspirators which Antony agrees to. Brutus and Cassius tell the plebeians to follow them to hear why Caesar was murdered. Brutus gives a powerful speech to public and finally asks them if they want him to commit suicide to which they reply, "Live Brutus, live!" Antony gives his speech next. He presents images where Caesar has not been ambitious, and the crowd begins to think that Caesar was wrongly murdered. Antony then reads Caesar's will in which Caesar gives every citizen seventy-five drachmas. This throws the crowd into anger against all who killed Caesar. Next, Octavius's servant arrives and tells Antony that Octavius is waiting for him at Caesar's house. Cinna the poets was wandering through the town, and was attacked by a mob who