History_Caesar

In Shakespeare’s day, the history of Julius Caesar would have been known similarly as Aboriginal history is known to us in modern day Australian culture. And the relative conflicting perspectives known then are known to the same degree now. From the very beginning of Julius Caesar we are introduced to the townspeople, who are depicted foolish, moronic and easily persuaded. This is a theme continued throughout the play. Some might even suggest that Shakespeare depicted the townspeople this way to offer a sharp contrast to the other characters of Mark Antony, Brutus and Cassius. In the same regard, Shakespeare may have wanted the audience to realise the minimal distinction between the townspeople and Julius Caesar himself. In Scene two of Act one, Cassius tells Brutus a tale of how he saved Caesar when they were younger “Help me Cassius he did cry”, and Cassius goes on to state why should Caesar be dictator of Rome when he faces the same pitfalls as the regular man. Remembering that Roman Emperors must be courageous and fearless, Julius Caesar continues to show weakness in the eyes of Rome. “Tis very like he hath the falling sickness... No, Caesar hath it not, but you, and I” Cassius continues to reaffirm his opinion. The sarcasm used is for the effect of continuing to question Caesar’s ability. Caesar continuously proves to be indecisive when, in a later scene, he is easily persuaded by his wife, and then again by a Roman council member. Cassius’ secret despise and envy towards Caesar is cleverly hidden as Cassius convinces Brutus that Caesar’s assassination is for the good of Rome. Brutus as the founded protagonist is constantly required to overcome larger and larger hurdles as the leader of the conspirators he must deliver the final deathly blow to his friend Julius Caesar, he must convince the people of Rome he did the right thing for the good of Rome, he must lead the fight in the civil war and he must do all of this while maintaining his honour. “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” Due to this fact the audience begins to relate to Brutus as the “honourable man” who without question believes he is doing the right thing for Rome. Mark Antony is the thorn in the conspirator’s plan. From the beginning, when Mark Antony makes peace with the conspirators after Caesar’s death. This in itself has many conflicting messages and meanings. Before shaking hands with the murderers, Antony immerses his hands in Caesar’s blood. On the surface it looks as if Antony is willing to listen to their reasons and form a republican power however, Antony is consciously marking the murderers guilty with the blood of Caesar. With every handshake, one by one, he marks their fate as one of future death.