Examples Of Fear In Julius Caesar

To Be Feared

History as revealed that power under the hands of the few has the potential to be the most destructive and also the most unifying force in the world. Many leaders have resorted to peace or fear when unable to balance the two. The option of fear is clearly the best option due to the fact that it ensures the longevity of a ruler’s reign and important relationships. Therefore, Based on the example of Antony in Julius Caesar as well as examples of many other successful leaders throughout history, “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both” because fear guarantees protection of a ruler’s reign and relationships (Machiavelli 1).

In Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, several critical rules are outlined which, according

Therefore, a successful leader must, above all things, “keep his hands off the property of others, because men more quickly forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony” (Machiavelli 3). A subtle example of this can be found towards the conclusion of Antony’s funeral speech when he reads Caesar’s will, “To every Roman citizen he gives, / To every several man, seventy-five drachmas” (Shakespeare III.ii.51). Previous to the reading of the will, the audience does not feel obligated to act upon Caesar’s assassination but after the reading when they discover what they have inherited, do the feel the need to avenge the death of their father figure. A scenario where leaders are seen displaying more beast than man can be found in the actions of Cassius and Brutus, the main proponents in organizing Caesar’s assassination. When Cassius explains himself as to why he wants to kill Caesar he gives no concrete, just reason, he only gives reasoning rooted in jealous, manipulative way, “I was born free as Caesar; so were you: [Brutus]/ We both have fed as well, and we can both/ Endure the winter’s cold as well as he: […]” (Shakespeare I.ii.6). These poor decisions directed by unjust cause ultimately lead to their downfall as seen during and after the speeches said at Caesar’s funeral.