The Tragedy Of Julius Caesar As A Tragedy

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Recommended: Interpretations of Aristotle's definition of tragedy

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar was in fact a tragedy by Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. Aristotle defined tragedy as a tragic hero with a serious flaw leading to their downfall, bringing with it emotions. The events in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar follow Aristotle’s tragedy definition. In the play, Caesar’s character’s belief of self-immortality and ambition to rule Rome in a tyrannical governing form led to his downfall. Brutus also suffered a downfall that would classify him as tragic hero according to Aristotle. The plot of Caesar’s downfall and after his death added to the tragedy of the play. Thought within the play further proved the Tragedy of Julius Caesar to be, in fact, a tragedy by Aristotle’s definition, rather than a historical play.
Following along Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy in which the tragedy deals with a vey serious issue of great magnitude, Julius Caesar’s downfall fits the description. The character of Caesar held great arrogance and a sense of immortality. His hubris, fitting Aristotle’s description of a tragedy, led directly to his downfall, evoking emotion with it. Throughout the epic, Julius Caesar was noticeably arrogant and believed himself better and stronger than all else. For example, when telling Calpurnia not to fear for his life after her bad dream, Caesar said, “Caesar shall be a beast without a heart… No, Caesar shall not: danger knows full well- That Caesar is more dangerous than he: - We are two lions litter’d in one day, - And I the elder and more terrible: - And Caesar shall go forth.”(2.2.41). The quote of Caesar displays his belief that he is immortal and great in power as he ignored Calpurnia’s dreams of his murder. Caesar’s hubris can also be found in his disregarding of the sooths...

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...nd constant plot, and evokes a catharsis of emotions as Aristotle stated must be present in order to classify a particular play as a tragedy. With all of the necessary stages of a tragedy according to Aristotle met, Julius Caesar, the play, is in fact a tragedy. Within the play, the characters meet the four main qualities of the characters in a tragedy. The plot of Julius Caesar also contains the four necessary requirements of a strong tragedy plot, including unity of plot, peripety, discovery, and an evil deed that must be overcome in the play. Thought in the play particularly stood out as well, due to Shakespeare writing what was needed to be spoken at the correct times and making sense within the words’ contexts. With all this under consideration and all of the requirements for a tragedy to be a tragedy according to Aristotle met, Julius Caesar is a tragedy play.

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