Julius Caesar was a very ambitions man, had he not been he would have never become the most powerful man in those days. He was ambitious of fame, fortune, power and control. Caesar was a man with cleverness in politics, generalship; he was a great orator and writing in such extend that he was called a genius. (Flattery) Caesar ambition of power began when he join forces with Pompey and Lacinius which “they became the most powerful senators in Rome in 60 B.C” (Literature and its times: Joyce Moss and George Wilson). They would support each other’s goals but when one of them is killed the alliance start to fail, and is Caesar who want to save it. Caesar’s willingness to solidify the relationship with Pompey is a clear sign that he wanted not …show more content…
Calphurnia his wife on the other hand has more sense; she believes the senate is against her husband. The night prior to the triumph celebration for Caesar Calphurnia dreams that the statue of Caesar is full of blood. She has the premonition that something will happen to her husband. “You shall not stir out of your house today”. (Calphurnia) “I should go says Caesar, the things that threatened me they behind me, when they see my face they disappear.”(Caesar) Caesar’s words to his wife are of arrogance; as if he was saying he is a God and nothing will happen to him. But Calphurnia insist and convinced him to stay. But then it is Decius who had agreed to go for Caesar to bring him to the Senate House; Decius will have to convince Caesar to attend and he appeals to Caesar’s flattery, which is Cesar’s best quality. Decius interprets Calphurnia’s dream completely the opposite; “it was a vision of fair and fortune. Your statue spouting blood in many pipes in which so many smiling Romans bathe, signifies that from you great Rome shall suck Reviving Blood, and that great men shall press for tinctures, stains, relics and cognizance.”(Act two, scene two). Decius tells Caesar that what will happened some day is that the Romans will use his blood for medicine, they immortalize him in portraits, relics and ultimately in knowledge. The senate knows that flattery is Caesar’s downfall and Decius has done his job to get him to attend his own
Julius Caesar however, did enjoy his standing power which could be construed as an unfavorable account to his political image, which was quoted as such in the article “This act, along with his continual effort to adorn himself with the trappings of power, turned many in the Senate against him.”(The Assassination of Julius Caesar, 44 BC) This power which Caesar possessed could have given him an inherent selfish attitude and support the outcome that Caesar was egocentric. In an article written called “Plutarch: The Assassination of Julius Caesar, From Marcus Brutus (excerpts) Translated by John Dryden, the account of the assassination was similar. This article shows that Julius Caesar very much in power and needing to be stopped for the betterment of the Republic of Rome due to his arrogant leadership was essential. His political agenda was longing in power and control, however Caesar still had followers who conceded in his proposal or else too scared to take opposition. An article written and titled “Julius Caesar: Historical Background” shows facts very similar to
Julius Caesar (July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC) was a Roman general, statesman, Consul, and author of Latin prose. He played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. On March 15 44 B.C.E, the Roman dictator Julius Caesar was murdered. There are multiple accounts of this incident, while all accounts came after the death of Caesar, the writing on the incident portray Julius Caesar to have been a selfish dictator.
For thousands of years people have been talking about the great powerful Caesar. He is one of the greatest known dictators known to people today mostly because of all of the things he was able to accomplish during his rein as emperor. After reading primary sources about Caesar, it has given me a better understanding of what other people thought of him during this time period. It’s safe to say that Caesar was obsessed with power and respect from other people that would explain his thirst for war and land, which is one of his greatest strengths and helped in making Rome a great empire.
Gaius Julius Caesar, born 100 B.C.E. in Rome to the impoverished patrician Julian Clan, knew controversy at an early age. Nephew to Populare Gaius Marius, he was earmarked by the Optimate dictator Sulla for prosciption after his refusal to divorce his Populare wife, Cinna. Fleeing Rome, and not returning until after Sulla’s resignation in 78 B.C.E, upon his return he gained a position as a pontificate, an important Roman priesthood. Slowly but surely throughout his lifetime he worked his way up the political ladder, eventually becoming Consul, and finally Dictator Perpeteus – Dictator for life. One of the most influential political and military leaders of all time, Caesar was also a highly intelligent man and an exceptional orator. However, acquiring this absolute power was no mean feat, and Caesar had well equipped himself through previous expeditions with all the resources necessary to gain power in Ancient Rome.
Much of Rome perceives Caesar as a superior being and immortal, but Cassius holds a contrasting perspective of Caesar. There is a point in his story where Caesar is crying for help, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!” (111). Cassius also reveals a time when Caesar fell ill in Spain and how Caesar was completely taken over by this sudden sickness, “And when the fit was on him, I did mark/ How he did shake-’tis true, this god did shake,” (120-121). Cassius tells of Caesar’s weakest points, exposing moments in which Caesar does not seem godly at all. By illustrating the time in which Caesar fell ill Cassius proves that Caesar is not a celestial because become gods do not become ill, only normal citizens do. Cassius diminishes Caesar’s godly nature by illustrating how this great immortal being, cannot swim or can become terribly ill, just as any other commoner. Cassius, by exposing these moments in Caesar’s life, demonstrates to Brutus that Caesar is not fit to be a leader and is not the god Romans perceive him to be; his actions create a different person than his words. This supports Cassius’ point that Caesar is not fit to be a leader because Caesar is deceiving the people of Rome. Cassius continues to elaborate on his episode when he informs Brutus that he was crying for others to bring him water, “Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans/Mark him, and write his speeches in their books,/Alas it cried, ‘Give me some drink, Titinius” (125-127). The great Caesar, whom others admire and document his words, is now begging for a drink to help him recover from the sudden illness. Cassius emphasizes how Caesar is not divine since he cannot manage sudden, challenging events. He reveals how Caesar whose words can persuade the citizens of Rome is now begging for someone to help him. This diminishes his godly nature because it demonstrates how weak Caesar can become in an instant.
Ambition Over Honor “As the dew falls on quenchless sand, blood only serves to wash ambition’s hands”(Byron). In Don Juan, Lord Byron recognised that ambition leads to ramifications in society. Julius Caesar, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, and Vladimir Putin are examples of ambition’s effects on society. Vain, self-glorified, covetous, and corrupt, these men were or are ambitious. Their ulterior motives led to deaths, totalitarian regimes, and scandals ultimately affecting society negatively.
Julius Caesar was one of the most important political and military leaders in the history of Rome, with many major achievements. Caesar is known to have never lost a single war. His most honorable conquests include the capture of Gaul that extended the Rome boundaries to the Atlantic Ocean; and the Roman invasion of Britain. Julius was also a historian and an incredible orator. He authored many comprehensive journals, named Commentaries that provided the details of his military campaign. Caesar is also said to have produced Acta Diurna, which is the first newspaper that let the public know about the actions of the Assembly and the Senate. He was a successful statesman and changed several laws for the wellbeing if the public. He was the one who fixed the calendar because the days weren’t in pace with the seasons and suggested the science behind it. He was clearly one of the most important political and military leaders in the history of Rome
Decius shames Caesar furthermore by adding, “‘Break up the senate till another time / When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams’ / If Caesar hide himself shall they not whisper / ’Lo, Caesar is afraid?’”(II.ii.98-101). Cesar comprehends that his wife is a complete fool for even considering this obscure plan of staying there. Caesar 's greed and self respect gets the better of him, however, is clueless on how horrid the ceremony will go for him; his faults will get the better of
In a well functioning republic, the leaders must listen to all that the people say and not do whatever he wishes. This part of the play displays Caesar’s sexism but also his lack of thought for others concerns that is similar to a tyrant view. Lastly, Caesar shows arrogance subtly through his words to make himself feel powerful. When Calpurnia warns Caesar of her visions, Caesar starts speaking in third person that personally seems like the zenith of someone being supercilious. “Caesar shall forth. The things that threatened me/Ne’er looked but on my back; when they shall see/ The face of Caesar, they are vanishéd.” (II.ii.10-11). Caesar basically says that because he is so great and powerful he will never be defeated. He also talks in third person which is quite arrogant of a leader to do. Whenever people feel too anxious for leadership they may let it all go to their head, another reason why he turned into a tyrant. People need to watch for tyrannical or corrupt politicians as they can get too power hungry and cannot be
Known as a general, a political icon, a dictator, and, to some, even king, Caesar had many honors and titles. After defeating Pompey’s sons, Caesar was named dictator for life. Soon after, he was offered the position of king. Because of the Romans hatred for kings, he refused. (Gruen, 13). Julius Caesar was considered “supreme over all” (Combee, 95).
In the following scene, Caesar is set to receive his crown. The night before, Calpurnia sees bad omens, and hopes that Caesar will stay home. On the other hand, the conspirators are planning the assassination of Caesar at the Capitol, and they need him there to receive his fate. Knowing Caesar well, Decius urges Caesar to go to the Capitol and receive his crown. Using various rhetorical devices, Calpurnia attempts to urge Caesar to stay home, while Decius tries to get Caesar to the Capitol.
Motivation can cause people to work hard and win a state championship, but it can also cause people to kill. Motivation can be defined as an internal state of a person that drives them to action for the purpose of reaching a target goal. William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is a tragic drama that shows a huge variety of the different motives that fuel each character. Readers see what motivates each character, and how far that motivation takes them. Whether they are motivated by malice, jealousy, revenge, or loyalty, each character has their own incentives for their actions. Whatever motives they may have, readers see how these motives drive Cassius, Brutus, and Antony to extreme measures, and how this leads to tragic deaths in the end.
Julius Cesar was a man of many accomplishments. He was either loathed or loved, with no middle ground. His death came by the hands of his Senate, including people he trusted. There are no direct records of his assassination but there are “firsthand” accounts that were written after the event occurred. How he came to his death is known and stays consistent through many records. What greatly differs is how he is depicted in the reading, he was either a model politician or he was a selfish dictator.
Greed can disrupt a family, town, or even a country. The play "Julius Caesar" was a great example of the power of greed. In the play "Julius Caesar" the driving forces were Cassius, Brutus, Marc Antony, and Octavius Caesar. Cassius was the brother in-law of Brutus and was also the creator of the group of conspirators. Cassius was also a senator of Rome. Cassius's greed for power, good reputation, and his jealousy lead to Caesars death. Cassius had the most honorable man in Rome to help in his plot to kill Caesar. Brutus was the honorable roman which Cassius took control of. Brutus loved Rome and all of the Roman people. Brutus was actually the true leader of the conspirators because he made the important decisions. Brutus had a different motivation for killing Caesar. The conspirators killed Julius Caesar because they were worried that if Caesar had succeeded in becoming king all the conspirators would lose their power. Brutus's motive for killing Julius Caesar was his fear of Caesar destroying the city of Rome. Mark Antony was a regular Roman citizen, who was good friends with Julius Caesar. After Julius Caesar's death, Marc Antony recited a speech at Julius Caesar's funeral to all the people of Rome. The speech caused the plebeians to destroy everything in sight. It was by his speech that Marc Antony got his revenge towards Brutus and Cassius. Octavius Caesar was the nephew of Julius Caesar. When he got to Rome he and Marc Antony teamed up to fight against the forces of Brutus and Cassius. It was at Brutus and Cassius's last battle where Octavius and Marc Antony succeeded in their plan.
Ambition is defined as a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Some may look at this to as a bad thing or a good thing. Some may say that i moderation it is fine. For example, in Julius Caesar, Brutus kills Caesar for having too much ambition. A tragic fall is considered when the main character lets something less than what they are bring them down. When they let their flaw get to them and drive them towards their own demise. The reason people see this is a bad thing is because it can lead to making the person do bad things that will result in possibly dangerous consequences. The reason why some may think ambition is good is because sometimes it is the only thing motivating someone