The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, the story revolves around the various individuals who would vie for control of the Roman Empire. All of these individuals exhibit various attributes, values, and techniques in order to facilitate this goal, from Cassius’ intelligence, Brutus’ charm and honor, to Antony’s gift to drive a crowd. And although all three desire to become the new strongman leader of Rome, it is Antony who succeeds gaining the most control through his own specific talents, most specifically noted at Caesar’s funeral. At the funeral scene, Antony exhibits several qualities beneficial to a Roman leader, such as oratory and appeasement skills. The dialogue depicted in Act III, scene ii provides a valuable and insightful perspective on how these values were desirable for leadership in the late Roman Republic.

One of these important virtues necessary for rule is the ability to move a large crowd with impressive orating skills. This ability is seen particularly by Brutus in his first speech, as he manages to move the Roman crowd from fear at the assassination to disdain of the now late Julius Caesar. As Brutus spoke to the masses, he made sure to cleverly weigh his loyalty to Caesar to his loyalty to Rome, as he claims, “not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” (III, ii, 23-24). He even more cleverly sets the crowd with himself and against Caesar as he dares those loyal to Rome to challenge his judgement: “Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak, for him have I offended. I pause for a reply” (III, ii, 33-36). Thus, while playing on the crowd’s loyalties and using his love for Rome and...

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...and whipping them into a fury. This ability to appease, employed by Octavius later in history to much success, also characterizes the typical Roman strongman as the primary example of an exceptional leader.

The capability of moving the public with strong words and to gratify their desires are indeed qualities advantageous to being a leader in ancient Rome. As Antony displays, these abilities can set an individual apart from his counterparts and place the upper hand in favor of the person with most control of the general public. Thus, his control of the crowds lends him the power he needs to turn the tables against Brutus and the conspirators, and he succeeds in gaining control of Roman leadership with his beneficial set of talents, abilities, and virtues.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. New York: Folger Shakespeare Library, 1992