Julius Caesar Analysis Essay Example

The play Julius Caesar tells the story of the conspiracy about Rome’s Julius Caesar, his assassination, and the downfall of the conspirators. One discussion amongst the play is whether it was moral or not of the conspirators to assassinate him. However, the conspirators were not justified in killing Caesar because their actions did not concern the greater good of Rome, but rather for selfish reasons instead, and Caesar was not a tyrant as described.

First, while the conspirators say that the assassination of Caesar is to overthrow his tyranny, this claim is not true. For example, Cassius begins to tell stories concerning Caesar’s weaknesses. Cassius states to Brutus, “He had a fever when he was in Spain, And when the fit was on him, I did mark How he did shake. ‘Tis true, this god did shake.” (1.2.126-128). Cassius explains that when Caesar had a fever he shook from it, though being an acclaimed “god”. To support why Caesar is undeserving of power, he exclusively describes Caesar's physical weaknesses. Cassius solely holds resentment and jealousy regarding Caesar’s power and is the purpose of him questioning his strength physically to convince Brutus of his tyranny. Additionally, the conspirators manipulate Caesar’s great friend, Brutus, knowing his love towards Rome and its people and if he is on their side it will make their intentions appear rightful. For instance, Antony acknowledges this reacting to Brutus’ death remarking, “This was the noblest Roman of them all. All the conspirators save only he Did that they envy of great Caesar.” (5.5.74-76). Antony states Brutus’ actions had a purpose, whilst the others had assassinated Caesar out of envy. Antony assures the conspirators’ actions were deceptive because Brutus is manipulated into believing Caesar’s ruling would become a threat to Rome, and is driven by honor.  The conspiracy’s actions were also not reasonable as Caesar was not the threat he was made out to be. 

In addition, though described as a dictatorship, Caesar’s ruling would not be one. As an  example, Casca describes what occurred at the procession saying, “Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than the other; and at every putting-by, mine honest neighbors shouted.” (1.2.239-241). Casca tells that Caesar had been offered the crown three times and refused it every time. Out of humility, Caesar refused the crown and also to show the people of Rome that he is not in a hurry to become king and rid of the Republic. If Caesar’s motives were malicious, he would have then taken the crown and ruled as desired. Furthermore, in Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral, he says, “ He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?” (3.2.97-99). Antony describes that Caesar brought many captives to Rome and made it wealthy, therefore not making him ambitious. To display his capability to be a beneficial ruler, Caesar shows his support toward Rome through his actions. Brutus states Caesar’s ambitions led him to his death, however his actions contradict the ambitions stated. 

In conclusion, the conspirator’s decision leads to their deaths and an era of new rulers. In the end, because their intentions came to be untrue and their claims about Caesar were made false, their actions are not justified. The character’s demeanor causing a tragic ending suggests that people should think before making vital decisions.