Julius Caesar and 1984 Essay Example

1984 and Julius Caesar are interesting commentaries on crowd control and the conspiracy that is required to achieve such widespread change. Both works are critical of mindlessness and encourage thinking for ones’ self and pushing against groupthink. The parallels in both stories are creative explanations of advanced psychology and proves the genius behind both Orwell and Shakespeare’s writing. They use shocking and captivating stories in order to encourage readers to reflect on the original motivations upon achieving the ideals set in place by oneself or others.

Self reflection plays the most important role in both stories. 1984’s premise that Winston, the main character, attempts to rebel against the authoritarian government starts because of his own self reflection. Similarly, the character development in Julius Caesar begins when all those who kill Caesar in order to end an authoritarian regime self-reflect. They begin to feel bad about what they did, so they take it out on others, and in some cases themselves. Self reflection is the gate to the childish, human part of each character. The fronts each character plays seem to drop when they have a moment of personal thought; This can happen after a significant event such as a death or marriage or it can come up simply from the depths of our subconscious. Both Winston and the conspirators seemingly come to the conclusion themselves, which makes it so much more powerful. 

The tale of Julius Caesar is a sad depiction of what Winston is attempting to do in 1984. They overthrow the government, but eventually turn into what they were trying to get rid of in the first place. Winston was never able to get the chance to provide any substantial change to his desolate country,  but if he did would he have gone down the same route? Both stories provide a sort of cyclical nihilism as a looming figure in the background. The idea that even if one’s attempts for change are seen through, society simply adapts and not much is changed in the minds of those meant to be affected. Brutus convinces himself that killing Caesar is morally right in order to make Rome a better place. Using Brutus’ logic, if Winston were to kill a top figure in the government in order to start a revolution, may justify the action to himself? The question of the morality of consequentialism is another similarity in both stories. They are both justified in doing actions that might seem immoral for the greater good, however the cycle continues regardless.

The weight of responsibility each character takes on in both stories is overwhelming. The downfall in each character starts as the requests of the responsibilities they take on start to show their faces. They have too much on their shoulders that when they are unable to fulfill one aspect of their responsibilities, it snowballs. Both the conspirators and Winston are overconfident in their abilities. Despite the nobility in their actions, both Winston and the new leaders of Rome fall short in all aspects of their revolutionary conquest. Both stories end with the reader being upset, frustrated and wanting to yell out at them. The captivation in these pieces of literature are not from their ability to describe beautiful actions and heroes at work, but the harsh, empty and soul crushing reality of an unapologetic real society. 

Both Orwell and Shakespeare’s writing is amazing. Their ability to tell important stories with real and relevant moral questions sets them apart from any normal author. Although they are attempting to describe similar concepts their individuality and distinct styles differentiate them significantly. Orwell and Shakespeare, although from different eras, came to a similar conclusions on some key points; The critique of the change in society new or old is necessary for a progressive and evolving society.