Appearance Vs Reality In Julius Caesar Research Paper

“A weed is no more than a lower in disguise”-James Russell Lowell. Appearance versus reality is a literary theme that has been embraced by writers for generations. William Shakespeare, one of the world’s most brilliant writers often uses this theme.Throughout many of his literary works, Shakespeare uses the theme of appearance versus reality , to mask a character’s true intentions, only to be revealed later on in the play. In his play, Julius Caesar, Shakespeare reveals that, while people and circumstances appear one way, there are frequently hidden motives or a deeper meaning beneath the visible surface. Brutus maintains an apparent friendship with Caesar while planning the conspiracy and Antony proclaims an illegitimate allegiance with Brutus and the other conspirators following the death of Caesar. Furthermore, Cassius befriends Brutus with the supposed intentions of joining forces to overthrowing Caesar the corrupt leader. As well as, Antony’s proclaimed allegiance to Brutus and Cassius following caesar’s death .The purpose of appearance versus reality in literature is to strategically create a layered story as well create plot twists.

From the play’s very beginning there are individuals

whose intentions and actions are not made apparent to the audience. Marcus Brutus is among these individuals. Conserving his friendship with Caesar regardless of his duties as a member of the anti-Caesar conspiracy. In act 1 scene 2 of the play, Brutus’ friendship with Caesar appears genuine to audience members, as the two men discuss the outburst of a soothsayer during Caesar’s victory parade. As the play progresses the audience learn of Brutus’ true feelings towards Caesar, as he and Cassius discuss their leaders integrity. Brutus remains friends with caesar to uphold an element of normality and divert any suspicion from himself and his fellow conspirators. On the morning of the Ides of March, Brutus and Casca, along with every member of the conspiracy, travel to caesar’s residence and persuade him to attend the senate meetings later in the day. To caesar, the action is one of camaraderie and solidarity. In reality, the men came to confirm caesar’s presence at the Capitol later in the day in order for their plans to murder caesar to come into reality. In summary, the attitudes of Brutus and the conspirators before the assassination of caesar are proof of the use of appearance versus reality in the play.

The mysterious blossom of friendship between Cassius and Brutus in the first act of the play, is sheer confirmation of the use of appearance versus reality in the play.

In Act 1 scene 2, Cassius shows signs of compassion for Brutus following the return of Caesar from battle . Through the eyes of Brutus, Cassius’ concern appears genuine. Brutus truly believes every word Cassius says regarding his character in the eyes of the Roman people , as well as Caesar’s integrity as the leader of Rome. In reality, Cassius strategically planned the conversation in efforts to turn Brutus against Caesar and recruit Brutus as a member of the conspiracy. In brief, the reasoning behind the sudden blossom of friendship between Cassius and Brutus is an example of appearance versus

reality.

Antony’s specious proclamation of allegiance to Brutus and the other conspirators, was a clear example of the use of appearance versus reality by Shakespeare in the play. In the first scene of the third act of the play, Antony sends a servant to the Capitol to make known his new allegiance to Brutus and the conspirators. Through the eyes of the conspirators Antony’s words are genuine. Brutus believes every word Antony says and sees no reason to question him. Cassius on the other hand appears more skeptical of Antony’s sudden change of heart. In reality, Antony’s proclamation was completely insincere and served only as a distraction and a way to gain popularity amongst the Roman people, and later turn them against the conspirators. In a word, Antony’s proclamation of allegiance to conspirators, revealed to the audience another example the use of appearance versus reality in the play.

In retrospect, through Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar , sheer patterns are made known to the audience using the theme of appearance versus reality . Where people and circumstances may appear one way, only to later reveal hidden motives or a deeper meaning beneath the surface. Such as, the friendship of Brutus and Caesar in spite of Brutus’ affiliation with Cassius a member of the conspiracy to overthrow Caesar. Also, the reasoning behind the sudden blossom of friendship between Cassius and Brutus. Then, Antony’s proclamation of allegiance to conspirators following Caesar’s death . Appearance versus reality gives playwrights as well as authors the ability to show an audience/readers that even in fictional creations things may not always be the way they seem.