Examples Of Betrayal In Julius Caesar

Betrayal is a theme that has been addressed in literature since people began writing. One example of a play that deals with betrayal is Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. In the play, the character Brutus faces many ethical dilemmas, but the most significant one is whether or not he should kill his friend and the future king of Rome, Caesar. Some could argue that Brutus took extreme measures by immediately assassinating his friend without looking for another solution, and that it was also extreme that the only reason Brutus killed Caesar was because Brutus was worried about what Caesar had the potential to become. However, while Brutus may have betrayed Caesar, he was loyal to the people of Rome. Brutus is a patriot because he always did what he believed would best

However, careful observation of some of Caesar’s actions show that there actually were some signs of Caesar having the potential to become what the rebels feared. During a meeting of the senate in act 3 scene 1, the members of the senate were supposed to discuss and decide together on what actions the government would take for certain issues. Despite the fact the others begged for Publius’s exile to be ended, Caesar decreed that Publius will stay exiled. Caesar says, “I could be well moved if I were as you. If I could pray to move, prayers would move me. But I am constant as the northern star, Of whose true-fixed and resting quality There is no fellow.” Caesar already considers himself above the other members of the senate and unwilling to listen, even when many people disagree with him. It is true that he is king, and he has the power to do as he wishes, but based on Cassius and Brutus’s reactions to Caesar being instated as king, Rome at the time had a more democratic government. When Caesar refuses to listen, it shows that he has the potential to become an autocratic