Examples Of Betrayal In Julius Caesar

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In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, betrayal is used to work towards a certain goal. When Caesar takes complete control of Rome, Brutus and the conspirators plan to kick out of his throne. However, this results in war as Caesar’s best friend Antony goes against them. Betrayal is a theme as shown through the commoners betraying Pompey, the conspirators killing Caesar, and Antony breaking Brutus’ trust. The first occurrence in the play that shows betrayal is the plebeians betraying Pompey. For example, as the Romans celebrate Caesar’s return, the cobbler says, “But indeed, sir, we make holiday to see / Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph” (1.1.30-31). Here, one can see the plebeians jumped in the bandwagon of whoever is ruling. They didn’t care if Pompey died, but instead cheerful to see Caesar be in power. In addition, when yelling at the commoners, Marullus argues, “And do you now strew flowers in his way / That comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood?” (1.1.50-51). In other words, Marullus doesn’t understand how the commoners suddenly endorse Caesar. He feels they’re celebrating over his body rather than mourning over his death. The people only take notice of Caesar’s victory, not Pompey’s defeat. …show more content…

For instance, when the conspirators beg Caesar to free Publius Cimber from exile, Caesar acknowledges, “But I am constant as the Northern Star, / Of whose true-fixed and resting quality / There is no fellow in the firmament” (3.1.60-62). This prove Caesar doesn’t change his mind. The conspirators want a leader willing to listen to the nobility, not just the people. Next, after the conspirators stab Caesar to death, he says, “Et tu, Bruté? Then fall Caesar” (3.1.77). This relates to how much Caesar relied on Brutus. Seeing Brutus be part of the conspiracy makes him feel betrayed. Because Caesar is narrow-minded and “ambitious”, it eventually led to his

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