Examples Of Manipulation In Julius Caesar

In the play Julius Caesar, manipulation is a key theme which influences events and the outcome of the story. Shakespeare uses literary elements, such as rhetorical devices and foreshadowing, in his writing to sway the opinions of opposing characters and effect oncoming events. Throughout Julius Caesar, Brutus, the Roman people, and Caesar himself were all easily manipulated by neighboring characters.

Cassius, a member of the senate who possessed an envious attitude towards Caesar, had created a plan to strip Caesar of his power. He persuaded the other members of the senate to believe Caesar was an ambitious tyrant who held too much power over Rome. Brutus, however, had first declined Cassius’ proposal of assassinating Caesar, remaining loyal to his morals and his leader. Due to his opposition, Cassius develped another plan to manipulate Brutus by throwing forged letters into his window, expressing the plebians fear that Caesar would demolish the Roman Empire and tarnish the reputation of previous Roman leaders. Upon reading these letters, Brutus felt

as if the assasination was the only possible way to give the Roman people what they desired: to be rided of their king. He was not able to ignore the cries of the Roman people, therefore he joined the conspiracy and became an easy target for manipulation. Cassius and the conspirators were able to devise a plan to take advantage of Brutus, which would lead to the assassination of Caesar.
In addition to Brutus’ manipulation, the Roman people were also very easily persuaded at many points throughout the play.

Shakespeare used multiple literary devices as influential characters altered the plebeians mindsets. After Caesar’s assassination and Brutus’s speech, the crowd was compelled by Antony’s testimony due to his use of rhetorical devices. Antony specialized in pathos to make the audience feel his pain, thus getting them emotionally involved which made them an easy target for manipulation as well. He also applies anecdote by informing the plebeians of the summer night in which he initially spotted Caesar wearing the cloak, which now shields Caesar’s dead, motionless body from the Roman people. This persuasive technique reveals Antony’s devotion and respect towards Caesar. Antony is able to manipulate the Roman citizens and turn them against Brutus and the conspirators by using strong emotional

appeal.
It can be argued that Caesar was not in fact manipulated, due to the trust he invested within the members of the senate, but instead he was betrayed. However, there is evidence proving otherwise. Caesar was approached by a soothsayer, whom were very well respected and trusted during this time period, and warned him of March 15th. Additionaly, on the day Caesar traveled to the Capitol, he was awoken by his wife because she had a terrible nightmare previewing his death. In this scene, Shakespeare employs the literary device foreshadowing as he created suspense and warned the reader of the oncoming assassination. Calphurnia, Caesar’s wife, had convinced Caesar to stay home, however Decius easily persuaded him into thinking the dream was a sign that foreshadowed his prosperity as king. Despite the multiple warnings, Caesar was very easily manipulated by Decius to continue on his venture to the Capitol.
The theme of manipulation had a strong impact on Caesar’s life and death. Brutus was manipulated by Cassius so the plan to murder Caesar would continue moving forward. Then the Roman peoples opinions were drastically altered which led to the destruction of the conspirators. Although there are arguments claiming Caesar’s betrayal led to his death, it is clear that he was forewarned multiple times of his assassination. Shakespeare’s use of literary elements played role as a key factor in the persuasion of many people. Julius Caesar’s assassination was dependent on the manipulations which proved to be a very powerful skill that.