In The Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote: “If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.” This quote is defended by the actions of leaders throughout history specifically the dramatization of Julius Caesar’s death. The theme of ignorance is present through Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare where ignorance led to the downfall of individuals. Since the themes of the play and the quote relate, Julius Caesar can be used to defend that one will be in jeopardy without knowledge of their opponent and themselves which is often shown through historical figures but specifically in Julius Caesar.
In the play, Caesar is assassinated due to his ignorance of his enemies and himself. Caesar’s ignorance is shown when the conspirators
…show more content…
crowd around him. Caesar stays still while the crowd forms around him. He is stabbed and speaks “Et Tu, Brutè” as his last line (Shakespeare III. i. 35-85). The lack of stage directions for Caesar shows that Caesar stays put and does not run away from the conspirators. Caesar’s lack of movement despite obvious intent of his attackers shows his ignorance of his enemies. In addition, his last line of dialogue which shows his surprise to see that Brutus is one of the conspirators displays that he is uninformed of his enemies. Another situation in which Caesar shows ignorance of himself is when he interacts with Calphurnia, his wife. Calphurnia warns him that it would be dangerous to go to the senate. Caesar is convinced and decides not to go to the Capitol. Afterward, Decius arrives at Caesar’s house and convinces Caesar to go to the Senate by saying he seems cowardly for obeying his wife. Caesar feels ashamed and heads to the Capitol (Shakespeare II. ii. 47-112). This illustrates Caesar is still ignorant of his overconfidence because he leaves for the senate even though Calphurnia specifically states “Your wisdom is consumed in confidence” (Shakespeare II. ii. 53). In addition, Caesar is unaware of his loss of wisdom due to his baseless confidence since he left for the Capitol, ignoring Calphurnia. Caesar also does not realize is his pride is one of his weaknesses. Decius uses Caesar’s pride convincing him to head to the Capitol, which in turn gets him assassinated. He has not realized his pride since he disregards Calphurnia’s pleads. If Caesar had realized that his pride is one of his weaknesses, he would have considered Calphurnia’s warnings and may have lived. Caesar’s lack of knowledge of his enemies and himself put him in danger. Brutus is ignorant of Antony’s intentions and eloquence as well as his own gullibility.
Antony pledges loyalty to Brutus and asks to speak at the funeral. Cassius is wary of Antony’s persuasiveness while Brutus allows him to make a speech at Caesar’s funeral (Shakespeare III. i. 200-276). In the end, Antony convinces the public to mutiny against the conspirators behind Caesar’s death (Shakspeare III. ii. 267-276). Brutus is ignorant of Antony’s intentions to cause mutiny as he allows him to be influential to the public by permitting him to speak at Caesar’s funeral. In addition, Brutus’ actions also show his ignorance of Antony’s eloquence, by allowing Antony to speak at the funeral and influence the public. Brutus neglects the possibility that Antony will be more convincing than him as he tells …show more content…
Cassius “I will myself into the pulpit first And show the reason for Caesar’s death. What Antony speak [...] It shall do advantage more than do us wrong” (Shakespeare III. i. 261-267). Brutus is ignorant of Antony’s ability to persuade the public even believing his speech will be better. This further demonstrates that Brutus trusts Antony enough to speak at Caesar’s funeral and praise them for the public. Brutus’ actions additionally shows his blindness to his own gullibility. When compared to Cassius’ wariness of Antony, Brutus’ acceptance of Antony shows Brutus is not wary of his own gullibility since he is easily swayed compared to Cassius. Brutus’ insensitivity to Antony and himself led to peril-the mutiny of the plebeians. Brutus’ obliviousness of the thoughts of his enemies and his own heedlessness puts him in jeopardy.
Caesar’s ghost comes into Brutus’ tent and tells Brutus he is Brutus’ evil spirit. Brutus acknowledges this and decides to obey the ghost and go to Philippi (Shakespeare IV. iii. 318-330). Despite clear warnings of danger, Brutus still goes to Philippi. This implies Brutus is oblivious to his heedlessness for he did not consider his own ignorance and decides to follow the advice of “[Brutus’] evil spirit” (Shakespeare IV. iii. 325). Brutus’ is oblivious to the plans of his enemies because he decides to go to Philippi. As a result, Antony’s and Octavius’ “hopes are answered” (Shakespeare 5. i. 1). This shows Brutus is unaware of the enemy seeing that he followed his enemies’ desired course of action. In addition, Brutus and Cassius charge uphill while Antony says to Octavius that Brutus’ and Cassius’ confidence is false. The four meet and taunt each other. Antony and Octavius easily bait Brutus (Shakespeare V. i. 1-71). Brutus is unaware of the plans of Antony because he easily falls into the enemy’s hands. Brutus’ ignorance of his own traits and others’ plans led him to the jeopardy of losing the
war. The individuals in Julius Caesar were in jeopardy due to the lack of knowledge on their opponent and themselves, thus defending the quote. The theme ignorance is apparent in Sun Tzu’s quote and Shakespeare’s dramatization of Julius Caesar’s death which allows the play to be used as defense for Sun Tzu’s quote. However, many historical dramas can be used in replacement of Julius Caesar to defend the quote. Nevertheless, Sun Tzu’s quote will still hold true.
Julius Caesar, even though he is considered great, turns out to contain many flaws. He believes himself to be untouchable, and has a confidence that he cannot be harmed, even though that is not the case. He says so when he says, “Caesar shall forth. The things that threatened me ne’er looked but on ...
Antony asks rhetorical questions and lets the audience answer for themselves. Brutus uses ethos by stating that he a noble man and that is why the people should believe him but infact Antony questions his nobility by saying what Brutus said,” Brutus is an honourable man”(III.ii.79). In a way, Antony states what Brutus states to convince the audience by using examples that Brutus is wrong. Antony himself knows what kind of man Brutus is but lets the people figure it out on their own. In addition, Brutus uses logos by expressing that fact that Caesar died because of his ambition. This argument is severely under supported because his reasons are invalid and simply observations. Antony uses “did this in Caesar seem ambitious” to question Brutus’ argument (III.ii.82). Antony gives examples backing his argument like when Caesar refused the crown thrice to prove his humbleness. The way Antony convinces the people to rebel is by using pathos. He brings the audience in by stepping down to their level and showing them the body of Caesar. While Antony talks at Caesar's funeral, he pauses because” heart us in the coffin there with Caesar “(III.ii.98). When Antony becomes emotional, he reminds the audience about what injust event happened to the much loved
In act III, scene ii, Antony proves to himself and the conspiracy, that he has the power to turn Rome against Brutus. He deceived the conspirators with his speech during Caesar’s funeral. In this speech, Antony pulls at the heartstrings of the countryman by showing emotions and turning them against their beloved leader, Brutus. The scene takes place the day of Caesar's death. Leading up to this point the people loved Brutus because, reasonably he explains of them about Caesar's death and told them it was necessary. In Antony's speech he showed signs of hatred towards Brutus and the conspirators. He thinks for himself and deceives the people, when he explains how Brutus lied to the people . The plot depends on Antony’s speech.
Throughout the play many characters are not who they turn out to be. Julius Caesar is a very good judge of character, he does not ruts Cassius, he says “ He thinks too much man, such men are dangerous”( shakespeare,1.2.195). Caesar foreshadows now dangerous Cassius is, Cassius is one person who stabs Caesar. Unlike Caesar, Brutus trusts people too much to see who they are. After Caesar 's death, Brutus trusts Marc Antony to give his speech, but Cassius says “ You know not what you do. Do not consent./ that Antony speak in his funeral. I know you how much the people may be moved/ by that which he will utter.” (shakespeare,3.2.333-335). Caesar was an amazing military leader, Brutus was not. Before Caesar becomes king, he gained land back to Rome “ Julius Caesar has just returned to Rome after a long civil war in which he defeated the forces of pompey” (applebee) Caesar led his military to victory and has the chance to take full control of Rome. brutus is a humble military leader company to Caesar. After Brutus won his battle over Octavius’ army, he left his men begin looting. Instead of helping Cassius’ army “ O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early,/ who, having some advantages on Octavius/ took it too eagerly. His soldiers fell to spoil/ whilst we by Antony are all enclosed .(Shakespeare,5.3.5-8) Brutus had a bad call when he did not send his army to help Cassius. With Caesars flaw being
Brutus put his trust in Antony to not turn on him at the funeral. He was lead to believe that Antony would only speak good of the conspirators and defend them for the actions they have made. He trusted Antony when he told him he would not express such hate and talk of the bad they did and then later turned against them for the vengeance of Caesar. Brutus told Antony, “You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, But speak all good you can devise of Caesar” (III.i.245-246). He told him that the only way he is going to be able to speak at Caesar’s funeral is if he speaks good of the conspirators. After Antony said his speech, the whole crowd immediately switched and sided with him against them. They wanted nothing more than for Brutus, Cassius and the other contributors to be dead. This reveals that Brutus is shameful for putting his trust in someone who was so close to Caesar. Brutus trusted that Antony wouldn't do anything and just imagined he would be to scared to step up and speak out. This leads to Brutus losing the trust he had for Antony and starting a war between the people and the conspirators. As the war was about to proceed, they all prepped for what was about to happen. Antony and his army completely dominated Brutus’ and lead to many of them fleeing for their lives. Many people died by genocide while other committed suicide. Brutus was among the ones of suicide. He no longer wanted to be alive and felt that he had lived and fulfill what he had wanted. People were dead and he knew he was going to be one of them. Brutus’ last words were, “Caesar, now be still; I killed not thee with half so good a will” (V.v.50-51). He wanted Caesar to know that he can now be at rest because the vengeance he was looking for has been given. Because of all the trust he put in the people that were taking advantage of him, he ended up finishing his life. This reveals that Brutus really did
Each ruler of Rome seemed to have made poor decisions, and this is exactly what occurred with Brutus. Brutus became very naïve. All of the conspirators confronted Brutus with the idea of killing Mark Antony. They believed he would continue Caesar’s legacy but Brutus thought differently. Brutus added, “And for Mark Antony, think not of him, for he can do no more than Caesar’s arm” (Shakespeare, 24). He proposed that Antony was too weak for them to worry about while this was actually what brought about his fall. When the murder of Caesar had concluded, Antony wished to speak in honor of Caesar. Brutus agreed with the idea but Cassius was hesitant. Cassius insulted, “You know not what you do. Do not consent that Antony speak in his funeral. Know you how much the people may be moved by that which he will utter” (Shakespeare, 44). Cassius feared that Antony’s persuasive speech would turn the citizens against the conspirators. Brutus continued to ignore Cassius’s warning, but was proven wrong immediately. The locals were influenced by Antony and led an angered march to end the conspirators. Brutus caused their arrangement to fail by lack of
Cassius and one of the other conspirators discuss the plan on getting people to turn against Caesar. As Cassius is talking to Cinna he says, “Three parts of him is ours already, and the man entire upon the next encounter yields him ours” (I.iii). Cassius is trying to write fake letters to people turning against Caesar that Brutus will believe. Brutus decides the best thing to do is kill Caesar because of the letters and the convincing of Cassius. When Brutus and Cassius first meet, Cassius is already acting as a mirror for Brutus. When Brutus thinks Cassius is leading him to danger Cassius says, “So well as by reflection, I your glass will modestly discover to yourself that of yourself which you yet know not of” (I.ii). Cassius believes he could be the conscious of Brutus and lead him in the path of killing Caesar. Brutus and a conspirator finally get ready for the death of Caesar. As Brutus draws near the final moment of Caesar’s death he says, “Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar I have not slept” (II.i). In the beginning of the story Brutus was said to be one of Caesar’s closest friends. Cassius turned it all around and then made Brutus suspicious of Caesar. Brutus admits that the planning of Caesar’s death has brought a nightmare upon him. Cassius was a shadow that Brutus followed which resulted in the death of
In conclusion, Brutus’ mistakes and flaws are overshadowed by his honorable intentions and genuine motives. In a society littered with dishonorable, deceitful people like Antony, Brutus, with his sense of honor and integrity, contrast them all. Brutus’ greatest weakness is his tendency to believe people who script words to purposely lie or misguide him. Due to his actions, he ends up dying an honorable death of a self-suicide. Having genuine compassion and sympathy towards others is not a bad thing. However, decisions should not be so heavily influenced by the opinions of others. The significance of planning things out before doing them is clearly illustrated, as it is a way to foresee possible complications or problems that may arise. Ironically, the conspirators’ cause is for naught as Antony becomes the tyrant that they fear Caesar would have become.
Brutus has a naive view of the world. He is unable to see through the roles being played by Cassius, Casca, and Antony. He does not even recognize the fake letters were sent from Cassius. Then Brutus says,“You shall not blame us Antony, in your funeral speech, but speak all the good you can of Caesar.
William Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is a story full of manipulation and jealousy that changes the way people think. Ancient Rome had umpteen different ways of handling situations that, in today’s world, would be considered unethical; such as battles that were very much horrifying and vivid. However, these battles were not important with the development of the plot. Shakespeare uses various ways of the idea of manipulation and betrayal to lead readers into the rest of the narrative.
Another incident where Brutus misjudges Antony is when he allowed Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral. Brutus trusts that Antony will not say anything bad about the conspirators or him. Antony shall speak I will protest he speaks by leave and by permission, and that we are contented Caesar shall have all true rites. and a lawful ceremony. It shall advantage us more than do us wrong."
In front of the people of Rome at Caesar’s funeral whilst giving his speech, Antony makes up Brutus to up to be this honorable and noble man, nonetheless Brutus is one of the conspirators who ended Caesar’s life. Caesar has been slain by, Trebonius, Cinna, Cassius, Brutus, Ligarius, Decius, Metellus and Casca. All because most had felt that he was too ambitious for their liking, Cassius has manipulated each one of them into committing the crime alongside him. Once Caesar is killed, Brutus delivers his speech, saying, “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more”(lll.ii.20). Basically just trying to justify the reason he helped to kill one of the most loved Romans in all of Rome. Antony then comes out and begins his speech at Caesar’s
Mark Antony's Speech from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar Mark Antony’s funeral oration over the body of Julius Caesar in act three, scene two is the most important speech in the play and effects the development of the play as a whole in many ways. Firstly this speech falls in the play where we have seen Antony’s distraught reaction to the murder of Caesar and his letter vowing allegiance to Brutus in return for being able to live. Act three, scene one prepares us for Antony’s rhetoric as here he states that ‘Brutus is noble, wise, valiant and honest’ which fits in with him repeatedly stating ‘Brutus is an honourable man’. It becomes evident in this scene that Antony has an ulterior motive for forming this allegiance and asking to do the funeral oration when he is ‘swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar’ and then states that ‘friends am I with you all, and love you all’ but still wants to know ‘why and wherein Caesar was dangerous’. Thus we the audience are aware that Antony is not being honest with the conspirators especially when he speaks in a soliloquy of the anarchy he will create when he states ‘blood and destruction shall be so in use…that mothers shall but smile when they behold/
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings (1.2.139-141).” Through careful and strategic planning is Cassius able to persuade Brutus, a man who “for his virtue and valiantness, was well-beloved of the people (“Sources” 120),” into conspiring and acting upon the death of Caesar. Caesar also believes that men control their own fate by stating, in response to the omens and portents, “Danger knows full well / That Caesar is more dangerous than he (2.2.44-45).” Through this quote, Caesar presents his belief that he has the ability to overcome a superstitious fate. Therefore, he ignores all the signs and omens and thus determines his fate through an action that would seal his death.
... been a totally different story. Cassius tries to turn brutus against Caesar and does turn out to be successful. Later, Brutus and Antony speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus appeals to logic and the crowd is initially on his side. Antony appeals more to emotion, and the crowd consents with him much more than Brutus. This leads to havoc and a mutiny against the conspirators. It is conspicuous that Antony is the most convincing character in the play because of his use of appealing to the mental state of others. He is also humble, yet deceptive. To conclude, persuasion and rhetoric are essential factors in the death of Julius Caesar and the events that trail the tragedy.