Nick Richardson

Period 7 English
2/4/13
Julius Caesar Essay
Whose play is this anyway?
Et tu, Brute! Then fall, Caesar! It is a quote like this that becomes a legend in
playwriting, in philosophy, and in life. That seemingly simple quote is exactly the opposite, it
holds a complex, and interpretive meaning, which conveys Caesars true nature. This quote is the
unassailable reason why this is Caesars tragedy. William Shakespeare, one of the most
influential writers in history, created the fascinating work of art, Julius Caesar. It is the tragedy
of Julius Caesar because he is falsely accused of being ambitious. He is loyal to his friends to the
death, even when they betray him and kill him, and because unlike the conspirators, Caesar is
motivated by honor and patriotism instead of petty envy and false accusations.
Perhaps the most portentous flaw in the logic of the conspirators is their false claim of
Caesars great ambition. They procure this accusation from opinions and envy, and choose to
ignore the facts, which indisputably demonstrate that he is not in fact ambitious. The following
quote is uttered by Casca, who recounts the event of Caesar indubitably showing nothing but
humility and respect.
I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown-yet twas not a crown neither, twas one of these
coronets-and, as I told you, he[Caesar] put it by once
Mark Antony offers Caesar a crown two more times in this scene, and all three times he refuses
it. That is not ambition, that is not reason to murder Caesar! That is a reason for the honor and
humility of Caesar that should have made people love him!
Another reason why the conspirators calamitous deed was uncalled for was Caesars
loyalty to his friends and his country, even to the death. When Caesar cries, Et tu, Brute! Then
Nick Richardson
Period 7 English
2/4/13
Julius Caesar Essay
fall, Caesar! he is dying, riddled with the wounds of the conspirators, the last of which he sees
is Brutus. This quote displays Caesars loyalty, specifically to Brutus. His exclamation
demonstrates that he accepts death, if even his friend Brutus thinks that he is corrupt. He is so
loyal, that he trusts Brutus over himself, a colossal mistake. Brutus and the conspirators kill
Caesar not out of love for Rome as they claim, but envy and petty rivalry, which started out from
when they were young boys. This is not logic, but betrayal. This is not love for country, but hate
of one man. This is not justice, but corruption. The following quote conveys the envy that
Cassius feels towards Julius Caesar.
I was born as free as Caesar, and so were you. We both have fed as well, and we can both endure the
winters cold as well as he. For once, upon a raw and gusty day, the troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,
Caesar said to me, Darest thou, Cassius, now leap in with me into this angry flood, and swim to yonder
point? upon the word, accoutered as I was, I plunged in and bade him follow; so indeed he did. The torrent
roared, and we did buffet it. With lusty sinews throwing it aside and stemming it with hearts of
controversy; but ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried, help me Cassius, or I sink! . And
this man now become a god, and Cassius is a wretched creature and must bend his body if Caesar but
carelessly nod on him. He had a fever when he was in Spain, and when the fit was on him, I did mark how
he did shake. Tis true, this god did shake. His coward lips did from their color fly.
Finally, Caesar is motivated by honor, and love for Rome, instead of these petty envies,
and rivalries. Caesar is so devoted to Rome, that even though he is not ambitious, he will allow
himself to become king, if the people have pined for it. Caesars most paramount display of love
for Rome is in his will, read by Mark Antony, after his death.
Here is the will, and under Caesars seal. To every Roman citizen he gives, to every
several man, seventy-five drachmas. He hath left you all his walks, his private arbors, and
Nick Richardson
Period 7 English
2/4/13
Julius Caesar Essay
new planted orchards. He hath left you, common pleasures, to walk abroad and recreate
yourselves. Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?
Antonys final two lines are the last nail in the wood. The two lines display who Caesar is, and
this will displays his undiminishing love for the people of Rome.
Caesar, despite his love, passion, and his verisimilitude, Caesar is betrayed, by envious,
vile men, even his closest friend. When we read a play as fantastic as this, we are given the facts.
We can choose what to believe.