Julius Caesar :: essays research papers

JULIUS CAESARWilliam Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616. During his time, he wrote and established many plays. Although he lived about 400 years ago, his themes quieten earn proven their universality today. A good example of this is in the play, Julius Caesar. One of the themes in this play is that there are many methods of manipulation, that work and influence pack into a certain direction, sometimes too quickly, without thought.Shakespeare distorts the views of people to show that commons or plebeians in the play, tend to change their minds without thought or consideration. An example of that occurs in the play within the beginning on a street in Rome. The Romans are gathered to celebrate two events, the phantasmal festival of Lupercal and the recent victory of Julius Caesar. We make a holiday to throw Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph, says a cobbler, whom like most commoners had once support Pompey. The commoners have since changed their views toward Caesar, now that he holds the power. Another example occurs later in the play. Brutus has just convinced the commoners that what the conspirators did was only out of their love for Rome. One commoner says, we are blest that Rome is rid of him, referring to Caesar which statement is supported by the rest of the crowd. Once again, the hearts of the commoners quickly changes again once Antony gives his speech. afterward he finishes, the commoners run through the streets noting and searching to kill the once laud conspirators. This still applies today. For example Bill Clinton was a fairly respected and prise president, until the world discovered about his mistress. Because of this, voters and people in office have changed their views so quickly, we have lost sight that, disregarding his personal affairs, Clinton has in reality been a good president.Shakespeare shows that the commoners change their minds too quickly, he also shows that methods of manipulation, such(prenominal) as ridicule, can chang e the views of people. Ridicule is used to persuade Casca to nub the conspiracy, Cassius says, so vile a thing as Caesar But O grief, where hast thou led me? I perhaps speak this before a willing Bondman Considering that Casca doesnt like the idea of being a subject to Caesar, he immediately becomes offended and joins the conspiracy. Another example is the first off scene of the play. Marullus says to the commoners whom no longer worship Pompey, You blocks of stones, you worse than senseless things to move and influence them to stay loyal to the great Pompey.