High School Literature 2.6 The Nature of Conflict: The Betrayal of Julius Caesar

Historical Context William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar portrays the 44 BC conspiracy against Caesar, his assassination and the defeat of the conspirators at the Battle of Philippi or the Liberators' civil war that was started to avenge Caesar’s murder. It is one of several plays written by Shakespeare based on true events from Roman history.

Julius Caesar Caesar was a Roman general, a statesman and a Consul who formed a political alliance that was to dominate Roman politics for several years. His attempts to amass power were opposed by the conservative ruling class within the Roman Senate.

The extent of the Roman Republic in 40 BC after Caesar's conquests. As a result of his ambitious efforts, Caesar achieved victory in the Gallic Wars by 51 BC and extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine. Caesar became the first Roman general to cross both when he built a bridge across the Rhine and conducted the first invasion of Britain.

Themes regarding the nature of conflict: Conflicts within a work of literature further the plot by helping us to understand the character better while revealing some major themes within the work. Shakespeare incorporated several themes regarding the nature of conflict. They are the following: Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; and man vs. society.

The Betrayal of Julius Caesar After Julius Caesar defeated his rival general Pompey in battle, the people of Rome rejoiced and praised Caesar's accomplishment. In Shakespeare's play, Caesar was warned by a fortune teller known as a soothsayer to 'Beware the Ides of March,' but Caesar ignored him and continued celebrating his victory. Caesar's longtime friends were Brutus and Cassius. Shortly after Caesar's defeat of Pompey, Brutus started to believe Caesar would be crowned King and destroy the Roman republic. Brutus feared that citizens would lose their power if Caesar became King.

Plot development Caesar was offered the crown to be king three times during his victory celebration but refused the crown each time. Both Cassius and Brutus seemed jealous of Caesar and discussed all of Caesar's weaknesses and reasons he should not have become King. Caesar distrusted Cassius but believed Brutus to be a loyal and trustworthy friend.

Conspiracy and Murder Cassius developed a plan against Caesar with a group of conspirators. Brutus decided to participate in the conspiracy when he was convinced, unknowingly by Cassius, that the people of Rome wanted to take away Caesar's power. The group of conspirators, known as a faction, met at Brutus' house and developed a plan to get Caesar away from his home and kill him. During a senate meeting, each of the conspirators talked to Caesar and bowed at his feet before they each stabbed him to death.

Discussion of themes of conflict The following slides provide excerpts from Act 2 Scenes 2-4. Discuss which of the following themes apply: Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; or man vs. society.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Which theme applies. Man vs. himself; man vs Act 2, Scene 2 - Which theme applies? Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; or man vs. society. CAESAR Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music, Cry 'Caesar!' Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear. Soothsayer Beware the ides of March. CAESAR What man is that? BRUTUS A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. CAESAR Set him before me; let me see his face. CASSIUS Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar. CAESAR What say'st thou to me now? speak once again. CAESAR He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.

Act 2, Scene 2-4 Which theme applies. Man vs. himself; man vs Act 2, Scene 2-4 Which theme applies? Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; or man vs. society. BRUTUS The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins Remorse from power: and, to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections sway'd More than his reason. But 'tis a common proof, That lowliness is young ambition's ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face; But when he once attains the upmost round. He then unto the ladder turns his back,Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend. So Caesar may.

Not Erebus itself were dim enough To hide thee from prevention. Act 2, Scene 2-4 Which theme applies? Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; or man vs. society. Brutus: They are the faction. O conspiracy, Shamest thou to show thy dangerous brow by night, When evils are most free? O, then by day Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy; Hide it in smiles and affability: For if thou path, thy native semblance on, Not Erebus itself were dim enough To hide thee from prevention.

Act 2, Scene 2 -4 Which theme applies. Man vs. himself; man vs Act 2, Scene 2 -4 Which theme applies? Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; or man vs. society. BRUTUS Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily; Let not our looks put on our purposes, But bear it as our Roman actors do, With untired spirits and formal constancy: And so good morrow to you every one.

Act 2, Scene 2 -4 Which theme applies. Man vs. himself; man vs Act 2, Scene 2 -4 Which theme applies? Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; or man vs. society. CAESAR Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard. It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.

Discussion In what ways can we identify with the four types of conflict in our lives? Give examples from everyday life of: Man vs. himself; man vs. nature; man vs. man; man vs. society. What Gospel principles do we have to help us?