Comparing Power In 'Julius Caesar And Why Power Corrupts'

“Because power corrupts, society’s demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases,” stated John Adams. In a society, as rank increases, demands from the society regarding moral authority and character also increase. William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, and “Why Power Corrupts” are two of the most notable examples of how power is capable of naturally “heighten[ing] pre-existing ethical tendencies”. Brutus, one of the tragic heroes, correlates in personality with the article and represents how people with high moral-identities are not corrupted by power but are rather solidified in their prior principles. On the other hand, Antony, a dynamic character, changes from a follower to a leader blinded by power. Antony describes the notion of how “power leads people to take ethical shortcuts” (page 1). Shown through William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, two prime characters, Brutus and Antony, correlate with “Why Power Corrupts” and directly illustrate the

Brutus’ pre-existing ethical tendencies are rooted in his idealistic honorability, which causes his newfound power to only strengthen his morality. Brutus is a judge who is extremely stoic, meaning that he is able to separate his emotions and remain unbiased in many circumstances. He is also a well respected Roman who is known to be one of the most honorable men in his society. When Brutus is introduced to power by Cassius, he has an internal conflict because he is friends with Caesar, yet when Caesar “hatches from his egg”, he could become a destructive force. The conspirators create this plot for their own benefits while Brutus chooses to take part because he wants to do what is best for Rome and its people. Caesar’s pride is mistaken for ambition by the