Desire In Julius Caesar Essay

ll human beings, no matter what have desires. Many people have the desire to gain a higher status in society. This desire can have a powerful effect on an individual. Which can lead to them taking action to attain what they desire. However, the aftermath of Caesar and Cassius' effort to improve their social standing in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare showcases that when an individual attempts to improve their social rank, it does not lead to their desired outcome.
Cassius' malicious attempt to improve his social status results in undesirable consequences. When Octavius’ servant enters to talk with Antony after his speech to the plebeians, he states, “I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius/ Are rid like madmen through the

The plebeians run into a man named Cinna while rioting on the streets, embracing the riot mentality, one man yells, “It is no matter. His name’s Cinna./ Pluck put his name out of his heart, and turn him/ going” (III. iii.34-6). The plebeians know of a conspirator named Cinna, even though they know this man is not the same Cinna they still want to kill him. This exemplifies how Rome is in a state of unrest, with the crowds that have assembled, causing all types of chaos. This is a ramification of Caesar and Cassius' desire for greater social status because both of their desires lead to Caesar's death. However, now the rest of Rome has to pay the price, being in a state of chaos and with its people rampaging on the streets. Leading to who knows how many more people being affected. Brutus explains to Cassius why he is unsettled saying, “That tidings came-with this she fell distract/ And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire” (IIII. iii.178-9). Brutus fled Rome because the plebeians were pursuing him and the conspirators. Unfortunately for Brutus, it leads to his wife's death. The reason Brutus has to flee Rome is because of his worry about Caesar’s ambition of being king and Cassius' drive to kill Caesar to improve his place in society. Nonetheless, Portia can not stand being without Brutus and so commits suicide, thus leaving Brutus without his beloved wife. Before his death Brutus says to Caesar's spirit, “Caesar, now be still./ I killed not thee with half so good a will” (V. iiiii.56-7). Caesar and Cassius yearn for a greater place in society. Unfortunately, it results in the death of their close friend, Brutus. Brutus is another unintended victim of Caesar and Cassius’ quests for power. In addition to this, Brutus is now no longer there for his friends and his vast army. This continues to add to the long list of those whose lives have been damaged by Caesar and Casius’s