Betrayal. There are many cases of betrayal that shock both the victim and the traitor. Shakespeare adequately displays various forms of betrayal. Following the play, the theme of this treachery is interwoven between all the characters, telling a story of how jealousy and betrayal go hand and hand. Most of the main characters commit a form of betrayal in the play. From the major storyline of the betrayal of Caesar, to the minor betrayals between characters which cause Caesar's death, ultimately makes the theme of the story. In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the author suggests that it is human nature for people to be easily betrayed by those whom they trust. It is often said that for there to be betrayal, there must be trust first. An example of this can be seen at the start of the play when Cassius is trying to get Brutus on his side to accomplish his goal of removing Caesar from power. Cassius envies Caesar and intensely dislikes him personally. However, he can not take down Caesar by himself, he needs to …show more content…
This form of betrayal can be seen in the relationship between Brutus and Caesar. A friend to Julius Caesar, Brutus loves the man greatly, but he loves Rome even more. Sensing that Caesar’s rising ambition will lead to tyranny over the free Roman people, Brutus feels forced to act. He goes against Caesar and works alongside the conspirators to overthrow Caesar. When planning to kill him, the conspirators gather around Caesar and he sees his trusted friend Brutus among them. They pull out their daggers and stab Caesar. With his dying breath Caesar addresses Brutus, "Et tu, Brute?” (III.i.77). This quote emphasizes the betrayal Caesar felt. Caesar had expected betrayal from Cassius, but was truly surprised that his good friend Brutus did too. However, Brutus was manipulated by Cassius. He believed that he was betraying Caesar for the good of the