How Does Cato Present The Ideals Of Republican Liberty Or Virtue?

Joseph Addison’s Cato is an 18th century tragedy unfamiliar to the common plays of its time. Cato depicts the final days of civil war with the imminent invasion of Caesar and presents the ideals of republican liberty and virtue. The loud tone of virtue within the play is undeniable. Cato provides a description of qualities that can classify one as virtuous. Virtuous individuals sacrifice their happiness for others. In the love triangle among Portius, Lucia and Marcus, on brother tries to shield the other from pain. Marcus is oblivious that Portius is in love with Lucia. In an aside, Portius states that “Thou seest not that thy brother is thy rival. /But I must hide it for I know thy temper” (I.61-62). When Marcus asks Portius to advocate

It is something that is earned. Juba, an African Prince, is an ally to Cato. He is not of Roman descent yet Cato expresses that Juba has “a Roman soul” (IV.iii.48). In a scene between Syphax and Juba, they discuss the racial and ethnic constraints that separates the Numidian from the Roman. Juba explains that the Roman virtue civilizes man and makes him a better person. However, Syphax makes the point that “In short, to change us into other creatures/ Than what our nature and the gods designed us?” (I.282-283). Juba

Cato does not surrender although Caesar possesses the army and strength to capture Rome. He does not surrender nor gives Caesar the satisfaction of over throwing him. Cato states that if Caesar “disband his legions,/ Restore the commonwealth to liberty,/ Submit his actions to the public censure,/ And stand the judgment of a Roman Senate” then they shall be friends (II.141-144). Cato even goes further to express that he has never advocated for the guilty but he would “mount the rostrum in his [Caesar] favor/ And strive to gain his pardon from the people” (II.149-150). These lines express Cato’s commitment to justice, fairness and mercy to those who deserve it. He would advocate for Caesar even after the crimes he has committed in order to prevent further destruction. Cato holds true to his belief to the republican ideals. Juba, as well, does not surrender at the end to Caesar. He states committed to Cato as his ally when Juba states “If I forsake thee/ Whilst I have life, may Heav’n abandon Juba”