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Julius Caesar Political Poster Analysis

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In this political poster, Caesar is depicted as righteous, generous, and strong. As the centerpiece of the drawing, he is considerably larger than the other figures. Caesar is also accompanied with two soldiers from his legions, reinforcing that he is a powerful general. To his right, Caesar bestows sacks of money to a poor, elderly woman holding a baby. Although he holds great power and wealth, Caesar is portrayed as a benefactor that attempts to share his victories with the less fortunate. The caption of the poster also insists that Caesar is working for the greater good by saying, “Caesar Puts Romans First and the Greedy Establishment Last”. The "establishment" in this poster is represented by caricatures of Pompey and Cassius - two politicians …show more content…

With furrowed brows and frowning faces, they are depicted as disapproving of Caesar’s generosity. However, despite their anger towards Caesar’s methods, Pompey and Cassius are quite literally unable to resist him. Compared to Caesar, they are only heads with no limbs, or influence, to stop him. Nevertheless, Pompey and Cassius remain on Caesar’s side, demonstrating his forgiveness to the public. The image of the striking lightning would also be noticed as a bad omen towards Caesar’s dissidents. In Roman society, people interpreted natural damage as messages of disapproval from the Gods. Upon viewing this poster, Romans would recognize that the Gods are demonstrating their discontent with Pompey and Cassius’s actions. Though the two figures are still alive, they are punished as a result of their unnatural opposition to Caesar. Alternatively, the depictions of Pompey and Cassius can be seen as the consequences of opposing Caesar. When Pompey was driven out of Rome, he was ultimately killed and literally beheaded. This poster could serve as a warning to those that consider betraying Caesar. The lightning and rain reinforce the idea that Pompey and Cassius are punished for their resistance to the natural order. This image would reinforce the sentiment that Pompey’s defeat was deserved. In addition, the Roman public would also clearly understand the good-will of Caesar’s actions. Seeing the the extent of Caesar’s charity, Romans would be more inclined to join him and receive a cut of the

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