Julius Caesar Theme Analysis

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Julius Caesar demonstrates four themes that can alter how you interpret the story. These themes are present throughout the entire play. Each one is sprinkled throughout the acts The first being “Fate vs. Free Will”. This is present throughout the acts. It is the most present one as it appears in every act. For example, when Caesar about to stay home he is taken outside by the conspirators. This is showing his free will is taken over by his fate. Decius gets him outside by stroking his ego. “Most mighty Caesar…”(Act II, scene iii, lines 69, p. 861) This makes him feel big and powerful. Another showing is when Brutus is fated to die. Brutus is fighting to win and live while he ends up committing suicide. He had a chance to not do so but because …show more content…

It can be the most powerful thing. It also helps set the mood for Acts IV and V. When the funeral of Caesar is present, Brutus uses Rhetoric to gain a small moment of power. He incites the crowd using his words. “Live, Brutus! Live, live!” ( Act III, Scene ii, line 47, p. 881) A bit after, Antony uses rhetoric as one way to incite the crowd. He claims Caesar was not ambitious and provided many examples. “...I thrice presented a kingly crown…” (Act III, Scene ii, line 97, p. 883) This shows how much power words can have. The fourth theme is “Public Self vs. Private Self.” What this means is how you present yourself in public is different than in private. For example, Cassius says Caesar acts high and mighty but then when becomes sick acts weak and frail. “...Like a sick girl…”(Act I, Scene ii, line 28, p.833) Then in Act II Brutus is shown acting stressed, but in public he is calm and collected, or so he looks. The Final Theme is “Inflexibility vs Compromise” This means you give something up to make everyone happy but the struggle of not being able to. When Caesar has a choice to bring back Metellus Cimber’s brother he cannot do so because he would rather not compromise and stay