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Public Vs. Private Life In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

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In Shakespeare’s famous play, Julius Caesar, there's an essential theme of characters and their portrayal/actions in public versus private life. Julius Caesar himself led two very different lives with his family and close friends in contrast to how he presented himself to the public eye. In both settings, Caesar makes himself out to be invincible; however in private he is more vulnerable and superstitious whereas in public, he is immortal and the great leader Rome makes him out to be. Publicly, Julius Caesar is invincible and tries to portray himself as a great leader who is able to do all things in greatness and nobility for Rome. Caesar is always careful to present himself as steadfast even in front of his close friends but even more so to the public. For example, when Caesar wanders through the streets, his presence commands respect, and he offers the best version of himself. His “I am the greatest star” speech shows that he puts in effort that’ll make him look superior to others, “But I am constant as the northern star, Of whose true-fixed and resting quality, There is no fellow in the firmament., The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks., They are all fire and every one doth shine, But there’s but one in all doth hold his …show more content…

In public, Caesar was the leader Rome had always wished for, a strong, valliant man that would let nothing in his way. Consequently, Caesar had a more vulnerable side to him where the reader would be able to see glimpses of throughout the play. Still, Caesar allowed his public self image to take priority in which would eventually lead to his death. Speaking historically, the great Julius Caesar was a people’s leader with a deep hunger for power in which he would do anything to

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