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Ambition In Julius Caesar Research Paper

Decent Essays

“Self-forgetful: Forget of oneself or one's needs” (Oxford Dictionary). In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare has his readers consider: does worrying more about others than yourself cause an individual to fail or prevail in the face of adversity? Caesar shows his ambition by trying to do what is best for the Empire but becomes feared by some. Cassius believes Caesar is a dictator and quickly puts an end to it. Brutus, a great friend of Caesar, lets his worries of others ruin his life. Shakespeare explores the nature of altruism through Caesar's’ power-crazy ambition, Cassius’ letters of lies, and Brutus’ overly trusting attitude. Great introduction.

Caesar believes he is doing what is best for his empire but becomes (choose one of these words) overly ambitious and threatening. Caesar says to his peers that he is the best person to rule Rome because he is “unshaked of motion” meaning that he makes the right decision the first time and sticks with that decision no matter what (99). However, Caesar’s peers view this egotistical view as overly ambitious and threatening. While trying to …show more content…

Brutus says, “Am I entreated/ to speak and strike?” when faced with the decision of killing his best friend (53). Cassius only makes him answer such a hard question because he is thinking about the Empire. During the Battle of Philippi, Cassius sends Titinius towards the enemy. Hearing screams, Cassius believes Titinius is captured and decided to end his life. Before he has his slave stab him, Cassius says, “O, coward that I am to live so long/ To see my best friend ta’en before my face!” (193). During this time, Cassius believes he needs to kill himself as Caesar's “revenge”. He thinks Titinius is dead and blames himself for it. Cassius's altruistic attitude causes him to only worry about others.Unlike Caesar, both Cassius and Brutus commit suicide rather than being

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