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Essay on Power of Jealousy in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

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Power of Jealousy in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

Brutus, the "noblest Roman of them all" (Julius Caesar,5.5.68) is the only innocent conspirator, according to Marcus Antonius. This tragedy presents the epitome of jealousy, along with envy, greed, and avarice. It is a true story based on Plutarch's "Life of Julius Caesar." Several of the major players are struck by jealousy and greed -- certainly Cassius, who begins this evil conspiracy to assassinate Caesar out of personal jealousy, but needs Brutus' credibility to make it happen. We eventually see Mark Antony gloat in his new-found influence and power over the mass of citizenry when he pronounces their interest in Caesar's will.

All: Most true, The will! Let's stay …show more content…

Probably! He refers to himself in the royal "We," and he seems quite taken with his own invincibility even after the augrerers could not find a heart in the beast in his quandary whether to go to the Senate, or stay at home as Calpurnia wishes.

Caesar: The gods do this in shame of cowardice.

Caesar should be a beast without a heart

If he should stay at home today for fear.

No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well

That Caesar is more dangerous than he,

We are two lions littered in one day,

And I the elder and more terrible.

And Caesar shall go forth.

Calpurnia: Alas, my lord,

Your wisdom is consumed in confidence.

(Julius Caesar,2.2.41-51)

It appears everybody wants something for themselves except Brutus. He believes himself to be a descendant of Lucius Junius Brutus that drove out the last of the emperors of Rome and instituted a republic. Brutus is a praetor by Caesar's hand, a high ranking judge and official in the Senate. Brutus is by creed a Stoic. Big boys don't cry (or big girls either).

Portia: Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose 'em.

I have made strong proof of my constancy,

Giving myself a voluntary wound

Here in my thigh. Can I bear that with patience

And not my husband's secrets?

(Julius Caesar,2.1.298-302)

Stoics live lives of rationalism, reason, and responsibility, never submitting to emotional

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