Politics in Julio Caesar
In Shakespeare’s “Julio Caesar”, a country experiences chaos as a result of conflicts among the leaders. Although the Rome depicted scenes cannot be viewed as an equivalent of the current democracy, the occurrences are quite similar. This play features a description of quite a variety of political theories, business, and even leadership theories. It also seems to address the modern and post-modern world situations including politics. By attempting to understand the current political situations in most countries, there must be at least a group of conspirators who seek to bring down the governments, just as is the case with Roman Conspirators who want to overthrow the mighty Caesar. Therefore, this play is a study of ideas in the reality of politics since it is an actual reflection of what is happening in the current political world.
In the play, the quote below shows what people think of the politician Caesar.“BRUTUS What means this shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king. CASSIUS Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so. BRUTUS
I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well.” (Act One, Scene Two, Line 85-89). In this quote, it is evident that there are two groups of people; Those who love Caesar and want him crown King, and those who do not. Unfortunately, the conspirators seem to have a difficult time since the people are clearly more interested in having Caesar as the King. This is a reflection of what happens in the society today. Even though some may view one politician to be an effective leader, others may fear for the time when they are sworn into power. This is because of the negative attributes of the politician which in most cases seem to go unnoticed by many.
Yet another evidence that this play represents the reality of politics is noted in the quote, “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonorable graves.” (Act One, Scene Two, Lines 142-145). Here, Cassius tries to convince Brutus that Caesar should not be allowed to access power. He has clearly described what goes on in a society where the politicians seem to get into power at the expense of the well being of the common man. In return, they do not offer any kind of protection or benefits as the people will still suffer as before. Therefore, Caesar is also perceived as one of those greedy politicians who do not care what it takes as long as they get into power.
Lastly, the quote below indicates the true nature of Caesar. “CAESAR Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.” (Act One, Scene Two, Lines 202-205). Here, Caesar openly admits that he only wants to be surrounded by people who are already established. He does not want the hungry looking people, who in most cases are the commoners. However, he still notes that they are the people who will get him into power. This is also the exact occurrence in the present political world.
In conclusion, this play has reflected the political state of the current governments where politicians simply want to take advantage of the people while offering nothing in return. It is a clear reflection of the true character of politicians who pretend in front of the commoners just to gain their favor and vote into power.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Julio Caesar. Act 1, Scene 2. Lines 85-205.
