Julius Caeser

A detailed Summary of Julius Caeser

In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, two main characters, Julius Caesar and Marcus Brutus, show their different opinions of how a leader should act. Caesar is surer of himself in believing that he is the only proper leader for Rome, while Brutus uses his sense of honor and nobility to lead the people in the aftermath of Caesar's death. While both characters have strong internal instincts as leaders, they both possess flaws in their leadership qualities, which lead to their demises.

Julius Caesar believed that the people needed one strong ruler in order to have maximum production and proper function of a society. He also believed that he possessed many, if not all, of the characteristics required of a great leader. Caesar spoke to others in a way that he believed exhibited authority; he told people why he should be the one to lead them, and thought that his own advice was best. Caesar's arrogance causes him to be unwilling to listen to others' advice, which is a flaw that is detrimental. Though already warned by the soothsayer to "beware the ides of March," Caesar refuses to heed Calpurnia's advice that he should stay home, because he feels that she is trying to keep him from obtaining his rightful power and status

With these opinions, Brutus assumes the leadership position in the conspiracy because he is revered by all. Brutus' flaw in being a leader is that he believes that all men work from the same code of honor that he does. He does not realize that he has been deceived by both Cassius and Antony, but instead believes that because he is noble, all men are noble. After the assassination of Julius Caesar, Brutus talks to Antony about Caesar's death. "Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful; and pity to the general wrong of Rome..."(Act 3, scene 1). Brutus says that Antony cannot see their (the members of the conspiracy's) hearts, which are full of pity. Brutus' comments show his naivete, because he believes everyone has as pure a heart as he does. Anthony then double-crosses him by not following through with a promise he made, and declaring an attack on the conspirators.

In Julius Caesar, the characters of Brutus and Caesar both have different ways of being a leader. While Caesar is convinced that he is invincible and the perfect leader for Rome, Brutus uses his sense of honor and nobility to lead the Romans and his fellow conspirators before and after Caesar's murder. Caesar and Brutus both show that they feel that they are being the best leaders, through their actions. However, if Caesar had listened to others' advice, and if Brutus had listened to his deeper judgement, the deaths of both of them may not have ever occurred. In the end, their respective poor leadership qualities lead them to their deaths.

mple arrogance, and tells him so, saying, "Alas, my lord/ Your wisdom is consumed in confidence (Act II, scene 2)." In response to her criticism and humble petitions, C

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Approximate Word count = 1142
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English