themes

In Shakespeare's play Julius Ceasar we get introduced to a couple of repeatingly appearing themes that are characteristic for this history play. Dealing with the ancient Roman world and Caesars death, topics such as death, fate and the question of the identity of oneself become of greater importance. The themes appear with opposite sites, showing their controversy and leaving the answers free to decide for each character.

Fate and free Will

The importance of the own will and everybody´s intention to act in his own favor are standing counterpart to predetermined political structures, social possibilities or society situations. Therefore, people are forced to act differently, granted a limited compliance of their plans and have to accept reign and structures (political, social) while acting based on free will may have the power to unclose possibilities. Evidence from the play:

• Cassius to Brutus: "Man at sometime were masters of their fates/ The fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars/ But in ourselves that we are underlings", (I. ii. 140-142)
• death lies beyond human control: "It seems to me most strange that man should fear./ Seeing that death a necessary end/ Will come when it will come.", (ll. ii. 35-37)

Public self, private self and friendship

• To what extent should one neglect private feelings or relationships like friendship while acting in public as a politician?
• Can one act in favour of his own interests without becoming a ruthless "political machine"?
• How can private self and public self be combined? Can one release his identity and emotions while heading for public regard?

Power

• How can power force human desire to permit conflict and approve ambitions?
• can blind and confuse people's essential convictions, tendency to become conscience-proof
• How should a country be governed?
• What defines a good leader?
• What happens when the leader dies without suitable replacement?

Manipulation and Power of Speech

• possibilities for a speeker to persuate or manipulate the audience:

rethorical skills, power of persuasion, adapting to the audiences fears and emotions -> in order to follow a political or personal aim

Pride

• A little bit of self-confidence and pride may be healthy and necessary,

but when does a growth in pride start to blind a person by rising arrogance?