CONFLICTING PERSPECTIVES, JULIUS CAESAR (Essay)

The notion of conflicting perspectives explores various contrasting perceptions regarding

wide range events and personalities. Such conflicting perspectives are held by the characters
within the Shakespearean play, Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar is like a edifice with many doors,
where doors signify the varying categories of conflicting perspective. To name the few it
includes - personal conflict, interpersonal conflict and societal conflict. Julius Caesar portrays
many events and characters in a way that lead to clash of interpretations by different
characters. Characters strive to understand each other and further employ themselves in
influencing others perception, and in doing so create conflict of perspectives that define Julius
Caesar. In Julius Caesar Conflicting perspectives revolve around notion of power and
allegiance.
The notion of power pervade in Julius Caesar. Characters possess different perceptions on
Caesars rise to power. Cassius says Caesar, had now become God And Cassius is a wretch
Creature... Through comparison between his and Caesar state Cassius outlines his
perception on Caesar having excess power. Similarly Brutus says, Think him as serpent's
egg-which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous - And kill him in the shell for Brutus
it is the fear about Caesars future position which is outlined through his use of negative
connotations through his metaphorical analogy. These characters are at the core of the notion
of conflicting perspectives. Even after possessing similar view on Caesars position, their
varying motives lead to conflict. Cassius is jealous on Caesars current success whereas
Brutus is worried on the dictatorial aspect of excess power. Further conflict is evident
between Brutus and Antonys perspective of Caesar and his power. Brutus in his speech says,
Because he was ambitious, I slew him, On the other hand Antony says, When poor cried,
Caesar Wept.Is this ambition?. Both of the characters say this to the Roman mob but their
affect is different. Brutuss appeal lack evidence rather it is based upon logic that links power
and ambition. This is reflected in the way that Brutuss appeal has short term effect on the
plebeians. On the other hand Antony provides evidence as to verify his statements. His
emotive tone effectively renders him the mobs sympathy and thus connects to them much
better. The disagreement in perception of Caesar between Antony and Brutus, not only result

in interpersonal conflict between them but also ignites the societal conflict within plebeians.
At first they cry, Live, Brutus, live, live and after Antonys speech they cry, They were
conspirators and They were murders. This shift in perception of the mob outlines the
societal conflict characterised by plot of Julius Caesar.
Allegiance is another major feature that is catalytic for conflicting perspectives within Julius
Caesar. Characters loyalty to differing values and individuals initiate the conflict between
them. Such is seen between Antony and Brutus. Brutuss allegiance to republicanism leads
him to oppose Caesar who is perceived dictator. It is this allegiance that Cassius uses to sway
Brutuss opinion of Caesar. many best respects in Rome.Have wished that Brutus had his
eyes through this metaphorical statement Cassius sews the seeds of conspiracy within
Brutus. He thus repeatedly refers to idea of honour to alter Brutuss perception of Caesar.
Brutus allegiance to honour proves too powerful for him to consider the aspects of his
undertaking. Antonys allegiance to Caesar leads him to form opposing views to that of
conspirators. The conflict that results due to, Antonys allegiance to Caesar in contrast to
Brutuss allegiance to honour and love for general good; are exemplify through Brutus and
Antony speech in front of the Roman mob. These speeches demonstrate interpersonal and
societal conflict. Interpersonally the conflict between Antony and Brutus has resulted. Brutus
says he killed Caesar not because, I loved Caesar less, but because I loved Rome more.
Through this juxtaposition of his ideals he ensures that his appeal is effective. Further Brutus
uses his honour and respect as a tool to gain attention, hear me for my causeBelieve me
for my honour, through this imperatives Brutus seeks attention of the mob. Even though his
speech shows its influence at the beginning as exemplified by the mobs reactions, make
him new Caesar, this is momentarily, as Antony speech proves to be more powerful. Antony
relies on proving Brutus wrong and he does this by saying, I thrice presented him the kingly
crown, yet he rejected, Was this ambition, yet Brutus is a honourable man. Antony
rhetorically employs anecdote to outline Caesars positive qualities, and juxtaposes it with
Brutuss opposing views on Caesar as ambitious. Thus Antony ironically respects Brutuss
honour but effectively creates opposing response in the mob against Brutus. this
demonstrates the interpersonal conflict that gives rise to societal conflict. Characters
subconsciously use their interpersonal disagreement to catalyse the society disagreement.

So in this way the conflicting perspectives within Julius Caesar are portrayed. Julius Caesar
explores the conflict within different categories such as personal, interpersonal and societal to
explore the conflicting perspectives to its roots. It effectively centres the conflict within
perspectives to the themes of power and allegiance.