How Shakespeare Portrayed Julius Caesar’s Ambition in “Julius Caesar”

Shakespeare's masterpiece, "Julius Caesar," delves into the complex and multifaceted nature of ambition through the character of Julius Caesar. Through a combination of rhetoric, conflict, and symbolism, Shakespeare presents Caesar as a figure whose desire for power and greatness both inspires and terrifies those around him. This essay will explore how Shakespeare portrays Caesar’s ambition and the implications of this theme on the play's characters and narrative.

Ambition as a Central Theme

Ambition is a driving force in the play, influencing both Caesar and the conspirators. Caesar's unwavering drive for power creates fear and suspicion among his peers, particularly Brutus and Cassius. Their fear that Caesar's ambition will lead to the destruction of the Roman Republic is a central theme in the play. This tension between the public perception of Caesar and his true ambition forms the core of the conflict.

Caesar’s Character

Caesar is depicted as a powerful and charismatic leader who aspires to greatness. His famous line, “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once,” encapsulates his indomitable spirit and his sense of invincibility. This quote, delivered to his son in Act 2, Scene 2, demonstrates Caesar's confidence and his willingness to achieve greatness through both courage and ambition.

Public Perception vs. Private Ambition

The play illustrates the tension between public perception and private ambition. While Caesar is celebrated and admired by many, his unquenchable desire for power and control leads to suspicion and fear among the elite. The mob's adoration of Caesar contrasts sharply with the fear and mistrust of the aristocracy. This dichotomy highlights the potential corruption of power and the danger of unchecked ambition.

The Role of Omens and Prophecy

Throughout the play, omens and prophecies serve as foreshadowing and reflections of the consequences of unchecked ambition. For example, the Soothsayer's warning to Caesar to “beware the Ides of March” is a significant symbol of the impending doom. The play also explores the idea that ambition, when unchecked, can lead to one's downfall. The henchmen who carry out the prophecy, like Cassius, see it as a means to justify their own actions and to protect the Republic from what they perceive as a tyrant.

Brutus’s Internal Conflict

Brutus, a key conspirator, struggles with his feelings about Caesar's ambition. He believes that killing Caesar is necessary to protect the Republic from tyranny. Brutus views Caesar's ambition as a potentially corrupting force. However, his decision is driven not only by his fear of Caesar but also by his desire to uphold Roman values and principles. This internal conflict highlights the complexity of ambition and its impact on moral and ethical considerations.

The Consequences of Ambition

The aftermath of Caesar's assassination reveals the chaotic consequences of ambition. The power struggles that ensue lead to civil war, suggesting that ambition, when taken to extremes, can lead to destruction and disorder. The play ultimately posits that unchecked ambition can undermine the very structures that hold a society together.

Shakespeare's Presentation of Caesar

In agreement with other scholars, we can see that Caesar's ambition is characterized more through the eyes of his enemies than through his own statements. In Brutus' eulogy, it is noted that while Caesar was admired for his bravery and generosity, he was killed because of his ambition. This is reflected in Mark Antony's rebuttal to the conspirators, emphasizing the importance of Caesar's genuine qualities and the betrayal of the Republic by his assassination.

Caesar's Political Thruster

Shakespeare does not present Caesar as an outwardly ambitious figure. In several scenes, especially the well-known "Crown" scene (Act 3, Scene 1), Caesar's refusal of the crown is portrayed as a political stunt. This scene, which occurs off-stage, is relayed to the audience as a misleading display of humility. Caesar's refusal is a calculated move to please the crowd while secretly postponing the inevitable. This scene serves to highlight Caesar's strategic and often deceptive approach to obtaining power.

The Third Person Habits

Characters in the play, especially those who see Caesar as a threat to the Republic, often refer to themselves in the third person. This rhetorical device emphasizes their self-importance and their perception of their own value. Notably, Caesar himself is the worst offender in this regard, frequently declaring “I am Caesar” or “Always I am Caesar.” This attention to self-importance is a mark of a man who views himself as something more than an ordinary human, aligning with the theme of grandiose ambition.

The Last Words

Even in his final moments, Caesar asserts his grandeur with his famous last words, “Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar!” The phrase is a proclamation of Caesar's greatness and a defiance against his conspirators. This line reveals Caesar's self-centeredness and his belief in his invincibility. In a modern context, one can draw comparisons between Caesar’s words and an inflated sense of importance, like that of modern political figures such as Donald Trump, who also often uses the first person to emphasize their own significance.

Conclusion

Shakespeare presents ambition as a double-edged sword in "Julius Caesar." While ambition can inspire greatness and power, it can also lead to corruption and destruction. The play highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of maintaining balance and integrity in leadership. Through the character of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare underscores the complex and often perilous nature of the pursuit of power and greatness.