What is the theme ofJulius Caesar?
Though it’s impossible to pinpoint one topic as “the” theme of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” without asking the author himself, some of the text’s more prominent themes are almost universally agreed upon by scholars.Ambition and PowerThe conspirators accuse Caesar of ambition as he refuses to take the crown, banishes Publius and ignores bad omens. Viewed as arrogant, these actions cause Brutus to join the conspiracy, which will ultimately lead to Caesar’s death. Brutus says, “As he was valiant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him” (Shakespeare, III.ii.24-25).Emotion vs. LogicBrutus uses logic to convince the public of his belief in the greater good, while Marc Antony uses emotional appeals to turn the public against Brutus.FateCaesar recognizes fate, but does not surrender to it while Cassius demeans fate with his statement, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, / But in ourselves” (Shakespeare, I.ii.140–142). The play explores a balance between destiny
