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English 10-1

May 8, 2023

Julius Caesar Essay

Historically in life and literature, individuals have a desire for control. Being

ambitious is a character trait that is longed for. An increase in power is also sought

after by many. In the play, “Julius Caesar”, Shakespeare suggests that an individual’s

ambition and one’s increase in power can ultimately lead to their defeat.

One’s ambition can significantly alter an individual’s intention & mindset thus

leading to their defeat. The word ambition simply means having a strong desire to

accomplish something. As seen in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Brutus is a wonderful

example. Brutus's ambition in protecting Rome leads him to make debatable choices

that in time resulted in his defeat. "Not that I loved Caesar less but I loved Rome more.”

(Shakespeare 3.2) This protagonist was easily persuaded by the conspirators to

participate in the assassination of Caesar; He justified his actions by convincing

himself that this was for the better of Rome. “Et tu Brute! Then fall, Caesar.”
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(Shakespeare 3.1) He assisted in assassinating one of his dearest friends. Shakespeare

uses Brutus’s foil Cassius, to highlight Brutus's ambition, which ultimately leads to his

downfall. Brutus serves as an example that unchecked ambition can lead to one's

demise.

An individual's increase in power can result in their downfall. As Brutus gains

more power, his priorities shift and he is no longer motivated by his love for Rome. As

seen by this line, "Nor construe any further [his] neglect than that poor Brutus with

himself at war forgets the show of love to other men"(Shakespeare, 1.2.45-48), Brutus

shows that he is debating with himself if assassinating Caesar is an appropriate action

to take. As Brutus’s power increases, his choices no longer display a man with morals

and values. "Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, To cut the head off and

then hack the limbs, Like wrath in death and envy afterwards; For Antony is but a limb

of Caesar" (Shakespeare, 2.1.162-165) An individual's increase in power can lead to their

doom.

One’s ambition and increase in power can lead to their defeat. “I rejoice at it; as

he was/ valiant, I honor him: but as he was ambitious, I/ slew him.” (Shakespeare

3.2.26-28) While Brutus believed that killing Caesar was necessary to save Rome, he

failed to anticipate the chaos that was bound to follow. Brutus and the conspirators all
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have biased motives; They are driven by their own personal ambitions rather than for

the better of all people, thus leading to their defeat. “Hold then my sword, and turn

away from thy face, / While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato? (Shakespeare 5.5.47-48)

Ultimately, the protagonists’ defeat displays how one's increase in power & ambition

can lead to their demise.

Being ambitious can significantly alter an individual’s intentions. This combined

with an increase in power can lead to their downfall. Ambition inspires one to achieve

success. In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, several characters learn that an increase in

power will not have a positive outcome. In this literature example, both ambition and

power resulted in defeat.

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Works Cited:

Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. 1599.