Blog 1 (Culture) :                                                                                                                                                           “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare is believed to be inscribed around 1599 and despite this readers from across the globe study the play to this day. However, is this play still relevant to modern day? Well, it has many elements that clearly indicate a modern setting. The culture presented in Julius Caesar is very similar to the culture today. The play has particular characters that believe in superstitions. 

In the first act of the play, the readers are brought across a celebration known as Feast of Lupercal, which is when Caesar commands his devoted follower Mark Antony to whip Calpurnia, for it to be easy for her to bear a baby. Whipping someone while riding a horse is not actually going to make a woman pregnant since there is no change within her body. It is just a tradition that has been carried on for a long while with no apparent reason. Similar superstitions exist today, as well. For instance, in rural areas many women believe that getting blessings from a high priest will rid them of infertility. 

Moreover, in Act I, Scene 3, Caska imagines a lion who walks past him without hurting him, men walking on fire and ghastly women, which he believes to be evil omens. Today, countless people strongly believe that if a black cat crosses your path, then something bad is about to occur. This is because cats are thought to be connected to the evil. Many even believe that broken mirrors signify a broken soul and to get rid of the spell, one must pick up the broken pieces after seven hours. The number thirteen is still regarded as ‘unlucky’, which is why many buildings do not have a thirteenth floor and several individuals do not step outside on Friday, the 13th. 

Last but not the least, Calpurnia’s horrific dream of Caesar’s death and her staunch belief that Caesar would actually be murdered and lothy conspirators would bathe their hands in his blood portray superstition. Caesar also believed that the Ides of March was an unlucky day for him since there was no heart found in the beast. Today also a bat’s presence is someone’s house is considered a sign of death and if a crow caws at someone, death is considered to be very near. Hence, such superstitions continue to dominate the world today as they did in the olden times.

Caesar was assassinated by sixty or more conspirators before he could be crowned King and as history always repeats itself, this incident occurred again. Martin Luther King, an American activist, visible spokesperson and a leader of civil rights was killed by one of his opponents due to the same reasons as to why Cassius assassinated Caesar. He was shot dead on April 4, 1968. 

After Caesar’s death, Brutus and Mark Antony delivered speeches to humungous masses sharing their condolences and opinions. Similarly, after Martin Luther King’s death, the King of the state and other ministers delivered very important speeches that are still remembered today. The only difference might be that in the olden times, authority was challenged as seen in Julius Caesar and now the ones questioning authority are challenged as seen in the United States election. 

Another modern connection that can be drawn to this is that after Caesar’s death, Mark Antony along with Octavius launched a war against Cassius and his supporters to defend Caesar’s death and show their strength. After Martin Luther King’s death, there were outbreaks of racial violence that led to over forty deaths and massive destruction of property. Hence, politics of the Roman Empire in 1599 can be compared to the politics of the world in 2018.

It is 2018 and even though the scenario has become better, it has not completely transformed. This is why several feminist foundations still exist and this is where the phrase “She for He” was developed. Many activists still fight for equality and Emma Watson, a feminist leader even stated, “Women feel like they need permission; we need to change that.” In fact, there have been multiple protests pertaining to this topic such as “The Million Mom March” and “The March for Women’s Lives.” 

In many countries comprising Syria and some other Middle Eastern countries, women are meant to wear ‘burkas’ and they are denied entrances in certain places such as sports stadiums because they are considered inferior. In many Indian villages, people consider the birth of a baby girl an omen since she cannot bring glory and wealth to the family. 

Undermining women was a part of the society even during Caesar’s times. This was proven when Cassius stated, “And we governed with our mothers’ spirits: Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish.” This particular line is enough to show the mindsets of the people during the time, since Cassius believed women were inferior to men and that their guts were weak enough to be considered as 'womanish.' The status of women has not altered much since then and this must provoke the audience furthermore to bring about a change. 

It is 2018 and even though the scenario has become better, it has not completely transformed. This is why several feminist foundations still exist and this is where the phrase “She for He” was developed. Many activists still fight for equality and Emma Watson, a feminist leader even stated, “Women feel like they need permission; we need to change that.” In fact, there have been multiple protests pertaining to this topic such as “The Million Mom March” and “The March for Women’s Lives.” 

In many countries comprising Syria and some other Middle Eastern countries, women are meant to wear ‘burkas’ and they are denied entrances in certain places such as sports stadiums because they are considered inferior. In many Indian villages, people consider the birth of a baby girl an omen since she cannot bring glory and wealth to the family. 

Undermining women was a part of the society even during Caesar’s times. This was proven when Cassius stated, “And we governed with our mothers’ spirits: Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish.” This particular line is enough to show the mindsets of the people during the time, since Cassius believed women were inferior to men and that their guts were weak enough to be considered as womanish. The status of women has not altered much since then and this must provoke the audience furthermore to bring about a change. 

“The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones.” This quote which Mark Antony spoke during his obituary to Caesar, is a phrase which is unfortunately accurate. All the terrible things that an individual has committed during their lifetime, is usually the most highlighted features that burn in people’s memories after his/her passing. It is human instinct to focus on the negative, the “glass half-empty” type of mindset. When the people begin to only recognize the flaws, they eventually forget the strengths. 

This phrase even applies to modern lives, your image can be ruined by the smallest errors; especially with the flourish of social media, word spreads faster than water. People decide it's easier to focus on the bad qualities of an individual, for if they recognize the good features, then their conscience is at stake. There are some exceptions, where martyrs and saints are remembered, but it doesn't occur as often as it should. For the Romans, it's easier to accept their ruler’s death if they focused on his wrong doings, and guilt would overtake them if they decided to see his strengths. Antony uses this phrase to guilt-trip the Romans, and eventually manipulate them to support Caesar instead of Brutus. 

Brutus is a character that is rather very different when compared to the other characters of the play. Brutus is a person who can be manipulated very easily, he is a person you can easily get under the skin of. For example, In the beginning of the play Brutus knew that it wasn’t a good idea to kill caesar as Caesar was like a father to him, But Brutus was easily and quickly manipulated by Cassius in this situation. That particular scene defines Brutus as a person who can easily be manipulated. In my opinion I think that Brutus’s emotions and feelings control him rather than him having control over his emotions and feelings and this is why he is one of the contrasting character of the play. He has a lot of mixed emotions in a few scenes in the play. For example, first we have the decision of wether to kill Caesar or not and then we have the argument between Brutus and Cassius, In the beginning of the argument between these two Brutus is really angry and disappointed in Cassius and then all of a sudden he clams down and forgives him for whatever it was that he had done.  

Option C- Modern Connections

RL

 

In the Shakespearean play ‘Julius Caesar’, there is a group of people known to be the conspirators, who plan Caesar’s assassination. They felt as if he was gaining more power, and becoming a dictator, which wasn’t what the republic of Rome stood by. In Act 3, Scene 1, they do so by stabbing him with daggers 23 times. Today, this act of ending someone’s life due to an overdose of power is seen as a popular story line in many movies, comics and video games. One major example for this is the Assassin’s Creed video game series. Throughout the game, your objective is to complete missions leading up to the final mission, which is to assassinate the main rival, usually a leader who misuses his power. For example, in Assassins creed Unity, your objective is to end the elite bourgeoisies in 1700s France, in order to spark riots, which would then lead to the infamous French Revolution. This is even more evident in the recent Assassin’s Creed Origins game, where your objective is to initiate the assassination of Julius Caesar.  

Accordingly, Cassius resented being subservient to Caesar to fight for his freedom against the reign of terror. Cassius formed a group of conspirators to murder Caesar. Since Brutus was a respected nobleman of Rome, Cassius wanted to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy, and use him as a catalyst to unite the leading nobles in his collusion. Cassius relied on his keen insights into human nature to deceive Brutus by the means of passionate arguments, coupled with false notes that prompted Brutus to leave off his contemplation and to join hands with Cassius to assassinate Caesar. When Anthony's overrising movement started to boil up, Cassius developed as a calm friend of Brutus who remained faithful to their friendship until his death. Therefore, I considered Cassius as a crafty person who is willing to satisfy his desires to overthrow Caesar’s power throughout his deceitful actions on Brutus. 

The quote is closely connected to the philosophy of Stoicism which claims that happiness and judgement is based on the behaviour of a person rather than words spoken. This philosophy holds that we are only in control of the things that we do and not of the superficial events that occur around us. In my opinion, the interpretation of this quote is that our destiny is not determined by the stars, but is based upon us. It is based upon choices we make, paths we choose to follow and people we choose to believe. 

The power that resides in us is more powerful than the power of fate itself. Our fate lies in our hands and not in the stars. 

In “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” a resemblance is present between Julius Caesar’s hate and that of Abraham Lincoln. Primarily, in 44BC, Caesar approached dictatorship, he had overthrown Pompey, killed his sons and his apparent supremacy was endlessly mounting. The senators despised him for his acts and visions, therefore, conspirators led by Cassius were united under one belief that Caesar must be stopped. On the contrary, Abraham Lincoln was disliked by many Americans for his exploits and beliefs like colonization, in addition, Southerners believed he was too dictatorial which is a prevalent theme in the play. Lincoln’s speech at the White House endorsed the rights of blacks, while arguing that “all men are created equal.” Later, he was politically struck as an abolitionist, while John Wilkes Booth wrathfully stated, “that means nigger citizenship… That is the last speech he will ever give.” John Booth was a racist and prominent stage actor who initiated a desperate plan composed of conspirators to save the confederacy, exactly like Cassius feared the fall of democracy.

 

In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Mark Antony is portrayed to be an assertive and loyal friend, who upon Caesar’s death decides to take revenge against the conspirators. In Act 1, Scene 2, Antony’s obedience and loyalty is displayed, when Caesar asks him to touch Calpurnia in the festival of Lupercal, Antony, replies by saying, “I shall remember. When Caesar says, ‘do this,’  it is performed.” Not only, that but when Caius Cassius and Marcus Brutus are plotting the murder of Caesar,  Cassius advices to murder Antony as well, by stating , “Yet, I fear him. For in the engrafted love he bears to Caesar.” This shows Cassius is afraid of the action Mark Antony might take upon the news of Caesar’s death, due to the deep-rooted love Antony had for Caesar. Furthermore, he was very was very persuasive (by using rhetorical skills and effective language). In Act 3 Scene 1, it is shown how easily Antony was able to convince Brutus into letting him speak in Caesar’s funeral. Not only that through his excellent public speaking skills he was able to persuade the crowd, by questioning, Brutus’ actions and claims. Antony was also very strong-willed, as he followed his vows of vengeance on the “hand that shed this costly blood!”. 

Within “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” Caesar encounters countless signs of death such as the soothsayer’s sayings and Calpurnia’s delusion. His ignorance yet heroic ambitions steered him to death where he was stabbed 23 times. On April 14^th, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was invited to Ford’s Theatre casting “Our American Cousin.” That night, he informed his bodyguard that he wouldn’t require him and disregarded any emblem of menace. He said, ‘goodbye instead of ‘goodnight,’ it’s almost melancholy… Challenging himself and being reckless, like Caesar himself. A slumbering guard at the entrance left the president unguarded while John Wilkes drew the trigger behind his cranium.

In conclusion, there’s an abundance of similarities between the historical figures although the time and setting is set inversely. Karl Marx once said, “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Life is given to all the living and set on a bridge, but what stops it from collapsing?

Mrithun’s blog was an analysis of Brutus’s character.The blog portrayed Brutus as a weakling, one who was swayed by what he heard, rather than one who made informed judgements based on facts. I do not agree with this portrayal. In my opinion, Brutus was a strong personality who was well aware of the consequences of his actions. Although I agree that he was manipulated to some extent by the conspirators, he hesitated in joining hands with them until Act 2. Even when Cassius tried to manipulate Brutus by pointing out Caesar’s numerous flaws, Brutus detected the true nature of Cassius’s dishonourable intentions. The prime reason for Brutus’s hesitancy was his uncertainty as to how the outcome of his decision would affect the good of his beloved country. It was only after he received the anonymous letter focusing on the miserable plight of his countrymen, that he was ready to join the conspirators. This demonstrated, most empathetically, that Brutus was an honorable and patriotic man. Whatever action he chose to take was always for the betterment of his country, and never for personal gain. Eventually, Brutus took the ultimate decision of killing his beloved friend, for what he believed, was for the good of his country.

C- Modern Connections: instincts and mindsets

GK

In Julius Caesar, we find a recurring theme of ‘love for a greater cause’. In Brutus’ mind the empire is what takes this place. This isn't a clichéd concept, for far beneath the flesh and skin of the play- lies an earnest illustration of human nature.

Even today, we find people fight for ‘republic’ nationalism. For some, this ‘great love’ maybe family, friends or even god. Regardless, this unquantifiable dedication can lead to betrayal. We see Brutus betray Caesar in the name of Rome, and even today, people make sacrifices; cutting off ‘family’ for their career, putting aside there ‘career’ for family. Although murder may not be the outcome, we still see the same reasonings that Brutus used- some sacrifices must be made for the betterment of what we believe in.

 

Though the Shakespearean age is long gone, human instinct remains in its most primitive form; deeply ingrained into our way of life. Shakespeare's work demonstrates conflicts, where intentions of the human mind can be seamlessly interpreted. Tangible elements may change, but the way we are hardwired- our actions, reactions and emotions; the last thing people consider ‘static’ is ironically the one that we find consistent to time and space.

 

Cassius is known to be a cunning man with intentions to kill the mighty Caesar. This was successful as he was able to gain a handful of important supporters, we can take Brutus as an example. Brutus is known to be one of the leading characters in the play. Although smart and powerful, his mind is forever known to be capricious. 

In Act 1, Scene 2 , there is a quote in particular that stands out as it shows a more reflective side of Brutus. This quote is in reply to Cassius’s concern to Brutus’s distant atmosphere as he asks, “ Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?” Brutus replies with, 

Brutus alters Cassius question by answering that the eye cannot see itself, this does more than replace one metonymy with another. Line one, refers to how Brutus does not know himself. He pinpoints the theme of trying to find oneself as he distinguishes himself in the eyes of others.Second line is interpreted as Brutus’s blindness to his own feelings as he allows himself to be mirrored in the eyes of others which could eventually destroy him. Brutus was a stoic character, always holding his feelings in. It was his inner conflict inside of him that determined what would happen in the future. Allowing himself to be swayed by others throughout the play,to kill or not to kill.

Option C - Modern Connections 

ES 

Many of the characters in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar can be compared to those in The Hunger Games Trilogy. Caesar, being a dictator, can be seen as being President Snow from the Hunger Games. Even in the books and movies of the Hunger Games, President Snow is the one whom the citizens are trying to overthrow, just like Caesar. Brutus can be compared to the character of Heavensbee. This is because at the beginning of the Hunger Games he was on President Snow's side but as the plot changed, he moved onto the side of the rebels. The same can be seen for Brutus as he agrees to killing Caesar even after being so close to him. Cassius can be seen to resemble Katniss Everdeen, the leader of the rebellion against President Snow. Cassius convinced all the conspirators just as Katniss Everdeen did. Gale Hawthorn from the movies is like Titinius. He was also a part of the rebels and he was very close to Katniss as Titinius was to Cassius. A character that can be compared to Mark Antony is President Coin. After Caesar (and President Snow) was overthrown, Antony took control and seized power at once.

Ambition for power has been a flaw in any human-led society. Common fear for one rising to a stature too high is a universal factor for violence in the past and present. We see this ideology in Shakespeare’s play ‘Julius Caesar’ where Brutus, Caesar’s closest follower becomes a conspirator fearing Caesar’s rising power and possible dictatorship, resulting in Caesar's death. 

An almost identical incident happened on 26th October 1979 in Seoul, South Korea. Kim Jae-gyu, a close official to president Park Chung-hee, shot president Park during a private dinner. Kim claimed that President Park’s dictatorship was not helping the country and thought his death was the only way for Korea to become a true democratic republic. Kim was later executed being charged guilty for ‘murder with potential to start a civil war’ which shows how the people at the time had conservative mindsets, and were against rebellious acts, just like the public after Caesar’s death                                                                                                                                                                           It's very interesting how human ambition for power is a catalyst for violence. This does not change over time, as it is prominent in Shakespeare's play, in 1979, and even in our world today. It is harder to notice in everyday life, because the acts of violence have become less blatant, and more secretive to avoid the public eye. This may have the outer appeal of being 'better' or 'progressive'. However, what matters most is the fact that the endless human thirst for power is still a major catalyst for violence within any modern society.

As humans, we are not able to see what lies in our mind and heart by looking at a mirror. You are not what you see yourself as but you are how others see you. He lets us know that the real dangers is in fact the internal ones and that we are not to see yourself in the reflection, but to dig much deeper. Where the eyes were mirrors of souls. Brutus could relate, as he was unsure whether to be loyal to someone who acted as a fatherly figure, or listen to the conspirators that praised Brutus by slandering Caesar.  Likewise in reality, we often allow the perception of others to interfere with our own. Why are we entitled to the judgments of others? Why do we taint our own reflection upon another's eye? Why is Everyone you meet a mirror?

 His wit and brains were very insightful to the conspirators see eye to eye with his judgment. Cassius had only provoked the thoughts that meandered in the hearts of the conspirators. I would say Brutus was even worse because despite having the trust and love of Caesar, whom he respected as a leader and a friend, his betrayal and backstabbing was undeniably the worst of them all. Why make Cassius any less that Brutus, Cinna or Caska, after all, it takes two flints to start a fire.

Although you have very strong points, I think Kim Jae gue and Brutus are quite different. You mentioned the public reacting in the same way, however, I disagree as it is not the same. When Kim Jae gue murdered Park Jung Hee, the former president of Korea, the government controlled the media. Therefore, people’s voices at the time could not be heard. On the other hand, after Caesar's death, the public decided to kill all the conspirators including Brutus. Keeping in mind the change in behavior after the assassination. Brutus’s famous last words were, “Farewell, good Strato. Caesar, now be still. I killed not thee with half so good a will.” which shows a sense of regret for Caesar’s death.He wishes that Caesar rests in peace and expresses that he did not kill Caesar as half as willing as he killed himself. On the contrary, Kim Jae gue last words were,  “나 내목숨 바쳐 독재의 아성 무너뜨렸네”, “나 내 목숨 하나 바쳐 자유민주주의 회복하였네” to sum it up, he says that he sacrificed his life to end the dictatorship and reconstruct a  total democratic government. With no regret and no remorse.

Marcus Brutus is a prominent and a complex character in the tragedy of Julius Caesar. He is well reputable and is shown as a person who favors a republic fit for Rome. This shows reverence for Brutus, exemplifying his honor in several ways. Although he was an honorable man, he was one of the main conspirators in the assassination of Julius Caesar. He had clung to the idea of the free and great Republic his ancestors had built, “My ancestors did from the streets of Rome The Tarquin drive, when he was call'd a king…”   hence he had felt the responsibility for the future of Rome, “ "Am I entreated to Speak and Strike? O Rome I make thee promise, If the redress will follow, then receivest thy full petition at the hand of Brutus.” Whilst he is smart, he was yet to overcome his fickle mind. He was easily persuaded by Cassius to join the Conspirators as he found resonance in his voice. He believed that Caesar’s blood was no different than their own, he was not to be treated like a god. Another example of his fickle mind would be his inability to recognize the forged letters sent by Cassius. He was overwhelmed by the letters as they gave importance and attention to him, repeating “speak, strike and redress.” After Caesar’s death, he underestimates Antony as an enemy despite knowing his relationship with Caesar, trusting Antony and meeting his requests almost immediately giving him an opportunity at Caesar’s funeral to overthrow Brutus.

Brutus was a  humble man but at heart, he was a real patriot, every inch of him. He was continually at war with himself which had really impacted his decisions throughout the play. In addition to his fickle mind, he was indeed a naive thinker. His reasons for the assassination were absurd moreover, he was unable to justify the murder of a man, a friend who had not misused his powers. Specifying that the conspirators should "be called purgers, not murderers."  and seen as “sacrifices, not butchers,” hoping that the nation would see the same light as them. Truthfully saying, Brutus was unaware of his sacrifices. He sacrificed not only Caesar but his dignity and heart.

Option A- Character 

AM

 

Mark Antony was the master of persuasive techniques. He was not only cunning, but he also had an astute mind. He had only one motive, which was to want the Romans to listen to him. He desired to gain more power, through revenge on the conspirators for Caesar’s death. His actions add in, when he addressed the people of Rome, talking about what a sin the conspirators had done. Mark Antony reminds the people of their former love for Caesar, he tempts them by mentioning Caesars will. After claiming that his intention is not to praise Caesar, he says, “he was my friend, faithful and justice to me” is an emotion, which the audience can identify. Caesar had a lot of faith in him. Antony and Brutus despised each other. Antony mentions “Brutus is an honorable man” takes a tone of potent sarcasm as in the book the evidence is given. Brutus was envious of Antony, as he had gained the power towards the end by having the citizens on his side. I feel that Antony has shown loyalty and how it should be kept, as he never betrayed Caesar.  According to me, Antony had made Rome a better place. He had shared with the citizens how cruel trustworthy people could be (conspirators). However, Antony was being cynical and somewhat of a narcissist as he wanted to soar high and earlier mentioned, he wanted the Romans to listen to him. He also wanted to have some power for himself at the same time.