Julius Caesar is stabbed to death
Julius Caesar is stabbed to death
|
|
|
| This occurs in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar to Mark Antony. Roman Politicians ambush Julius Caesar, ruler, and one of Rome's greatest generals, then stab him to death under a statue of another great Roman, Pompey. Cassius, a Senator arranged the plot, but the essential member of the group is Brutus, Caesar's best friend. Once Brutus joins the coup, there is no stopping the murder. Mark Antony is caught off guard, but recovers brilliantly. He tells the killers that he accepts what was done, he is stalling as he conjures up a plan to avenge Caesar. He has to maneuver into a position that feels safe. Antony knows he has to bide his time, concealing his true feelings. Mark Antony wants these people to pay for their crime. Antony is permitted to live, but not to be trusted. Cassius is leery of Antony, and would rather see him dead. However, Brutus is an honourable man in a difficult situation, wants no more bloodshed. He believes killing Caesar was the for the benefit of the Roman people. "And therefore think of him as a serpent's egg / Which, hatched, would, as his kind, | |
Julius Caesar is stabbed to death
|
grow mischievous: / And kill him in the shell" ("Julius"). When Antony appeals to speak at Caesar's funeral, Brutus approves while Cassius vehemently objects. Brutus is known as one of the great orator's of his time, takes Cassius off to the side. |