Appearance vs. Reality in Julius Caesar :: Julius Caesar Essays

Appearance vs. worldly concern in Julius Caesar     In life, people and things are not always as they appear. William Shakespeare displays this idea through and throughout his play, Julius Caesar. The play portrays the historical murder of one of antediluvian patriarch Romes most precious leaders, Julius Caesar. The play takes its readers through the minds of the conspirators as they plot this wide murder and deal with the responsibilities of its consequences. During the aftermath of Caesars death, Octavius talks to Antony about how they should bring pause back to Rome. He states, And some that smile...have in their tones...millions of mischiefs (4.1.50-51). Here, Octavius is referring to the false air of the conspirators. He says that they might appear harmless, just behind their false smiles is a heart full of dirty tricks. He is also saying that someones outward appearance doesnt always symbolize how he or she feels inside. This theme of appearance ve rsus reality can be seen various times throughout Julius Caesar. It is developed through the personalities and actions of Antony, Brutus, and Cassius. These characters deceive their friends and add to the intriguing plot of the play.   First of all, there is Antony, a raging triumvir after the death of Caesar. Anotony is a dear friend of Caesar and is authentically devastated after his beloved friends death. Antony feels that justice moldiness take its course, for over Caesars exsanguine body he states, O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of humanity/ That I am meek and gentle with these butchers (3.1. ). Antony then decides that he must get back at the conspirators and convince the public that the motive(prenominal)s behind cleanup spot Caesar were unjust. In funeral speech Antony even makes it a point to refute what Brutus tell in speech moments ago. However, the nether neither the public nor the conspirators comprehend his motive at first. Antony appears ana logous he is just presenting another side to the story, but in reality he is refuting Brutus speech and swaying the public towards his side. During his speech he even states, I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke (3.2. ). To the conspirators Antony appears like one of Caesars many limbs( ). In reality he is plotting revenge.