Final In-class Essay Caesar Upgrade

In Julius Caesar, the diversity of characteristics in the characters all combine to create a theme. The conflicts created by the characters bring forth the themes that Shakespeare wanted to present, and do it in a very effective way. Conflicts such as Portia trying to convince Brutus form clashes of different beliefs thus creating the theme of honesty and loyalty. Another major conflict that occurs in the story is the disagreement between Brutus and Cassius. These two men have different beliefs, other expectations, and diverse values that bring forth the themes trust and obedience. Throughout the story, more conflicts are introduced, each one adding more to an integrated theme. Writing devices also keep the story flowing adding more disputes and arguments. Rhetorical devices and figures of speech all add more emotion to the dialogue creating a liable position in each conversation. 

As the first conflict, we have Brutus versus Cassius. In the earlier stages of the story, Cassius had pure hatred and disgust on the thought of Caesar's rule. Brutus knew that Caesar was not helping rome, and he needed to be dethroned. Here we have the theme of right and wrong, including justice. Brutus wants to keep the assassination honorable, and Shakespeare had made it clear it was a dear value of Brutus. On the other hand, cassius and in all his loathing kept urging Brutus to murder Caesar and annihilate all his values. Get rid of what he established and forget he ever existed. There are more conflicts that are born from this main external conflict, which by itself creates another theme. 

After a meeting with his followers, Brutus paces through his gardens thinking. Portia, his wife, walks out of the house and wants to understand what is bothering Brutus. She knows Brutus very well, and with her qualities of speech, she tries to convince Brutus into telling her what is going on. Brutus has to make a choice now to whom he must be loyal to. After all, Portia is his wife and they have a strong relationship. However, telling Portia what he and the conspirators have been plotting would break the word he was bound to keep. Despite all the nagging and persuading, Brutus was able to keep the upcoming murder a secret. Honor and loyalty were the themes presented in this conflict, and the qualities of the characters obviously showed during the intense conversation. Making the each speech and conversation more interesting, William Shakespeare uses conventions and diction to his advantage. 

Using rhetoric and specifically chosen diction we can understand the position each character takes in a conflict. The writing helps create the conflicts which then radiate the themes. Integrating ethos, the appeal to right and wrong, make readers think about a situation. Making use of pathos grabs readers by appealing to their emotions. All of these tactics help elevate the importance of a conflict, and make sure the readers receive a clear message. The words are just as important as the system they are put into. Each word has its own meaning yet using a word that truly works can help the reader understand so much more. 

In some way all the characters in Julius Caesar create the climax of the story built up by separate internal and external conflicts. Everything plays a part in showing highs and lows of relationship and rules. The characters themselves, the devices used, the words chosen, all contribute to making a story intense and deep. Involving the audience in the play is key for them to understand new values and ideas. William Shakespeare makes everything count and the outcome is a timeless classic.