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

Appearance vs. Reality in Julius Caesar     In life, good deal and things are not always as they appear. William Shakespeare dis tinkers this idea throughout his shoo-in, Julius Caesar. The play portrays the historical murder of one of ancient Romes most precious leaders, Julius Caesar. The play takes its readers through the minds of the conspirators as they plot this massive murder and deal with the responsibilities of its consequences. During the airstream of Caesars remainder, Octavius talks to Antony about how they should bring peace back to Rome. He states, And near that smile...have in their hearts...millions of mischiefs (4.1.50-51). Here, Octavius is referring to the false appearance of the conspirators. He says that they might appear harmless, but 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 versus reality c an be seen discordant 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 fascinate 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 truly devastated after his beloved friends death. Antony feels that referee must take its course, for over Caesars dead body he states, O, discharge me, thou bleeding piece of earth/ That I am lowly and gentle with these butchers (3.1. ). Antony then decides that he must get back at the conspirators and convince the public that the motives behind killing Caesar were unjust. In funeral speech Antony fifty-fifty makes it a point to refute what Brutus said in speech moments ago. However, the under neither the public nor the conspirators comprehend his motive at first. Antony appears like he is just presenting another side to th e story, but in reality he is refuting Brutus speech and swaying the public towards his side. During his speech he even states, I let out 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.