Ceasar's fall and the Speech of Brutus
Shakespeare is the most mature political brain that ever existed outside direct
politics in human history. There is
another belief that it was actually Christopher Marlowe who wrote in the name of
Shakespeare. Whatever may be
the truth, the fact remains that the works are outstanding classics and humanity stands t benefit immensely from
Shakespeare. That is, we have not yet fully exhausted the potentials of the great works of Shakespeare. For this we
must reject the critics with pure academic background.
"Julius Caesar" is a classical work which has to be read again and again and enjoyed as long as politics remains
an intergral part of humanity. What is politics, after all? Politics means fighting for a section of people against another
section whose interests clash with the first section. No politician worth the salt can be free from partisanship.Julius Ceasar, the noblest living politician of his age was assassinated by his own colleagues for being ambitiious. He had no friendsother than Mark Antony in the ruling heirarchy of Rome. His trusted friend having been taken away the senators stabbed Ceasar one after another. Ceasar could not believe that this could happen. There Ceasar showed lack of a deeper understanding of politics.
As Shakespeare said, 'ingratitude' more than traitors arms fell mighty Ceasar'.
But Brutus justifies even this 'murder' most foul'. He says in his speech to the Romans that not that he loved Ceasar less; but he loved Rome more". This one line sums up Brutus's justification for his murder of a friend who made him what he was. Here he flatters the Romans. An ageold tactics of
politicians! Whenever leaders want to incite the cadres or masses against a leader, they would say that the people are great and the leaders are not.Setting the cadres against a leader who has fallen into disfavour is the trick. Brutus asks who among those assembled in the 'condolence meeting' would be so base as to be willing to be a slave. Brutus says that Ceasar was ambitious and he paid for that with his life. And the Romans get convinced until Mark Antony takes the podium.
What are the lessons? Arguments can be found to prove anything under the sun. Lesser politicians tell a lot of lies. And ;they justify their wickedness with noble aims! Politicians of real nobility need no lies to convince the masses. The fate of Ceasar may not be an isoloated case.
Sathya