The Tragedy of Julius Caesar essays

Overcoming tyranny: Shakespeare’s Message in Julius Caesar

Symbolic literature elements not only bring a whole new level to the plot but also strengthen the meaning and depth of the story. During Shakespeare’s time, The ruler King Henry used the state to take over the church and became a great tyrant over all people. Any and all nonconformists suffered for any disobedience to the state’s wishes. Shakespeare teaches us to see the true story and tyranny in 16th century England due to his profound messages. In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the prevalent use of Symbols helps to reference the story of the betrayal of the Catholic Church in England by King Henry VIII. Throughout the conspirator’s journey of seeking power in the guise of overthrowing a tyrant, many symbolic elements are incorporated to demonstrate Shakespeare’s idea of government in 16th century England. Imagery, religion, and language all hint at the dangers of a totalitarian government and revolution.

Firstly, religion is often seen within the play to symbolize the political unrest in Shakespeare’s time. More specifically, by concealing his messages according to Catholic patterns of thinking and communication, Shakespeare was able to share the story of 16th century totalitarian England via a public forum. A key instance of religious significance is evident in the act of the play when Flavius and Marullus talk down to the mechanicals about their fear of Caesar’s surge in power. Right from the start, we are suggested that Julius Caesar is a religious allegory. The two tradesmen are a carpenter and a mender of bad souls. In these characters, we can interpret the unity of Christ (carpenter) and his Church (the mender of bad souls), telling the audience to pay attention to two portraits in one story; a portrait of Christ and a portrait of his Church. Throughout the play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare demonstrates a tendency of providing slight insights into images, relics, culture, or anything that can suggest a deeper message and encourage people to remember history. It is also important to note that the play was written in a predominantly Christian society, where images are essential to multiple aspects of teaching Christian faith and Shakespeare observed the ways tyrants attack Catholic images. In the 16th century England, tyrants would remove artwork of previous generations, whether by burning or banning books, or destroying statues, tyrants understand the need to erase history in order to recondition our communal memory. Next, Shakespeare strengthens his message to Christians through religious symbols. An instance of symbolism can be seen after the tribunes talk to the mechanicals and Flavius says “Let no images be hung with Caesar’s trophies. I’ll about / , and drive away the vulgar from the streets / . . .These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing / Will make him fly an ordinary pitch“(Shakespeare 1.1.74-78). Shakespeare’s brief passage speaks further to Catholics. The simple use of the word “vulgar” sparks the attention of English-speaking Catholics by referencing their famous and ancient bible called the “Vulgate”. While vulgar might have a negative connotation to English speakers, to English-speaking Catholics it doesn’t. Christians hold a fondness for these two syllables, and freely associate themselves with that term. When Flavius says “drive away the vulgar”, the line directly connects to the oppression that audiences would face under the totalitarian government of Shakespeare’s time. Shakespeare follows this word with the plan of the villains to pluck men from the church. The reason villains destroy images is because it plucks people from the church. Therefore, Shakespeare is showing the harm of assimilating a religion by forcefully removing items of significance/ Christians during his time become blind when void of images to view and worship. They no longer see good images to help teach true faith. This passage continues to confirm in this powerful first scene for a Catholic playgoer this is an allegory of the Catholic church in England. The tradesman and discussion on images are hints, but these hints are sealed through the particular phrases used. The villains are going to the Capitol. In the Roman tragedies, Shakespeare’s villains refer to Rome as “the Capitol” which is a way of referencing London, the seat of power of England. When villains refer to Rome with hatred, it is as “Rome”, which is a way of alluding to the seat of power of the Catholic church. This creates a dual purpose. For one, remember, censors had to approve plays. Censors need to be satisfied. One way Shakespeare could do this is by speaking and referring to Rome in disparaging terms, it is a way to “feed the beast”, so to speak. Governmental censors get what they want, vitriolic hatred for Rome. But Shakespeare places this hatred always on the lips of his villains. To a captive audience wrapped up in the story, we recognize it is always the villains who hate Rome, just like life.