Twisted Truths - Julius Caesar

Twisted Truths

The truth is the truth, and there’s no way to change that, it is just a fact. But can the human mind convince oneself of their own truth for their own sake? The play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare takes on multiple themes such as the use and advantage of one’s power, and the truth, and how it can be twisted. Noble Roman leaders come together in a conspiracy against the soon-to-be emperor Julius Caesar. Convincing themselves that Caesar has bad intentions for Rome, the men hatch a conspiracy against Caesar. The unclear meanings of Caesar’s intentions allow Brutus to manipulate the truth to his advantage and convince himself and others he did no wrong in his acts in order to hold more power in Rome.

The events of the play are set in motion by a conspiracy drummed up by two noblemen of Rome, who convince themselves Julius Caesar is set out to do no good and blind themselves from the truth to do with what they believe is best. While Caesar is accepting his crown during the festival of Lupercal, Cassius confronts Brutus about his odd behaviors and how they relate to Caesar’s rule and says

“ Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that Caesar? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together, yours is as fair a name; Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with ‘em, Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Caesar. Now, in the names of all the gods at once, Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed, That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed! Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!” (I.2)

This is the point at which Brutus begins to see reality through a warped lense, so to speak. Cassius’s words are well spoken, and he believes his friend. Cassius speaks as if he wants Brutus to hold the power in Rome. It almost feels as if Cassius wants to put Brutus in this position of power and be able to influence him, therefore influencing Rome, with Brutus getting all the backlash. Brutus convinces himself that what Cassius has said is true, that Caesar is not suited to be Rome’s ruler and he should hold the power, because he would be better for Rome. Because Cassius is unhappy with Caesar, he manipulates Brutus to see things the way he does. That results in both men convincing themselves that what they think of Caesar and his rule is actually the truth, which justifies their conspiracy and makes them feel their consciences are clear.

Brutus lies to his wife after she asked about his odd behaviors as the conspiracy is developing. Already wrapped up in the fabricated conspiracy, Brutus, unbeknownst to himself, seems to carry a burden from the conspiracy on his shoulders. When his wife Portia asks what is bothering him, he tells her he’s not feeling well. Portia replies “Brutus is wise, and, were he not in health, He would embrace the means to come by it.” (II.1) Having been married to Brutus, Portia is quick to realize when her husband is out of sorts. After confronting him about his behavior and catching his lies, she attempts to persuade him to tell her the real reason for his upset. Portia’s method fails, and Brutus is left again. Brutus uses a lie to cover up what he is feeling, so he won’t have to explain the conspiracy to Portia. Deep down he does know what he is planning is wrong, so his conscience is obviously there.

After the conspirators’