Conflicting Persepectives
Conflicting perspectives are different points of view expressed and influenced by ones environment and values. Julius Caesar is a known example where there were many conflictive perspectives shown throughout the dramatic tragedy play. Other events that had shown conflicting perspectives are the assassination of John F. Kennedy which is shown through the documentary “The Men who killed Kennedy” and the movie “All quiet on the western front”. These events all share something in common, which is that through conflicting perspectives on a personality, event or situation conveys much more than a simple knowledge of truth. It is shown through the uses of diverse range of literary devices and language techniques.
Agreeing through the statement that conflicting perspectives on a personality, event or situation will convey much more than a simple knowledge of truth, examples are shown in Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare believed to be written in 1599. As an audience we see how the great Caesar himself, was an inspiration to the Romans which led him to become the target of conspiracy of betrayal. The play begins with Caesar defeating Pompey in a civil war and has appeared to be worshipped with absolute power. However the title “King” was hated in Rome. Yet Caesar was popular which inspired others, which is clearly shown and made clear that even after he dies, his spirit lives on haunting his murderers.
Nevertheless it was the purpose of gaining power and control that Caesar had, which started conflicting perspectives towards him from other characters. Brutus known as the noblest Roman, who Caesar trusted had nothing against him. But it was Cassius a brave, successful and generous man that persuaded Brutus into joining the conspirators to assassinate Caesar. It was when Cassius, heard that Brutus had concerns that “I do fear the people who choose Caesar for their king” which sparked Cassius to draw him into conspiracy. By conflicting Caesars powers, he putted his perspective towards Brutus pointing out his physical weaknesses. “He is a poor swimmer, is sickly and has “a feebly temper”, Cassius forces Brutus to consider why one so human should “bestride the narrow world like a Colossus”. To Cassius and Brutus the simpler truth was that Caesar seeks too much power yet it is their conflicting viewpoint which influenced their approach to murder Caesar.
The most conflicting perspective that was made towards Julius Caesar is the major event in the play, the assassination of Julius Caesar in Act 3, Scene 1. In this situation it reveals more than just a simple knowledge but reveals the truth that is in the play with reflection of Brutus and Mark Antony. It clearly shows that the aftermath of Caesars death Mark Antony was the most loyal to Caesar and not Brutus when he delivers his speech at Caesars funeral right after Brutus. Delivering it with his