A Scene Analysis of Julius Caesar, a Play by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare has been mesmerizing people with his written word for hundreds of years, from his sonnets to his plays. His stories deal with love, betrayal, murder, death, and even suicide; even in the story of Julius Caesar does he touch up on this subject. Act one Scene 3 is the part of the play where the meteor showers attack the city of Rome, and where Cassius admits how strongly he is opposed to Caesar’s rule. The scene is supposed to be a turning point for the show in the sense it is revealed just how terribly Caesar is viewed by Cassisus, and just how far Cassius will go to make sure he does not see him rule. Shakespeare did this by portraying his characters emotions accurately and appropriately.

The scene opens with the characters Casca and Cicero both are public figures in Rome, both are discussing the fiery storm outside that is come out of nowhere. Casca believes it to be a bad omen of what is to come, while Cicero things it is nothing more than a natural occurrence. Once Cicero exits the character Cassius enters, he explains how he believes that the Oman is the Gods way of foreshadowing things to come, and that unlike Cicero he sees no reason to fear the Gods. This is where Cassius’ “big head” to say is revealed, he states this “You are dull, Casca, and those sparks of that should be in a Roman you do want, or else you use not” (Act 1 Scene 3 Page 3). Without saying Cassius has just insulted Cicero, and stated he believes there is no reason to fear the Gods, since they are simply displeased with one act and not many. This shows in his characterization that Cassius believes himself to be superior to others, maybe that is due to the fact he is a talented general in the military, and that he is quite sly. During the course of the scene he reveals that he would rather kill himself then see a man like Caesar rule his country.

“Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man most like this dreadful night, that thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars as doth the lion in the Capitol A man no mightier than thyself or me in personal action, yet prodigious grown, and fearful as these strange eruptions are” (Act 1 Scene 3 Page 3-4). Cassius is speaking of Caesar as to the fact that he believes that the Gods are unhappy with him coming to the capitol to be crowned king. In past scenes, Shakespeare has made it clear that people do not think he is ready to rule, but this scene shows how far someone would go to not see him rule. Cassius decides to go to the extreme, “I know where I will wear this dagger then. Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius” (Act 1 Scene 3 Page 4). He would rather kill himself then see Ceasar rule, while Shakespeare has used suicide as a plot point in the past this one varies from the rest by the choices he made in the scene.

Shakespeare in scene three does not leave Cassius alone to ponder his death in his head, he provides a friends for him to explain his plan to. Nor does Cassius give a depressing reasoning or say goodbyes, he simply just wants it known he is killing himself for a cause he truly believes in rather than for depression. A bond is shown though through Cassius and Casca by the fact that Cassius trusts him enough to share with him this plan, without fear of betrayal, and Casca understands his point of view showing how great the friendship they hold is. The last part of the scene is the turning point of the whole play. Cassius plans to trick Brutus into believing that Caesar is now corrupt ruler, which will ultimately lead to Caesars death. Making the scene a pivotal moment in the show, and one that no Spector could forget about.

Shakespeare work will not die out easily nor will it be easily forgotten for those who read one of his plays. This scene is about how strong someone must believe in something to accomplish it, and the relationships people have with another. Shakespeare made this message clear throughout the whole scene. There are few writers who have that talent and ability, and by using his characters true emotions, placing characters appropriately together, to make a truly memorable scene.