People Should Choose Their Friends Carefully

Introduction

Friendship is a wonderful thing to have, but it can be used to deceive, for it is easy to manipulate with it, but only true friendship cannot be defeated, even after death. This theme could likely be the very thing that killed Julius Caesar. Friendship was what the conspirators used to hide Caesar from the truth. This trust would be lost and become betrayal after they kill Caesar.

Friendship and Betrayal

Even though Caesar was murdered by Brutus and Cassius, friendship still was a strong theme because it would falsify the conspirators' motives. Caesar was open to friendship just as anyone would be, but his friendship for the conspirators blinded him. And by that time, it was too late for him. When Decius came to Caesar’s home, he used his friendship towards him to gain his trust. The first thing that Decius says when he walks into Caesar's house is "Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar" (Shakespeare, 2.2.58-59). This made Caesar comfortable with Decius, and trust him even more. The conspirators had already known how and when they would kill Caesar, so all they had to do now was to lure Caesar in.

The Manipulation of Trust

They had an advantage at this because they knew that all they would have to do was prove to Caesar that they had a good, strong friendship. This would help their plan and leave Caesar completely blind. So they decided to use their friendship with Caesar in a horribly manipulative way in order to kill him. Decius managed to start this off by tricking Caesar into going to the senate house, besides the fact that Calpurnia had dreams of Caesar's murder the night before. Decius was able to explain to Caesar that, “This dream is all amiss interpreted; it was a vision fair and fortunate” (Shakespeare, 2.2.83-84). After he explains this, Caesar was very pleased and thanked him so much that he would not think twice about heading straight to the capitol.

The Aftermath and Antony's Revenge

The conspirators had, in fact, accomplished the first part of their plan to kill Caesar, and they had done it by misusing their friendship. Antony was angered by the death of Caesar because he was a true friend to Caesar, and because of this, he gets his revenge on the conspirators. After he mourned for Caesar, Antony stated to the conspirators, "Friend am I with you all, and love you all” (Shakespeare, 3.1.220), this was part of Antony's plan to get his revenge, by tricking the conspirators. Antony uses these words in order to manipulate Brutus. This shows that even in the face of betrayal, true friendship can inspire powerful actions and emotions.

Conclusion: The Importance of Choosing Friends Wisely

The main point is that people should choose their friends carefully, which is a good point, because for all people know, their best friend could actually be their worst enemy. This cautionary tale from history demonstrates the dual nature of friendship: its ability to uplift and its potential to destroy when misused. In a world where trust is a precious commodity, one must be vigilant in selecting those they allow into their inner circle.

References:

Shakespeare, W. (1599). Julius Caesar. Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 58-59, 83-84; Act 3, Scene 1, Line 220.