The opening of Act 2 Scene 1 of William Shakespeares, Julius Caesar is a pivotal moment of the play, and consequently seals the fate of Brutus and the other conspirators. The scene takes place after Cassius persuasive speech to Brutus, during which he emphasises the need to remove Caesar from power for the good of Rome, yet before the conspirators make the fatal error of failing to silence Mark Antony. Prior to the scene, Cassius uses powerful orator, a device commonly used by many Roman leaders at the time, to convince the conspirators to join him, including many degrading and derogatory words such as trash, rubbish, offal and vile to describe the great power of Rome. Each of these in turn attack those who have faith in Rome and pride in the city, henceforth driving those very same people to make a change, to stand up for their home. This fills Casca with the drive to join the conspiracy and overthrow Caesar. This powerful device was similarly used by Elizabethan leaders at the time, providing a direct link with the characters in the play and the Elizabethan audience. Cassius gains the support of Casca, Cinna and others, however they realise in order for the assassination to become dignified, the support of Brutus is vital; ... and that which would appear as offence in us, his countenance, like richest alchemy, will change to virtue and to worthiness. We here discover the high value of Brutus and the true esteem at which he Is held, when he is compared to the value of the luxurious alchemy. To each of the conspirators, Brutus loyalty is indispensible; he must be a part of the plan at all costs. The scene is set during the dead of night in Brutus orchard. Here, the turmoil within Brutus becomes evident as he becomes edgy over the difficult decision he has to make. Brutus is present throughout the entire opening accompanied briefly by his boy servant, Lucius.
The scene is structurally set into two parts; one of dialogue between Lucius the boy servant and Brutus revealing soliloquies. The scene opens with Brutus restless in his orchard. It is evident from the start that Brutus faces great turmoil; he is torn between his loyalty to Caesar and his desires to achieve Republican Idealism; to create a better Rome and united empire. This is effectively shown in his inability to sleep, I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly. This quote also displays the stark contrast between Brutus and his boy servant; the innocent young mind of Lucius rests soundly, whilst the tainted thoughts of Brutus stir and disrupt his slumber. However, in Brutus first soliloquy, he makes it clear, that he intends to join the conspirators, as his idealistic nature overpowers his loyalty to Ceasar. Brutus justifies his actions in the name of Rome, he claims he acts for the general good telling himself that his actions are to save Rome from totalitarian rule and to save the Republic. His reasons for joining the conspiracy are based on fear and are that of a speculative nature. Caesar has not yet abused his power however, the conspirators wish to end Caesars reign before the day comes where their greatest fears may become reality. Brutus admits this in his soliloquy deciding to; think of him as a serpents egg (which hatchd would grow mischievous) and kill him in the shell. This imagery adds dramatic effect to the passage. Shakespeare likens Brutus to a snake, a traditionally sly and deceitful character, first revealed in the Bible as a tyrant. This is turn highlights Caesar as a tyrant himself, who must be destroyed in the shell before he can develop into this very character. Meanwhile, Lucius discovers a small number of letters from the conspirators thrown into the window of Brutus study, aimed at winning him over to the cause as they are unaware of Brutus newly founded commitment to the conspiracy. These letters only further convince Brutus that it is his duty to Rome to assassinate Caesar; O Rome, I make thee promise if the redress will follow, thou receives thy full petition at the hand of Brutus. This line thus sets Romes doomed at the hand of Brutus. The sequence ends with Lucius leaving to open the door for the conspirators, consequently sealing Brutus fate.
There is no doubt that the scene in one of light and dark. Set in the dead of night, the darkness of the scene reflects the darkness of Brutus mind as he struggles to make his decision to join the conspirators. During the scenes of dialogue, Brutus deviousness is contrasted with Lucius innocence. Shakespeare cleverly gives the boy servant the name Lucius which is very close to the Latin, lucis meaning light. There is also a brooding restlessness to the scene. Brutus is unable to allow the night to overcome him as he battles his own conscious. This is reflected in the contrast between light and dark throughout; Brutus has to make the choice to remain with the light, Caesar, or join the darkness of the conspirators. Brutus decision becomes clear when he decides to remain hidden in the darkness despite the fact that Lucius has lit a candle in his study; The taper burneth in your closet sir. This symbolises Brutus change of allegiance from Caesar to the conspirators, or in other words from light to dark as he shies away from the warmth and comfort of his study. Furthermore, Brutus now needs the cover of darkness to mask himself from Caesar; Seek none conspiracy, hide it in smiles and affability. The self-reflection, which is apparent as Brutus battles his conscious in each soliloquy, characterises the later stages of the play as Brutus deeply regrets his actions, causing him to run upon his own sword. An ominous tone certainly holds throughout this sequence.
Shakespeare very effectively characterises this scene, through the powerful diction used in each of Brutus soliloquies. The importance of speech carries itself throughout the opening to the scene. Brutus is certainly a great orator in the Roman style. Although the speech is very direct, Shakespeare injects many of the lines with a deep meaningful undertone, successfully displaying the conflict within Brutus and adding dramatic effect to the scene. Shakespeare uses the power of speech to prompt Brutus to convince himself to join the cause. For example, when Brutus states, fashion it thus this is an exercise in self- persuasion. Brutus concentrates on the what ifs and maybes of the future displaying that his honourable metal can be brought; Brutus easily convinces himself to turn his back on a true friend, convincing himself to go against his decent instincts. Furthermore, Brutus further persuades himself that cold blooded murder is the only way forward by comparing Caesars rise to power to climbing a ladder; the climber-upwards turns his face, but when he once attains the upmost round he then unto the ladder turns his back, looks to the clouds, scorning the base degrees by which he did ascend. Shakespeare uses this metaphor to efficiently display the reasoning behind Brutus choice to join the conspiracy. The audience are given the imagery of the ladder to relate to Brutus, as he uses powerful orator to explain how when an individual climbs a ladder, once at the top, they feel God- like, omnipotent, more important than all those below them. Brutus fears that if Caesar continues to rise to power, the fate of his fellow Romans below him in status will be deeply compensated for it. This gives an insight into Brutus mind as he battles through his innermost thoughts; however, this also proves that all of Brutus reasons for joining the conspiracy are based purely on conspiracy and fear rather than fact and figures. Yet these lines do not only apply to Caesar, they also apply to Brutus. Brutus is a petty tyrant; he is prepared to kill a man over speculative reasons and he too rapidly ascends the ladder of ambition when he quickly becomes not only a part, but the leader of the conspiracy. These words foreshadow Brutus fate as much as Caesars.
However, the language Shakespeare uses in the letters from the conspirators also have a great impact on Brutus. The letters include many imperatives such as Awake, Speak, strike and redress, which contrast with the speculative nature of Brutus. The imperatives appeal to Brutus, a man of action, as they give a direct order to him, he has no choice in the matter. These commands suggest that Brutus did not really ever have a choice in the matter; one way or another, it seems that it would be Brutus destiny to join the conspiracy. This more forceful tone is continued in Brutus second soliloquy with the line, Cassius first did whet me against Caesar The word whet here holds great significance as it means to sharpen (like a knife). Cassius is using Brutus as the tool to bring down Caesar; Brutus is his weapon, without which ironically, Cassius believes the plan will fail.
A further dramatic technique used by Shakespeare to display the troubled state of Brutus mind is the usage of antithesis, in other words a series of contrasting words or phrases. This effectively parallels with the contrast between light and dark in Brutus mind. Examples of this include; sleep and awake, displaying the conflict between his mental and physical stature, lowliness and ambition, showing the difference in Brutus two opinions of Caesar and remorse against power. Many of these words appear once again in Mark Antonys funeral speeches; however, in this later case they are ironically used to turn the crowd against the conspirators, rather than as persuasive devices used to help them gain support. A further antithesis is the contrast between the adder and bright day, in Brutus first soliloquy. Here, the snake in Brutus mind represents the tyrant Caesar, yet Brutus is unaware that the line he utters may apply to him meaning this therefore is not only a contrast between light and dark, but good and evil within Brutus and Caesar. Each of these extreme contrast used by Shakespeare effectively reflect the inner conflict within Brutus, but through visual imagery which the audience can relate to. This therefore allows the image to have a deeper understanding of the level of personal trauma Brutus goes through in order to make the decision which consequently leads to his remorseful death; Caesar, now be still, I killd not thee with half so good a will. Brutus is grateful when the assassination is finally over, be still signifies not only the laying of Caesars spirit to rest, but Brutus own desperate desire to finally rest.
Shakespeare also imports the usage of repetition throughout the play. This is evident here in the opening lines of the scene when Brutus repeats the name of his boy servant, Lucius, four times. By doing so, Shakespeare highlights and emphasises the importance of the name and significance of Lucius as the light bearer. Lucius acts as the contrast to the darkness of Brutus in this scene, a dominant force in the night time garden. It may be seen that Brutus needs light in this dark scene to clarify his mind and thoughts. This is bought to the viewers attention by repeating the line four times. Similarly, Shakespeare also chooses to repeatedly make Lucius address Brutus as sir, or, my lord. This demonstrates that Brutus is in power here and metaphorically speaking, the dominance of darkness over light. However, in Brutus first soliloquy, Shakespeare generally speaking, styles Brutus to call Caesar by, his/him/he. This usage of repetition acts as a persuasive device as it allows Brutus to distance himself from Caesar. In the same way, Brutus repeats the word Rome six times highlighting his scene of honour, duty and valour to the city. This works in the same way, persuading Brutus that killing Caesar is the best action to take for the sake of Rome. However Brutus is not the only one to use repetition as means of persuasion. During his funeral speech, Mark Antony repeats the word honourable, using it to address the conspirators. In doing so, Antony makes a mockery of the word and consequently devalues it, eventually reversing the meaning of the word to become dishonourable. It is this dramatic oratory used by Antony which cleverly turns the allegiance of the mob from the conspirators, to Mark Antony, thus leading to the civil rebellion which drives Rome to chaos. It is rather ironic that Brutus struggle was one in vain after it was his wish to preserve the glory of might Rome.
The staging of the scene further contributes to the dramatic nature of Shakespeares play. The scene takes place at night in Brutus garden. Here, the conspirators all meet to urge Brutus to join the cause. This is evocative of the Garden of Eden where Adam is first tempted by the snake. Here Brutus, like Adam, falls into the trap. The choice for the scene to take place at night adds a sinister, yet calm feel to the scene. Brutus is able to mask himself under the cover of the darkness and peacefully contemplate his views on the conspiracy. This is a pivotal moment in the play; the path Brutus chooses decides not only his fate, but also the fate of Caesar and the fate of Rome. Shakespeare chooses to keep the staging simplistic here to emphasise this significant moment. Brutus quiet musing are only interrupted by the arrival of Lucius. This not only provides metaphoric balance between light and dark, but balances the quiet musings with interacting dialogue and action, giving the scene variety. However, drama is added to the scene with the arrival of the letters from Cassius and the meteor shower; The exhalations whizzing in the air give so much light that I may read by them. This event ends the calm of the scene and hence the calm of Brutus life, as this marks the moment Brutus joins the conspirators, changing his life hence forth. This is a pivotal moment of the play and therefore, the staging is essential to add drama to the scene. The Elizabethans strongly believed in the existence of the supernatural. By standing under the meteor shower, Brutus aligns himself with the supernatural forces and consequently seals his doom.
The opening of this scene is a crucially important and pivotal. The scene sees Brutus struggle to come to terms with his decision to turn against his comrade, Caesar. The sequence begins within a sanctuary of calm at Brutus garden. However, tension quickly starts to rise when this calm is infiltrated by the conspirators, first with the arrival of the letters and finally with the arrival of the conspirators themselves. This puts a great deal of pressure on Brutus, there is no backing out now, he is with the conspiracy to the end, immersed in the darkness of it. Brutus moves further and further away from the light of Lucius the boy servant and is drawn ever deeper into the darkness by the conspirators, both literally and metaphorically. This scene in particular reflects the anxiety many Elizabethans felt in 1599, when there was no clear heir to the throne after the death of Henry VIII and many feared civil strife would return if Elizabeth did not name an heir. Brutus, like Queen Elizabeth, risked the prospect of civil war by their choices. The civil unrest that followed Caesars assassination was shared by many Elizabethans at the time. This in turn allows the reader to connect to the events of the play. The fate of Brutus is left uncertain at the end of this scene: Seek none conspiracy, hide it in smiles and affability, for if thou path, thy native semblance on, not Erebus itself were dim enough to hide thee from prevention however, the audience are left to make their judgement on the once honourable man, now forced to hide under the mask of darkness.
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