Ambition for Power as Cause of Tragedy in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
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Central Department of English
Abstract
This research seeks to present William Shakespeare’s historical play Julius Caesar as tragedy.
The tragic end of each character in the play Julius Caesar is result of their ambition for power. Much of the play’s tragedy stems from the character’s desire for power, neglect of private
feelings and loyalties in favor of what they believe to be the public good. The play is struggle of
what it meant to be ‘Roman.’ Both Brutus and Caesar are stubborn, rather ambitious and
inflexible characters ultimately suffer fatally for it. The tragic end of the protagonists in this play
Julius Caesar is tragic flaw in its latent form and political ambition in manifestation. Brutus’
rigid faith upon republican norms and Caesar’s over confidence on his strength lead them to their
own doom.