Character Analysis: The Assassination Of Julius Caesar

To assassinate means, “To kill suddenly or secretively, especially a politically prominent person; murder premeditatedly and treacherously”(dictionary reference 1).. Julius Caesar was born on July 12, 100 BC, and was assassinated by many Roman senators near the theatre of Pompey on the Ides of March, on March 15, 44 BC. Achity explains his assassination by stating that “In the Senate chamber, Antonius is drawn to one side. Then the conspirators crowd about Caesar as if to second a petition for the repealing of an order banishing Publius Cimber. When he refuses the petition, the conspirators attack him, and he falls dead of twenty-three knife wounds” (Atchity 7). The assassination of Julius Caesar was unjust because he was a victorious soldier, and he was a prosperous leader; however, others believe that he was a tyrant. Julius Caesar had been a part of many battles and wars, in which he has come out victorious. Colombia Electronic Encyclopedia points out that “He excelled in war, in statesmanship, and in oratory”(Colombia Electronic Encyclopedia 16). In the war against Gnaeus Pompeius, Julius came out quite victorious. In fact, Anderson notes “On August 9, 48 BC Julius Caesar defeated Gnaeus Pompeius on the plains of pharsalus”(Anderson 1). Anderson also stated “ Caesar destroyed another Pompeian
army”(Anderson 10). “This circumstance indeed, afforded Caesar no less pleasure than Victory itself”(Caesar, McDevitte, and Bohn). Julius was a victorious soldier because he “lays waste” of his opponent’s country. Thinking of all possible ways to destroy his opponents with a few injuries to himself or his men, Julius also makes sure that his own country prospers. A prosperous leader is something else on could label Julius. During Julius’ reign he did his best to solve many social, political, and economical issues. He also expanded Rome greatly. He also made sure his people were taking care of: “ He settled many of his veterans in colonies throughout the empire and with them many of the poor and unemployed of Rome, thus reducing the strain in the public economy”(witkoski 21). He spent a lot of time trying to control debt and taxes for his empire. Caesar had gotten reductions for his people on mother tax contracts that were in Asia. Witkoski states “ Caesar became dictator for the first time and proceeded to tackle numerous social problems, especially that of widespread debt”(18). Some had decided to fire hard all of this and assassinate his anyway. During Julius’ dictatorship he showed many signs of tyranny. “ A number of senatorial families, however, felt that Caesar threatened their position, and his honors and powers made them fear that he was becoming a real king, a title they, as Republicans hated”(Miola and Bloom 1). Some believe that just because he was portrayed as a tyrant in Shakespeare's play that that must have been the truth of the matter; however, that argument is flawed. “ Caesar loves and trusts his fellow Romans and warmly invites other conspirators to share wine” (Miola and Bloom 1).
Julius was not selfish in any way. During his reign he helped many find homes, with taxes, and many more. Miola and Bloom stated “ His generosity United all Romans as familial Lagatees, and though he shows superbial , he places self last and others first” ( Miola and Bloom 1). Julius showed qualities that a good leader should always have. All in all, the assassination of Julius Caesar was unjust because he was a victorious soldier, and he was a prosperous leader. Although others believe that he wa a tyrant, they were still
wrong.