Searching For Meaning In Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'

In theory, the means at which one creates will lead to a justifiable ending. This concept of the ends justifying the means may simply be a way for individuals to excuse their negative actions by claiming that they were necessary to bring about a greater good. Ayn Rand, a Russian-born philosopher made a rather intellectual remark that, “The end does not justify the means. No one’s rights can be secured by the violation of the rights of others.” After all, isn’t it hypocritical to invalidate someone’s right while fighting to acquire your own? In Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, the final outcome lacked justification; any potential justifications were in vain, as well as one’s morals were twisted in order to complete a tasking duty. Perhaps the question wasn’t if the end would justify the means, but how one may justify their actions. Cassius, a member of the senate, who had been pushing the plan to terminate Caesar, had clearly been searching for a justifiable reason to kill Caesar:
Men at some time are masters of their fates. / The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, / But in ourselves that we are underlings. / 'Brutus' and 'Caesar'—what should be in that/ ‘Caesar’? / Why should that name be sounded more than yours? / Write them together, yours is as fair a name; / Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; / Weigh them, it
is as heavy; conjure with 'em, / 'Brutus' will start a spirit as soon as 'Caesar.' (1.2.146-156).
Playing on the hope that Brutus would desire glory from the people, Cassius attempted to create a vision of power, popularity, along with prosperity, hoping that would tempt and please Brutus’s thirst for power.
However, Brutus lacked a drive for self-gain. After Cassius learned that Brutus would only tag along with the plan to kill Caesar if there was a justifiable reason for Caesar’s death, Cassius amplified his concern for the greater good of Rome’s government. Searching for a cause worthy of such a horrific crime, Cassius continued to build his argument of why the death of Julius Caesar would be beneficial for the people of
Rome.
Contemplating his every action, Brutus considered his morals, not simply his desires. Along with his ethical standings, another critical topic on his conscience was the needs of the early Roman government. Throughout the play, his nobility, humility, as well as his honorable personality had been noted by many others. “Yes, every man of them, and no man here/ But honors you, and every one doth wish/ you had but that opinion of yourself/ which every noble Roman bears of you. (2.1.98-101) “ With numerous options, as well as an abundant amount of people working to sway his stance, Brutus pondered the greater good. Proceeding with a bold choice for what he thought would be a road to justice; Brutus agreed to join the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. Therefore fulfilling prophesy which was predicted by the Soothsayer, Portia, as well as the weather- Brutus thrust his dagger into the side of a man who had once been a confidant, and friend. And for what did Brutus commit this heinous crime? To bring glory to his own name? No, Brutus kept Rome’s well being near the forefront of his mind- however, Cassius had finally seen Caesar’s death and everything seemed to be happening just as he had hoped.