The Purpose of the Parade Scene in Act I of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Novels and plays often include scenes of weddings, funerals, parties, and other social occasions. Such scenes may reveal the values of the characters and the society in which they live, The parade scene in Act I of William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar serves this purpose and also contributes to the overall meaning of the work as a whole, The parade scene in Act] provides a clear insight into how the Roman plebeians felt about Julius Caesar, Caesar timed his return perfectly; he came back during the Feast of the Lupercalt The people were congregating in the streets to parade for the holiday, however, they began to celebrate Caesar upon his immediate return.

Their reactions to his return showed that they truly respected and cared for Caesar. Returning during such a time was a rather cunning plan on Caesar’s part, as he was set upon earning power from the people.

If one were to attempt to blame Caesar for the people celebrating his return, he would easily be able to prove the accusation as false by saying that they were only celebrating the holiday; that his return was just a coincidence.

It is rather ironic that the fickle plebeians highly respected such a man. Their previous leader, Pompey, was killed by the person they were now cheering for; the person they now wanted to crown as their new leader. Antony offered Caesar the crown three times, however, he refused it each time It was all part of his intricate plan to show that even though he truly did want the power, he had to prove that he didn’t.

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The parade scene exposes Brutus as a man who is tormented He is tormented by his tragic flaw – he is too trusting, and easily manipulated Portia, his wife, noticed his turmoil by the way he looked and carried himselft She implored him to tell her what was troubling him, however, he refused to speak of it.

Brutus was nearly drowned in his struggle to defeat his tragic flaw. He was torn between loving the people of Rome, and loving his best friend, Caesar. Brutus was worried about Caesar becoming corrupt by his overwhelming power if he were to accept the crown. Brutus felt that he would have to kill Caesar in order to save Rome from inevitable tyranny. He knew what Cassius and the other conspirators were planning, however, he was wavering between joining them or not, Brutus and Cassius both knew that Caesar was only aspiring for the power of the throne. During the parade, there was also insight into Cassius’ feelings towards Caesarr Cassius pulled Brutus aside with the intent of manipulating him to believe that Caesar was a threat to Rome and had to be removed. Although Brutus did believe and agree with Cassius, he still had love for Caesar. Cassius was obviously full of jealousy towards Caesar: he didn’t believe that Caesar deserved the throne, and he wanted it for himself.

In attempt to get Brutus to believe him, Cassius crossed out Caesar’s name on the wall, and replaced it with Brutus‘ name. He told Brutus that his name looked and sounded better in such a way, although, inside, Cassius was desperately wanting his name to be heard, Brutus did not want this society to fall. His ancestors worked incredibly hard to make it how it was, and he did not want it to be ruined, so he contemplated siding with Cassius. Throughout their entire, deep conversation, Cassius was trying to express the growing point that Caesar was nothing but trouble to Rome and its people The parade scene in Act I of Shakespeare’s indeed exposes much about Roman society in Julius Caesar‘s lifetime. It also reveals much about the three major characters in the play: Caesar, Brutus, and Cassius, and it contributes to the overall meaning of the work as a whole.