Motivation and Manipulation in Julius Caesar Essay

In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare illuminates the themes of human motivation and manipulation. He examines the relationship between actions and motivations, cause and effect, and word and deed, using the symbols of hands and hearts. Throughout the play, the characters Brutus and Marc Antony express their different understandings of this relationship rhetorically. In his 1953 film interpretation, Joseph L. Mankiewicz demonstrates these characters’ understanding through both the play’s original dialogue and his own interpolated action. It is interesting to see the different effects of spoken rhetoric, as we experience it in the play, and the visual rhetoric of the film. The play itself complicates matters of motivation and therefore does not†¦show more content†¦In his interpretation of Act 1, Scene 2 when Caesar asks Antony to touch Calphurnia as he runs by her, he places his hand firmly on Antony’s shoulder. This action demonstrates their close relationship , and by the time Antony agrees to Caesar’s request and leaves the scene, the viewers are in no doubt of their bond. In Act 2, Scene 1, Brutus takes the hands of the conspirators as they leave his house. Here, the film adheres to the play’s direction as it is written and represents it visually. Brutus says, â€Å"Give me your hands all over, one by one,† and he clasps hands with them in the bond of a common cause (2.1.112). In the same scene, touch also signifies the bond between lovers. Portia questions her husband Brutus about what troubles him, and he refuses to tell her. She states then that she is no better than his harlot, and he instantly embraces her as he continues with the scripted dialogue. This small act adds an emotional, tender side to Brutus’ nature that is not revealed as explicitly in the play by his words. In the film interpretation of Act 3, Scene 1, Caesar goes to the Capitol, and the senators beg him to rescind the exile of Publius Ci mber, Metellus’ brother. They grab his hand as they kneel before him, trying to show first a token of respect and then of friendship as they beg. It’s here that Casca, without hesitancy, makes the first stab, shouting, â€Å"Speak, hands, for me!† (3.1.76). The rest of the men follow suit, circling andShow MoreRelatedThe Manipulative Tactics Of Hitler And Mark Anthony1414 Words   |  6 PagesManipulative Tactics of Hitler and Mark Anthony Manipulation is a tool used for better or worse to gain power on others. Throughout history, notorious world leaders have risen using manipulation. Hitler used manipulation to gain favor of citizens in Germany. Like Hitler, Mark Anthony manipulated Brutus to kill Julius Caesar on his way to the top. Hitler’s manipulation of the German people parallels that of Mark Anthony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. 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