Irony In Julius Caesar

2 Pages 382 Words

Shakespeare’s “ Julius Caesar” is defined by the timeless and masterful irony that shape the play itself .The dramatic, verbal, and situational irony that flow through the play gives the story a deeper meaning. The irony in Julius Caesar starts with the very title itself and ends with the fall of a Republic. Shakespeare utilizes and masters irony to create a true drama. Irony plays a part in the smallest of side detail to the main plot itself. Shakespeare uses irony to create a more dramatic work by pitting friend against friend; to intensify the suspense through situational irony; and to teach a valuable lesson about life itself.

Dramatic irony exudes from the noble Roman statesman Brutus. Brutus proves himself as a complex man devoted to his country. Brutus fought for the good of the community over the good of the individual. The rise of power surrounding Caesar provokes Brutus to help in the murder of Caesar. Brutus was fooled into believing that the Roman Republic was threatened by the authoritarian rule that came with Caesar and his “ Empire.” Brutus acted for what he believed to be the good of Rome. By killing Caesar, Brutus felt he had preserved the Republic, but ironically he did the extreme opposite. Through Caesar’s death rose his relative , Octavius, who in turn created an Empire and killed everything that Brutus had fought for.

A major form of irony lies in the title of the play. The title “ Julius Caesar” leads the audience or reader to presume or expect the tragic figure to indeed be Julius Caesar. A tragic figure: noble birth and overcomes a struggle or hardship. Brutus exemplifies every aspect of the definition and therefore Brutus stands as the tragic figure of “ Julius Caesar.” Being a statesman and a Senator, there lies no question surrounding Brutus’ nobility. Brutus overcomes a hardship that also stands as his and the play’s defining moment. Brutus concerned himself with the good of the...