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Theme Of Deception In Julius Caesar

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Theme Of Deception In Julius Caesar
The Value of Deception
Deception, whether it is used for good or for evil is the method of choice that many figures use to manipulate others in order to get one’s way. Many characters in the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, unconsciously make choices based upon deception and logical tricks, setting themselves up in order to be used for another character's relevance. Brutus, a noble friend and an idealistic man, questions his ties with a returning friend and makes a decision anyone would later regret. Decius intentionally re interprets Calpurnia's dream which results in Caesar making his last trip to the capitol while Antony convinces the Common Roman people to turn against the so called “honorable” man.
Brutus only has himself to blame for being susceptible to Cassius’s manipulative ways. Just as Caesar returns from victory, Cassius questions the reasons that make Caesar better than Brutus. Cassius interrogates,
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For instance, the Soothsayer attempts to warn him and cries out, “Beware the ides of March” (.....) but the imperious Caesar laughs and ignores him. Calpurnia, the wife of Caesar, wakes up from a terrifying dream that her husband's statue was spouting blood. She asks for Caesar to stay home for the day in order to stay safe. For Calpurnia’s sake, Caesar decides to spend the day at home, and when the conspirators hear of this they immediately send Decius to his house. Decius flatters him and tells Caesar that it would sound cowardly if he were to tell the Senate why he chose to stay home. Deceivingly, Decius says, “If you shall send them word you will not come, / Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock” (II.ii.100-101) Decius convincingly tells Caesar that if he were to not appear, the Senate may change their thoughts of him. Caesar overlooks Calpurnia’s frightful dream and insists on traveling to the

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