Foreign Literature Studies ›› 2017, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (2): 137-143.

• European Literature Studies • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Political Conflict and “Caesar Spirit” in Julius Caesar

Chen Huiliang   

  • Online:2017-04-25 Published:2022-06-15
  • About author:Chen Huiliang is associate professor of the Institute of the Comparative Literature and Comparative Culture, Henan University(Kaifeng 475001,China), specializing in comparative literature. Email:heyuetoyou@163.com

Abstract: As one of the “Rome Drama” series, Julius Caesar is vital to understand Shakespeare's political thought and tragedy art. This drama seems to show the conflict between Julius Caesar and the Rebel group led by Brutus, but the essence is the contest between the Roman Republic and the monarchy regime. Behind this political conflict is the comparison of individual soul, namely, whose virtue is more suitable for the political demands of the Roman community. The defects of Brutus and Cassius in their soul and behavior exposed the crisis of the Roman Republic constitution, and the final victory of the “Caesar spirit” indicated Shakespeare's affirmation of monarchy regime. Caesar's assassination is the highlight of the sharp conflicts between the two regimes. Julius Caesar confirms Shakespeare's choice of monarchy regime, and his other four Great Tragedies focus on its continuity. The art of the Caesar is quite superb. Caesar left the stage in the first scene of the Third Act due to his assassination, but his spirit still drifted there. His absence led Anthony to complete Shakespeare's shaping of the ideal monarch. It is Caesar's death that established the immortal status of “Caesar spirit” which is the highest model of the Monarch.

Key words: Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, monarchy regime, Caesar Spirit

Journal Integrated Operation and Management Platform with Network JMPN-2.0
Journal Integrated Operation and Management Platform with Network

《Foreign Literature Studies》editorial department
Foreign Literature Studies, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. To subscribe to this journal or purchase any single issue, please contact us at wwyj@mail.ccnu.edu.cn. Phone: (86) 2767866042.
Copyright © 2021   System Management
Statistical information:total visitors Online