Johnathan Bi

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: Will America Fall Like Rome?

50 snips
Nov 1, 2024
Explore the intriguing parallels between the decline of Rome and today's American politics. Discover how Shakespeare's characters, like Brutus and Caesar, navigate moral conflicts and ambition. Delve into the psychological struggles that drive betrayal for the greater good. Uncover bold leadership strategies and lasting reforms that shaped history. Finally, examine the duality of Caesar—his ambition versus the repercussions of his assassination, and the power of rhetoric in shaping political narratives.
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ANECDOTE

Booth's Brutus Obsession

  • John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin, idolized Brutus from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
  • Booth saw himself playing Brutus, mirroring Brutus's perceived role as a tyrannicide.
INSIGHT

Rome and America

  • America's founders modeled the country on the Roman Republic, drawing inspiration from its government, institutions, and values.
  • A key similarity is the shared love of liberty and aversion to monarchy.
INSIGHT

Decay of Rome and America

  • Shakespeare's portrayal of Roman decay mirrors contemporary America, where some leaders maintain support despite controversial actions.
  • The alarming similarity lies in the public's acceptance of such behavior, raising concerns about the state of the republic.
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