English Home Language Jessica Strydom Literary Essay Julius Caesar Task: Discuss inflexibility in this play, focusing

on Caesar and Brutus. How is each man inflexible? Is this rigidity an admirable trait or a flaw? Do the rewards of this rigidity outweigh the consequences, or vice versa? INTRODUCTION The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is evidence that human beings innately do not seem to change. Characters in Shakespeare's play battle with inflexibility and compromise much to their demise. [1]Inflexible leadership results in both the leaders and their followers in remaining stagnant without change. Inflexibility among the main characters in Julius Caesar becomes well known to the reader as you eventually get a since of why Brutus attacks Caesar viciously in the end. The characteristics that Brutus and Caesar share in common are that of being stubborn, and unaware of the affects they have on everyone else around them. Caesar is incapable of being changed and leads a stubborn attitude, and in return Brutus is demanding the downfall of him without going any other way about it. [2] CAESARS INFLEXIBILITY I am constant as the northern star, of whose true-fix'd and resting quality there is no fellow in the firmament." With this speech, Caesar seals his fate. After arrogantly defying three separate warnings that his life would be in danger were he to go to the Senate this day (the ides of March), Caesar sits amid the noblemen (and would-be conspirators) and denies their request to repeal the banishment of Publius Cimber. He will not change his mind. He goes on to compare himself to the brightest star of all. His ego and self-importance grows stronger by the word. Finally he compares himself to an Olympian god, and that is when the attack begins. He is stabbed to death by men who, until that point, were on their knees asking that he repeal Cimber's banishment. [3]This scene is the epitome of Julius Caesars inflexibility which directly results in his death.

BRUTUSS INFLEXIBILITY Brutus in juxtaposition to Julius Caesar fore mostly is considered at a compromiser. He compromises his gut instinct and allows Cassius to persuade him to join the conspiracy. Brutus fails to think for himself, instead allowing himself to be persuaded by those that were not looking out for his best interest. His self-righteous and fatal decision making (such as allowing Antony to deliver a speech at Julius Caesars funeral and choosing his battle plan over Cassiuss) bring to light his inflexibility. Brutus proves himself to be an obstinate idealist unable to see things in a different prospective. He wishes for perfection in his life and takes great care of his honour and his public image. Brutus continues his contribution through inflexibility to his downfall when he and Cassius continue to fight within their ranks, this inability to compromise and work together causes poor war time planning. Their rash thoughts and inflexibility inevitably lead to their downfall and the rise of Antony and Octavius Caesar. [1]

CONCLUSION The importance of inflexibility is presented to us by Shakespeare through the characterisations of major characters. Antony is different from everyone else for he is able to change under different circumstances and is thus able to survive all the dangers that he has to face. With Caesar, Brutus and Cassius all dying due to their inability to change with the flow, Antony, the flexible one, is the only one who is able to survive, which clearly expresses the idea that political onslaught spares no one who rigidly sticks to his own principles. [1] There is something admirable in Caesars and Brutuss character in that they would stand steadfast to what they believe. It speaks for their strong will and courage no matter foolish they may have been. They were honourable.

Bibliography
[1] M. Suttor, "Inflexibility and compromise in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare," Hellum, 24 08 2008. [Online]. Available: http://www.helium.com/items/1159215inflexibility-and-compromise-in-julius-caesar. [Accessed 30 05 2012]. [2] "Inflexibility- Trait or Flaw?," Book Rags, [Online]. Available: http://www.bookrags.com/essay2003/12/18/134355/17. [Accessed 30 05 2012]. [3] "Shakespeare Quotes," enotes, [Online]. Available: http://www.enotes.com/shakespearequotes/am-constant-northern-star. [Accessed 30 05 2012].