Article Analysis Essay on "The Life of Julius Caesar"

Introduction

The article is a perfect example of how people desire to use all the means they have to rise to power. Individuals who take power for granted can cause unwanted implications and could manipulate their subjects. The author considers the powers granted for leaders in ancient Rome. The statements made imply that it was harmful to have a leader with extraordinary powers. Those practiced above the norm or misused could lead to many adverse outcomes. In that case, Julius Caesar is among those leaders in Rome who were keen while using their power. It is his position that led to the marking of a new era in the Roman Empire. The author gives an insight into the various ranks through which Caesar rose into power and became the most renowned political influencer in Rome.

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Even as he rose through various levels in power, many people questioned his ability to rise through various political rankings. The author discusses a similar position for the Senate, which only believed that he was becoming too powerful but selfish. In some other instances, it is noted that Caesar was becoming a threat to the local and Republican authorities. Therefore, Plutarch notes how established he was becoming a dictator. He was a self-made leader with most of the powers granted to him being used to his advantage rather than those of the people. Plutarch even goes further to describe him as a man with limited ambition. It is evident that he could establish kingship and rise to an ultimate power with time without the consent of the public, unless for other keen leaders such as Senators. As a result, the Senators were pressured to make a move and plot his assassination.

Plutarch concisely gives the rationale behind his assassination as the dramatic ability to rise to power. Such misuse of power was a threat to other authorities. Besides, the author also notes various personal factors that led to his assassination. He leads the audience through the offenses made on the Senate on various events, leading himself to death. After the background on how much and the extent that Caesar affected the public, he was eliminated on the 15th of March 44 BC. Even so, there was a domino effect that led to the fall of the Roman Empire. His death was described by Plutarch as "the Ides of March." The author gives a comprehensive background, which is suitable for the audience to find a rationale regarding his assassination. Even though he does not describe how long his power lasted compared to those before him, it is evident that he had more authority and power as defined by his public image. The author gives an account of his areas of birth, his Patrician social class, and the acting of populates that led to his fame. While reading, one could tell that his past is what led him into politics and government.

Patriarch describes his association with multiple populates, who was famous around Rome. Hanging around with such people can be judged to be the reason as to why he rose into power faster than expected. Even though he was judged negatively by other leaders, he exhibited charismatic leadership characteristics. As the author describes, he had extraordinary skills of communication that led him to team up with the populates. He had a sense of humility, was compassionate, maintained integrity, and sometimes honesty. He was confident and had high listening skills that he took to his advantage. For most occasions, he could afford to watch over himself and take charge of his personality. He could portray the right image but still combine that with dictatorship effectively. The reason he was overwhelmed the most, as described in the text, was the urge for self-improvement. For this reason, he could win most battles, letting him get advanced to other political ranks. Even though the public could be influenced positively by his leadership style, other leaders were unhappy for him.

Patriarch also describes the various mistakes that Caesar made that contributed to the fall of his reign. For instance, his relocation to Gaul was an unexpected move, and most Senators could accuse him of treason. Both tribunes followed him yet betrayed him later. Even so, the leaders were disinterested in the vetoes imposed by the tribunals and insisted on his return to Rome. The author explicitly notes another challenge that contributed to his downfall as the movement back home with his army. As soon as he resumed power, he was into more reformations that began to displease his followers.

The events described by Patriarch as Caesar moved from Gaul to Rome leads the reader into finding the reason why he was termed as a dictator. As the author notes, he started appointing his senators and lied to the people that he would restore the constitution. He promised various individuals that he could allow the courts and law to resume operations after cessation of the civil war. With time, he conquered more of his enemies, and this began being a public issue. However, most Romans were naive as they only looked at the positive side of the story, such as military victories gained during the civil war. Rome was prosperous in the side, and he could conquer more territories. His popularity increased on a daily basis, and he was most ambitious in becoming an influential leader. While reading through, one could tell that it is his desire to make Rome a powerful country while meeting his internal desires that led to his downfall and later assassination.

Bibliography

Bill Thayer, "The Life of Julius Caesar," Penelope, 5 Apr 19, http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Caesar*.html