Conflicting+Perspectives

This page is for the module Conflicting Perspectives


 * Julius Caesar**

On a cursory consideration, it may well appear that the inclusion of conflicting perspectives would ensure an even-handed representation of people, events r situations. The existence of conflicting perspectives suggest that different, even opposing viewpoints are allowed to be put forward. However, a more careful exploration would yield the conclusion that composers are able to manipulate the way they present these points of view, and are thus able to position responders to sympathise with or accept the often biased perspective of the author. Shakespeare, in “Julius Caesar”, presents multiple points of view of the eponymous character and overlays this with his own representation of Caesar. Yet we are left with the distinct impression that Shakespeare deliberately creates – that Brutus may be naive and misguided, but that he is heroic and pays the price for his altruism. Thus, Shakespeare is able to comment on the nature of politics in his own, or indeed any other time.