The Ides of March: Analysis of Major Characters
The Ides of March is a significant historical event in which Julius Caesar, a powerful leader of the Roman Empire, faces assassination due to the conspiracy formed by individuals who feel threatened by his rule. The character of Caesar is portrayed as a complex figure who grapples with his destiny and the gods' influence on human affairs, believing that his strong leadership is desired by the masses despite the implications for their freedom. His relationships with key figures, such as his wife Pompeia, who feels betrayed by his political alliances, and Calpurnia, who he trusts with the safety of his household, reveal the personal stakes entwined with his political life.
Marcus Brutus, once a loyal friend, is manipulated by familial ambition into becoming one of Caesar's assassins, showcasing the theme of loyalty versus moral duty. Clodia Pulcher, a wealthy and beautiful woman, presents a challenge to Caesar's authority through her defiance of tradition, while Cleopatra's visit to Rome brings further tension, as her reputation raises suspicions of conspiracy. The inclusion of characters like Catullus, a poet whose affections for Clodia lead him to critique Caesar, and Lady Julia Marcia, symbolizing moral virtue, adds depth to the narrative of power, betrayal, and personal conflict during this tumultuous period in Roman history.
The Ides of March: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thornton Wilder
First published: 1948
Genre: Novel
Locale: Rome
Plot: Historical
Time: 45 b.c.e.
Julius Caesar, who expects to be assassinated because many individuals and groups would like to see him dead and his career ended. All he hopes is that his assassins will be true lovers of Rome, not selfish men and women. He believes he has been right in taking over the government of the Roman Empire, for he believes that the masses of people want a strong leader who will make their decisions for them, even though they resent a concurrent loss of freedom. As for himself, Caesar wonders about life, being unsure of the gods and their influence on human affairs. Though he sometimes feels intuitively there are no gods, he guides himself by the advice of soothsayers and their omens.
Pompeia, Caesar's wife, who is embittered because she is ordered to receive Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, even though Cleopatra is notorious for her immorality, including an affair with Caesar himself. Pompeia is divorced by Caesar when rumor has it that she gave help to Clodia Pulcher in profaning a religious ceremony devoted to the Good Goddess. Caesar says his wife must be above rumor.
Calpurnia, whom Caesar marries after divorcing Pompeia. When Caesar is about to leave Rome, he entrusts Calpurnia's welfare to Brutus, not knowing Brutus himself will be one of his murderers.
Marcus Brutus, one of Caesar's slayers. Once loyal to Caesar, he is persuaded by his mother, who hates Caesar and is ambitious for her own son, to become an assassin. Brutus is rumored to be an illegitimate son of Caesar.
Clodia Pulcher, a beautiful woman of great wealth and patrician birth. She blames the gods for her immorality. In defiance of law and tradition, she introduces her disguised brother into ceremonies open only to women. Caesar's pardon for her blasphemous action only makes her resentful of him.
Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, who is making an official visit to Rome. Because of her reputation for intrigue, Caesar believes she may be a conspirator against him.
Catullus, a young poet in love with Clodia Pulcher. For her sake, Catullus writes scurrilous poems and tracts about Caesar. Catullus' death saddens Caesar.
Lady Julia Marcia, Caesar's aunt and a directress of the mysteries of the Good Goddess. She is renowned for her dignity and moral virtue.