In Julius Caesar, the distinction between heroes and villains is often not detected. Shakespeare uses a tone of morally ambiguous character in people throughout the play, making each character appear as if they are morally equal to each other, establishing a certain flawed humanity. Shakespeare emphasizes this particular tone by providing examples of flaws of human society throughout the play. He provides these examples chiefly through greed. Shakespeare’s concept of universal human imperfection is evidenced by his exploration of greed, deceit, and manipulation.
Shakespeare uses figures like Caesar and Cassius to exemplify greed and demonstrate the flaws in human society. “A man no mightier than myself or me” (JC 1. 3. 79). Cassius is discussing with Brutus regarding the potential assassination of Julius Caesar, stressing his point that Cassius is much mightier than Caesar. In this moment, Cassius, wanting to be the leader of Rome, is showing extravagant greed. Brutus, as opposed to Cassius, is considering Caesar’s assassination out of selflessness to his beloved Rome, but becomes greedy without realizing it.…show more content… “I will this night, / In several hands, in at his windows throw, / As if they came from several citizens, / Writings, all tending to the great opinion / That Rome holds of his name” (JC 1. 2. 327-331). When Brutus angers Cassius by not joining the conspiracy to kill Caesar, Cassius devises a plan. He will place several forged letters in his house, as if they had been written by citizens. The letters will express how much the people of Rome love the noble Brutus and will eventually persuade him into joining the conspiracy. Cassius does this out of greed, for he wants Caesar dead and the crown to be