Julius Caesar Power Quotes

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Victoria Prato Mrs. Jauch World Literature 10R, period 3 17 January 2012 Abuse of Power Power can be a dangerous privilege if it falls into the hands of the wrong person. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” This quote suggests that all mean can persevere through difficult times, but a person is not aware of a man’s true character and intentions until he has the power to exert them. This quote is valid because a character can become ruthless and corrupt when they gain power. This is supported by Creon in Antigone, by Sophocles, and Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare. In Antigone, by Sophocles, The characterization Creon proves the quote to be true through his irrational decisions and edicts. His abuse of power is shown through Creon by forbidding anyone to give Polyneices an honorable burial and not listening to the prophet Teiresias. When Oedipus, King of Thebes, dies, his throne is left for his two sons Eteocles and Polyneices. When Eteocles refuses to share the throne, the two brothers go to war. Both are killed in the struggle for power. Their uncle, Creon, declares himself King of Thebes. In the eyes of Creon, Eteocles was the ruler of Thebes. Creon believes that anyone who disagrees and…show more content…
He does not listen to Teiresias’ warning. Teiresias tells Creon to make right of his abuse of power by granting proper burial rights and freeing Antigone from her impending death. Teiresias warns Creon that his corruption, stubbornness, and disregard for citizen’s rights is an abuse of his power. Because Teiresias is always right, Creon eventually decides to listen to him. This conflict proves the quote true because Creon disrespects the gods because of his new power. In essence, Creon’s impetuous decisions show his true character once he is given the power to exert them; showing how he illustrates the

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