Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on The Effect of Virtue (and Lack Thereof) on Friendships in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” “Macbeth,” Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Antony and Cleopatra”. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
An 11 page paper which examines the ways in which these plays illustrate how virtue can form and strengthen friendships and how the lack of virtue can destroy them. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Page Count:
11 pages (~225 words per page)
File: TG15_TGwsvirpal.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
to initiate a dramatic climax or plot resolution. Friendship was most effectively used as a way for Shakespeare to probe his characters complexities. Many of the friendships considered
in Shakespearean works were byproducts of civic or military comradeship, but there were some rooted in religious or personal associations. Regardless of the type of friendship, it becomes clear
upon closer analysis that Shakespeare regarded virtue as an essential ingredient to any successful friendship. In the Bards tragedies, it was virtue that formed the bond and cemented the
relationship. As long as this mutual virtue remained a primary motivation, friendships flourished. However, if virtue was somehow eliminated from the equation, even the closest friendships were destroyed.
Shakespeare examined the interaction between virtue and friendship in five of his most compelling tragic plays - Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Antony and Cleopatra. The
title The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is deceptive in that it implies that Caesar is the chief protagonist, when in fact it is complex Marcus Junius Brutus. Brutus and
the Roman emperor had enjoyed a long and by all accounts extremely virtuous friendship. Caesar could always count on Brutuss support both politically as well as personally. For
Brutus, virtue was a trait that could never be compromised for it was synonymous with honor, and he viewed himself as first and foremost an "honorable" man (ODair 289).
He observes changes in Caesar, as he evolves from a charismatic leader of the people into a megalomaniacal dictator, and he doesnt like what he sees, nor do any other
one-time political supporters. Brutus soon finds himself waging a war without and within, lamenting, "I turn the trouble of my countenance / Merely upon myself. Vexed I am /
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