Shakespeare, as well as many other writers of his century, would often use motifs in his plays. Julius Caesar is no exception to this pattern. As one reads it, one sees the symbol of falling woven throughout the play. Three poignant examples of the motif of falling can be easily found by merely reading the first three acts.

One example can be found in the middle of Act one. As Brutus explained to Casca that epilepsy is the reason why Caesar fell down and foamed at the mouth, he was quickly corrected. Cassius said, "No, Caesar hath it not: but you, and I, And honest Casca, we have the falling-sickness." (pg. 10) The first time people read through the play or watch the movie, they ordinarily consider this statement for a moment, only to brush it off and to continue to listen to Casca's rambling about what happened at...