Thomas Aquinas, a great Catholic theologian, once said, "There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship" (Brainy Quote). For many people, friendship gives them a strong sense of security or true happiness. Mirroring the convincing evidence of these facts in real life, many pieces of literature demonstrate these very same truths. In fact, Shakespeare, the English playwright, used the complex theme of friendship in many of his great plays. In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, friendship is developed as an illusion of where there is always an ulterior motive. This is indicated by the friendships of Brutus and Caesar, Mark Antony and Caesar, and Cassius and Brutus. .
The friendship of Brutus and Caesar is not a true friendship; it is just forged for the purpose of betrayal. In the beginning of the play, it appears that Brutus and Caesar are very good friends. In Act 1 Scene 2, Brutus openly states to Cassius, "I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well" (1.2.82). Brutus is Caesar's closest political advisor, yet he would not have him as leader. This shows a good amount of mistrust. On the other hand, Caesar loves Brutus so much that everyone knows it, as evidenced when Cassius says in his Act 1 Scene 2, "Caesar doth bear me hard but he loves Brutus" (1.2.312). In this quotation, Cassius acknowledges the fact that Brutus is Caesar's favourite. This enormous love that Caesar has for Brutus gives him a sense of security and renders him oblivious to the conspiracy that is swirling around him. Brutus and his conspirators use flattery to keep Caesar's guard down and prevent him from suspecting anything. He is blinded by his friendship until his very last breath. After being stabbed several times by his 'beloved friends', Caesar sees Brutus and in shock utters "Et tu, Brute? Then fall Caesar" (3.1.77). Thus, the friendship of Brutus and Caesar is false, with its concealed motive being betrayal.