Conflicting perspectives or opposing and incompatible views are subjective and biased in

nature and can stimulate debate on events, situations and personalities. The concept of
conflicting perspectives is highlighted in William Shakespeares historical tragedy, Julius
Caesar and Frida Kahlos (1932) Self portrait on the Border of Mexico and the United States.
The play develops multiple viewpoints of Caesar through the discourse of power, exposing
him as a multidimensional tragic figure with various human motivations that shape personal
perspectives. Similarly, Kahlos portrait depicts how perspective can also be emotional and so
an examination of conflicting perspectives can force an individual to confront alternative
viewpoints which test judgements and values.
Through the examination of conflicting perspectives we gain an insight into the psychology
and ulterior motives of human behaviour. Shakespeare represents characters that are
manipulative, conceited and misguided giving the audience a multi-dimensional views of
various figures within the tragedy. Julius Caesar is represented as believing himself to be an
all-powerful, god-like figure. This is evident as he approaches the Romans and his assistants
with the use of imperative language and first person, extenuating his arrogance, I rather tell
thee what is to be feared, than what I fear; for always I am Caesar. Shakespeare presents
Caesar in various forms as he is a figure that is fallible but cannot be manipulated or swayed,
evident as he states he is as constant as the northern star being he is killed. Also the allusion
to god-like power, hence wilt tho lift up Olympus, amplifies his self-promoting nature.
Shakespeare juxtaposes a series of contrasting impressions of Caesar to present him as man
both deeply flawed and yet paradoxically, politically powerful and astute. Cassius personal
loathing of Caesar as a sick girl is contrasted by Caesars judicious assessment of him as
having lean and hungry look. Furthermore, Flavius use of animal imagery, these growing
feathers plucked from Caesars wings highlights concerns of Caesars escalating power as
his victory is celebrated by the mob. However, not all viewed Caesar as a hero; the audiences
opinion juxtaposes Cassius who views Caesar as a tyrant, evident in the simile, Caesar is
like a colossus. Hence Shakespeare highlights the flexibility of political leaders at the time,
reminding the audience of the multiple motivations individuals embody.
Shakespeare employs the dramatic form to represent the conflicting perspectives within a
historical event amongst enduring personalities that challenges his audience, to consider and
shape their perspective. The nature of tragedy can creatively provoke insights into human
flaws, motivations and human behaviour and can be a cathartic experience for the audience.
This is clear in the voice of the mob, which displays political power but is malleable and

easily manipulated by the Roman leader through emotional rhetoric. Brutuss Romans,
countrymen and lovers, hear me for my cause lacks Antonys sincerity as he appeals to the
audiences sentiment with the use of imperative language in, Friends, Romans, Countrymen,
lend me your ears. He rhetorically asks, was he ambitious? Likewise, Brutus incorporates
rhetorical language, who is here so vile that will not love his country?, persuading the
audience to view Caesar as a threat to the country. Shakespeares use of ethos is further
employed as Antony ironically states But as you know me all, a plain blunt man, armed
with honesty, playing on the mobs curiosity and anger. Brutuss oration successfully
demonstrates how skilful rhetoric shapes the plebeians reaction despite the lack of emotional
appeal evident in Antonys attempt to sway the audience through the use of emotional
rhetoric. Both orations present different persuasive powers to highlight how conflicting
perspectives is developed through the manipulation of power.
Shakespeare explores conflict not only between characters but also internal conflict within
themselves. As he highlights the limitations of political leaders at the time, he reminds the
audience that all individuals possess weaknesses. Brutus is presented as a respected Roman
whose idealism and authority can be viewed as both a strength and a weakness. His idealistic
perspectives of justice, honour and nobility cloud his judgement, making him vulnerable to
the manipulations of the ambitious. This is evident in the metaphorical assertion, set honour
in one eye and death in the other, and I will look on both indifferently. Shakespeare allows
the audience to view Brutus conflicting perspectives in the metaphor, he is in with himself
at war. Thus Shakespeare highlights how the nature of tragedy can creatively provoke
insights into human flaws, motivations and human behaviours and can be a negative
experience for the audience. The audience can conclude that the tragedy was a dual one, both
Caesars and Brutus.
Frida Kahlos personal representation of conflicting perspectives reflects on her past
connection to her Mexican heritage that depicts emotional sustenance and her disconnection
to American economic and cultural domination. The oil on metal portrait shows Kahlo
standing in stasis between two conflicting representations of Mexico and the United States. In
her left hand she holds a Mexican flag and in her right she holds a cigarette. The self-portrait
is a reflection of Kahlos identity and her dislocation is provoked by the hostility she
experiences as a result of being removed from her native Mexico to the United States. The
figure in the portrait stands salient on a pedestal in between Mexico and the United States and

her gaze remains steady, appealing directly to the audience. The Mexican flag she holds
creates a vector for the audience, implying that she is loyal towards her Mexican heritage and
desires to return. This heavily juxtaposes against the Industrial United States. The
translucency of the flag symbolises that she is losing her connection with culture as a result of
adapting to a new lifestyle. To represent Kahlos environment, earthy and warm colour palette
is used with exotic plants and cultural symbols. For example, the sun and moon which
juxtaposes against the dull colours of grey and blue used to represent the technological
darkness of American industrialism. This is also evident as the industrial smoke envelops the
symbolic American flag, suggesting that society is consumed by technological advancements.
Therefore, Kahlos separation from her homeland amplifies the conflicting perspectives
between the spiritual and natural Mexico and the mechanical and manmade United States.
Thus, conflicting perspectives is evident in Shakespeares Julius Caesar and Kahlos SelfPortrait on the Border of Mexico and the United States. Both composers successfully appeal
to their respective audiences by representing their ideas and attitudes of conflicts that arise
from alternative viewpoints.