Why could both Whigs and Tories find political meaning in Joseph Addison's Cato?

Joseph Addison’s tragedy Cato, performed in 1713, achieved significant success in part because both the Whig and Tory parties interpreted its themes to align with their own political agendas.1

The play’s appeal to both sides stemmed from its flexible political symbolism:

• The Whig Perspective: Whigs viewed the title character, Cato, as a resolute defender of liberty standing firm against the threat of tyranny, which they associated with France.1
• The Tory Perspective: Tories interpreted the play’s depiction of the domineering Julius Caesar as a critique of the Duke of Marlborough. They saw Caesar as a parallel to Marlborough, whose military successes they perceived as a potential threat to English liberties.1

By framing the narrative around these classical Roman figures, Addison created a work that resonated with the intense political climate of the era, allowing opposing factions to find validation for their respective viewpoints within the same text.1