Although Cassius and Brutus play significant roles in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, both men differ in their rank, views of justice, and possess contrasting personalities. Both men knew Caesar but differed in their motives to kill him. For example, the reader may view Brutus as a hero who desires fair treatment in Rome. Cassius may be looked upon as a manipulative and jealous man seeking to fulfill his own agenda. Despite Brutus’ decision to kill Caesar, it can be argued that he is a man of virtue while Cassius is a man of vice. In regards to personality, Cassius is short tempered and impetuous. After being accused of bribery, Cassius rushes to Brutus and begins an argument with him. Even though he speaks boldly to others, Cassius was easily …show more content…
Cassius is a follower of Epicurus while Brutus adheres to Stoicism. Due to philosophy being the love of wisdom, these contrasting philosophical views help the reader understand the driving motives of the two men, as well as the rationale of Brutus’ virtuosity and Cassius’ wickedness. According to Stanley, “Epicureans believe that pleasure could not be increased beyond the removal of all disturbance” (47). Cassius’ belief in the teachings of Epicurus may have contributed to his view of Caesar as a threat and disturbance to Rome. Having been a friend of Pompey and learning about his death, Cassius wanted to eradicate Caesar in order to avoid a loss of freedom. Cassius is quick to attack other individuals and his arrogance and pride is evident when he discusses his refusal to bow down to authority. He also mocks Caesar’s account of …show more content…
Both men existed in a time where the affairs of Rome were given to one ruler. One could not simply overthrow a government without causing a stir or bringing attention to oneself. It was the duty of Roman citizens to heed to orders. In spite of the fact that both men wanted to eliminate Caesar, it would be more acceptable to blame Cassius for his ultimate demise instead of Brutus. This is due to the fact that Brutus was an honorable man in every decision he
My take on this is that Cassius is the true villain in this story and that Brutus was well the sidekick but a very confused
It amazes me that a man so lacking in courage is able to outdistance the pack and become the emperor” (1.2. 121-129). Cassius evokes the emotions of pride and pity. He makes Caesar seem feeble and vulnerable, discrediting his immense sense of pride and narcissistic personality. He uses these emotions to lead into his next point, where he questions how a weak and feeble man is suitable to be emperor. Furthermore, Cassius defames Caesar’s character while subtly hinting that Brutus
Cassius will prevail in making Brutus a conspirator to kill Caesar because he is adept at manipulating others. Cassius is cunning and forms his argument around honor to appeal to Brutus. In addition, Cassius formulates a deceitful plan to plant forged letters from Brutus' constituents about their dislike of Caesar. Also, Cassius undermines Brutus and Caesar's friendship by evoking negative feelings about Caesar. Finally, inklings reveal that Brutus has been considering the
Cassius shows Brutus that it is simple ethics to be recognized for your good service. He says to Brutus that he is blind and cannot see his own potential. Cassius does this to show Brutus that he is being controlled by Caesar and how Caesar does not appreciate the things Brutus or any of the politicians do for him. He tells him: ‘Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see Thy honorable mettle may be wrought From that it is disposed.
Cassius was the lead conspirator who saw Brutus as the catalyst to unite the leading noble people against Julius Caesar. He was jealous throughout the entire play, which makes him a flat and static character. Cassius was a senator, a nobleman, a human being who had every right to be dictator himself. Even though he was jealous, Cassius
When Brutus was talking to the conspirators Brutus was going back and forth think if he should help the conspirators kill Julius Caesar. He was going back and forth because he was thinking of the power he could have and could rule Rome. The reason behind Brutus killing Caesar was for the better of Rome. If Brutus would not have killed Caesar, Rome would have turned into a dictatorship, and in turn it would have ruined Rome and all of its people. Brutus did not kill Julius just for the power to rule Rome, he killed Julius to save Rome from Caesar’s dictatorship.
He would have rather watched himself die a thousand deaths than to watch his city in peril. Cassius helped talk Brutus into killing Caesar over jealousy. Brutus only went along with the idea because he knew that Caesar was an improper ruler for rome and its people. Brutus put his city and its people n front of him and that was his tragic flaw. Since brutus put his city before himself t stopped him from thinking what was the best himself.
Brutus fled his country where he eventually killed himself. While Brutus experiences an impactful turning point, Cassius ' actions and personality remain fairly constant within the negative traits. He represents gloominess from the beginning of the play; he is jealous, manipulative and pessimistic. “O coward that I am, to live so long to see my best friend ta 'en before my face.” (V.III.34-35).
Unfortunately, Cassius uses Brutus’ altruistic characteristic and devout loyalty against him by sending fake letters with concerns regarding the crowning of Caesar for Brutus to read and be persuaded to join the conspirators. Cassius’ manipulation of Brutus serves as an example of how Shakespeare
However, Cassius’s submissiveness towards the opinions of Marcus Brutus leads to his demise of losing the opportunity to gain power. From the very beginning, it is apparent that Cassius accepts all the decisions that Brutus makes despite
Cassius saves the life of Caesar, sees him beg for water, and witnesses his epileptic seizure. From these weaknesses, Cassius finds himself to be just as worthy of the crown as is Caesar. His reasons are emotionally tied to getting rid of Caesar, Brutus chooses to become a conspirator for the good of Rome. He does not know how Caesar will use his power.
Brutus and Cassius are two prominent conspirators in the play Julius Caesar; one of these two fits Aristotle's depiction of a tragic hero. The difference between a normal hero and a tragic hero is that the latter will have a tragic flaw that keeps them from succeeding. These characters are often sympathetic and will cleave to the reader's pity. Firstly, we shall discuss Cassius. He was a man of questionable character.
If Brutus was a leader, so many citizens wouldn't have struggled under Caesar’s rule. Third of all, Cassius believed that Caesar did not deserve all of the power that he received which led him to performing these tasks of manipulation. Another reason in saying that Cassius was a villain is that Cassius killed Julius Caesar. First, he was an active part in the murder.
A totally tyrant of the kingdom. For these self-indulgent reasons Cassius is a villain. Trying to take something good and spin it into his own benefit. Brutus on the other hand was only half bought in, he didn't really want to take the life of a friend even if it is for the betterment of Rome. He finally agree with Cassius’s persuasion.
Caesar and Brutus have a tragic flaw that causes them to collapse in all directions, and die. However, Brutus fits the definition of a more tragic hero than Caesar. Because of his personality, and his heart, he is a hero, and a good person. He is much better than Caesar. Brutus’ only flaw is innocence, so that he believes in others, it makes him suffer in his heart, and he could not forget for the rest of his life.