Brutus's Hatred In Julius Caesar

The paranoia of the ideology that power completely corrupts has existed throughout centuries. This obsession can cause people to act in an irrational way or out of reasonings. So was the case with the senators in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. William Shakespeare centered his play around the Roman leader, Julius Caesar. Out of fear of his future political activities and his overconfident personality, the senators of Rome, including Caesar's best friend Brutus, created a conspiracy to assassinate him to stop him from obtaining absolute power over the Roman Empire.

Cassius influenced Brutus to conspire against Caesar by stating, Caesar “is now become a god… and his name has been sounded more than [Brutus’s]” (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 118-145-6). Cassius’s arguments convinced Brutus in proving Caesar's murder would be just, but Caesar’s death is unjust because he is being murdered out of Brutus and Cassius’s jealousy. Both of the individuals are envious of the power that Caesar is being given by the people of Rome and want to end his life before they will lose their own power in the senate after Caesar becomes king. Brutus’ naive mind was easily convinced by Cassius that Caesar was not the best choice to assume the Roman throne because he would not listen to their political thoughts.

He was unable to see through the fake letters that are supposedly written by the people of Rome, but in reality are being written as a scam from Cassius. Brutus interpreted these letters as a protest against Caesar. He believed the people of Rome were telling him their desires through this letter, he tries to resolve this by listening to the societies challenge to “speak, strike, redress” (II.i.47). Reading these letters from “random citizens” it is what finally pushes him over the edge.

Antony was determined to discredit the conspirators without

In the first act, Cassius sweet-talks Brutus to in order to convince him to consider that Caesar thinks of himself as above everyone. Cassius also writes letters as if they are worried citizens of Rome asking Brutus to fight against Caesar. This pushes Brutus over the edge and convinces him that killing Caesar is the only way to stop his rise. Even though some manipulation by Cassius was used; Brutus already had worries about Caesar before talking with

It is then brought into light that there is fear about Caesar becoming the new leader. When Brutus hears shouting, he fears they made Caesar their king. Cassius is a little surprised and says he assumes Brutus does not want Caesar to be king. Brutus then says, “I would not, Cassius. Yet I love him well”

Rhetorical devices aid in persuading the reader into believing what is being told to them. In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare utilizes these devices to show how other characters persuade their audiences. Caesar was growing too strong, and the Senate, the branch of government, grew wary of this rise to power, so they plotted to kill him. Brutus, one of Caesar’s good friends, aids in this scheme, and speaks at his eulogy. He sways public opinion of himself by using an abundance of rhetoric to portray himself as a selfless man.

He made the people of Rome feel bad for him, and they saw him as a good man who was loyal to Caesar. Brutus only had one thing going for him, which was he had helped to kill Caesar so that he could help Rome. The people of Rome of course, saw Brutus as the bad guy in this situation and did not believe he was loyal to Caesar. Although Antony uses tactics in his speech to make Brutus look like criminal for just marveling Caesar’s death.

The letters stated that Brutus needs to act out against Caesar and interprets them as the people are against Caesar. Brutus does not know the letters are fake and is fooled. Who knows if Brutus would have joined if he never would of got the letters. Cassius is cunning and jealous of Caesar. He feels Caesar is no better than him and is threatened by him.

Be gone! Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague That needs must light on this ingratitude.” Transition to next Topic…….Now let’s look at some more evidence. II.

Cassius is a foil to Brutus due to their reasons for killing Caesar. Cassius's reasons goes more towards fear and jealousy, and hs more of a selfish reason to end Caesar's life. While Brutus's motive is, wholeheartedly, for the good of Rome, and his loyalty towards Rome is greater than his of Caesars. An example for Cassius being selfish and fearful is when he sent forged letter to Brutus just to get him to help him kill Caesar. Brutus's every action in this play is for the good of Rome, he was hesitant at first because he did not believe he was a threat to Rome and the citizens until Cassius sent the forged letters.