Examples Of Manipulation In Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare proves validity of his certain message throughout Act One of the play, Julius Caesar. Most of the townsfolk are delighted over Caesar’s homecoming, however some do not feel the same. Cassius, one of Julius’s long-time friends, does not enjoy the fact that he will become the ruler of Rome. Cassius then influences Brutus, hoping he will join the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar and take over the throne of Rome, which is conveyed throughout the first act. In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, he illustrates man’s ability to interpret things that will only suit themselves through manipulation. Cassius selfishly shapes Brutus’s thoughts about Caesar being crowned as ruler. Cassius has already informed Brutus on his thoughts about
Caesar, and how the citizens feel about him. Cassius does not have specific proof of “hatred” that the people of Rome have for Caesar; therefore, he felt the need to take action. At night, Cassius “In several hands, in at his windows throw, as if they came from several citizens, writings, all tending to the great opinion that Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurely Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at” (Shakespeare 1.2, 316-320). Cassius’s idea to send forged letters to sway Brutus epitomizes that men will take action of manipulating someone to satisfy themselves. Throughout act one, Cassius maintains his negative influence on others to suit himself. To complete his plan of eliminating Caesar from power, it is extremely necessary to have Brutus join. For his own good, Cassius sweet talks Brutus, “That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard where many of the best respect in Rome, except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus and groaning underneath this age's yoke, have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.” (Shakespeare 1.2, 55-61). Cassius’s words symbolizes that he will flatter Brutus’s character, although he may not be speaking truthfully. Cassius is only doing this for his own self to have Brutus join his group to assassinate Caesar. Shakespeare’s words exemplifies that men will infer and take action on things that only benefit themselves through manipulation in Julius Caesar.
Caesar, and how the citizens feel about him. Cassius does not have specific proof of “hatred” that the people of Rome have for Caesar; therefore, he felt the need to take action. At night, Cassius “In several hands, in at his windows throw, as if they came from several citizens, writings, all tending to the great opinion that Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurely Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at” (Shakespeare 1.2, 316-320). Cassius’s idea to send forged letters to sway Brutus epitomizes that men will take action of manipulating someone to satisfy themselves. Throughout act one, Cassius maintains his negative influence on others to suit himself. To complete his plan of eliminating Caesar from power, it is extremely necessary to have Brutus join. For his own good, Cassius sweet talks Brutus, “That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard where many of the best respect in Rome, except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus and groaning underneath this age's yoke, have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.” (Shakespeare 1.2, 55-61). Cassius’s words symbolizes that he will flatter Brutus’s character, although he may not be speaking truthfully. Cassius is only doing this for his own self to have Brutus join his group to assassinate Caesar. Shakespeare’s words exemplifies that men will infer and take action on things that only benefit themselves through manipulation in Julius Caesar.