Preview

Julius Caesar: Brutus vs. Cassius

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1292 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Julius Caesar: Brutus vs. Cassius
<center><b>Contrasting Characters</b></center>
<br>
<br>In Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius are contrasting characters. They differ in the way they perceive Antony as a threat to the assassination plot, their dominance in personality, and their moral fiber. In Julius Caesar, Brutus is the more naïve, dominant and noble character, while Cassius is the more perceptive, submissive, and manipulative person.
<br>
<br>Brutus and Cassius are very different in the way they perceive Antony. Brutus is very trusting and naïve when he judges Antony. When the subject of killing Antony comes up among the conspirators, Brutus underestimates how dangerous Antony could be and says, "For Antony is but a limb of Caesar"(2.1.178). This statement means Brutus does not think it is necessary to kill Antony and he thinks that without Caesar, Antony is worthless. Another incident where Brutus misjudges Antony is when he allows Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral. Brutus trusts that Antony will not say anything bad about the conspirators or him: "What Antony shall speak I will protest/ He speaks by leave and by permission, / And that we are contented Caesar shall/ Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies. / It shall advantage us more than do us wrong"(3.1.263-268). Brutus actually thinks that by letting Antony speak, the conspirators and he will have a better situation for themselves because it will make their plot seem honorable. Cassius, on the other hand, is a very perceptive person; he sees how dangerous Antony can be. He notices that Antony is clever and that he might not be trustworthy. When Brutus suggests that they shouldn't kill Antony, Cassius says if Antony outlives Caesar, "[They] shall find of [Mark Antony]/ a shrewd contriver" (2.1.170-171). When Brutus gives Antony the right to speak at Caesar's funeral, Cassius pulls Brutus aside and says, "You know not what you do. Do/ not consent/ That Antony speak in [Caesar's] funeral. / Know you how much

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    1.2.88-89: Brutus tells Cassius that even though he does not believe in Caesar’s ambitions and laws, he is still loyal to him and he loves being loyal more than the fear of death, meaning that he is loyal to Caesar more than him not being loyal but is wanted to get killed in society.…

    • 1455 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Why Was Julius Caesar Bad

    • 884 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The two Romans had very different morals. Brutus was an honorable man and said that he had never met a man that he did not trust. He was forgiving, but gullible and naive. This turned out to have bad results as far as whether or not Antony should live. If Antony were killed he could not have started the war. His qualities unlike Cassius', which were vengefulness and manipulative, made Cassius the better man for the job because he would have had Antony put to death. He was deceitful and had no problem lying to people, even Brutus. He was also plotting and suspicious which made for a very god military strategist.…

    • 884 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    brutus vs antony

    • 269 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Discuss the attention paid (or not paid) to omens, nightmares, and other supernatural events. What do the various responses to these phenomena show about the struggle between fate and free will in Julius Caesar? Can the play’s tragedies be attributed to the characters’ failure to read the omens properly, or do the omens merely presage the inevitable?…

    • 269 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Brutus is very trusting, almost to the point of gullibility. An example of this is seen when Antony says “That’s all I seek: and am moreover suitor that I may produce his body to the marketplace and in the pulpit, as becomes a friend, speak in the order of his funeral.” Brutus responds with “You shall, Mark Antony.” This backfires on Brutus when Antony uses the opportunity to start a civil war between him and the conspirators. On the other hand, Cassius was a little more sceptical of Antony’s sudden shift in loyalty, even saying “(I) do not consent that Antony speak in his funeral.” This shows what seems to be Cassius’ undeniable ability to seemingly read other people, which directly contrasts with Brutus’ gullibility. Another example that proves this about Cassius is when Caesar says “He reads much / he is a great observer and he looks quite through the deeds of men.”…

    • 488 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Cassius vs Brutus

    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages

    In William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", honor is displayed as a prominent theme throughout the play. Honor is having great respect for others, regardless of their status in society; and performing great deeds not for personal gain but for the good of others. Marcus Brutus is an example of an honorable man; Caius Cassius, however, is not.…

    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Cassius on the other hand tries to get Brutus to agree with him on several occasions but gets turned down every time. “Cassius: Let Antony and Caesar fall together. Brutus: Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius,/ To cut the head then hack the limbs,/... Let us be sacrificers not butcherers, Caius.” (Act II, I, 173-179) Cassius tries to convince Brutus to kill Antony along with Caesar because he is afraid Antony would turn the crowds against them, unfortunatly Brutus ignores him and Antony does exactly that.…

    • 550 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Brutus’s genuine heart causes him to make the decisions he does throughout the play. Brutus was not originally for killing Caesar, as Caesar was a dear friend and close ally to him. After some distressed letters from the “people of Rome” arrive at Brutus’ study, he decides that he has “no personal cause to spurn at him, but for the general.” (II.i.11-12) He decides that because the people of Rome feared Caesar’s rise to power, he must do something to stop it from occurring. His distinction and genuine intentions cause him to look out for the people's’ best interest. Later on, when Brutus is conversing with the fellow conspirators, Cassius suggests the murder of Mark Antony as well. Brutus rejects this idea, saying “Antony is but a limb of Caesar” and “Let’s be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.”(II.i.178-179) Brutus explains that Antony will be nothing without Caesar to ease Cassius’s perspective, but also killing Antony will turn their noble cause into a murder spree. Brutus, unlike Cassius and the others, sincerely believes that he is helping with Caesar’s murder for the people’s good. Therefore, Brutus was a true and honorable roman up until his death, as Antony states in his…

    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    In Scene II, Brutus says, “I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well… If it be aught toward the general good, set honor in one eye and death I’ th’ other, and I will look on both indifferently, for let the gods so speed me, as I love the name of honor more than I fear death.” According to Brutus, he reveals that he fears Caesar will be king. Despite being friends with Caesar, he cares about Rome more than he does about Caesar. Through this quote, the readers are able to understand Brutus values being honorable, also. Brutus would do anything for Rome; he tells Cassius to let the gods give him good luck as long as he loves honor. Therefore, this shows how Brutus values honor, Rome, and its people. As for Cassius, he values flattery and manipulation. In line 135-161, Cassius states, “’Brutus’ will start a spirit as soon as ‘Caesar.’ Now, in the names of all the gods at once, upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed, that he is growns so great? Age, thou art shamed!... But it was famed with more than with one man? When could they say (till now) that talked of Rome, that her wide walks encompassed but one man?” Through this, Cassius is trying to convince Brutus to go against Caesar through flattering him. He asks Brutus what is so special about the name Caesar? Brutus is just as honorable; many people love Brutus as well as Caesar. However, what makes Caesar greater than everyone? Since Cassius understands Brutus would do anything for the good of Rome, Cassius states the importance of freedom for the Romans, which Caesar is going to take away during his reign. In addition, he continues flattering Brutus and telling him how loved and respected he is. Thus, Cassius’ speech demonstrates how cunning and sly he is. Cassius will attempt to get Brutus on his side whatever it takes, even if this includes manipulating and flattering Brutus. Furthermore, through these speeches, it reveals what Brutus and Cassius feel about Caesar. For Brutus, he fears Caesar being king. He…

    • 1200 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Brutus in Julius Caesar

    • 816 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Brutus is an honorable senator and his grandfather founded the republic, making him an extremely important and influential figure in Rome. Cassius attempts to use Brutus’ family’s reputation to persuade him, “Oh, you and I have heard our fathers say, there was a Brutus once that would have brooked th' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome as easily as a king” (I, ii 159-163). Someone in Brutus’ lineage set up the Roman republic and Cassius used this information to pressure Brutus to turn on his friend Caesar. Brutus, no doubt, feels obligated to uphold his family name and honor the Roman Republic. Also Cassius tries to flatter Brutus by saying, “And no man here but honors you, and every one doth wish you had but that opinion of yourself which every noble Roman bears of you” (II, i 92-95). Even other senators and high ranking officials Rome look up to and respect Brutus. He obviously has a high reputation and an honorable past, giving him power to convince and justify his actions to others. Brutus’ status and personality make him the perfect person to convince the…

    • 816 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Cassius Domino Effect

    • 805 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Cassius’s is seen as the leader of the conspirators, the manipulative master behind the cruel plan. He, with many others, disdain Caesar for his arrogance, yet Cassius encompasses the same exact trait. His arrogance is shown in Act I, when he and Brutus are talking, and Cassius notices the unease in Brutus’ eyes when they believe Caesar is crowned. He says, “I was born as free as Caesar,” (1.2, 104). In this speech Cassius is trying to convey the idea that Brutus is as good as Caesar so that Brutus will be more inclined to join the conspiracy, but Cassius uses the first comparison of Caesar to explain that Caesar is no better than he. His cunning, manipulative nature bleeds through in his very first speech, his arrogance is clearly shown and his motives laid down. Cassius’ jealousy leads to his revulsion of Caesar. Only Caesar’s death being the answer to Cassius’ insecurities.…

    • 805 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Cassius makes the assumption “Than must I think you would not have it so,”. Displaying Brutus’s uneasy feelings towards Caesar makes Brutus more aware of this idea and opens it up to discussion. By doing this Cassius can expand on the fearfulness of Caesar. To do this he claims, “I was born free as Caesar; so were you: We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter’s cold as well as he,”. This statement of equality revealed that Caesar is an equal to them and he has no reason to be placed on a pedestal of honor. With this claim that Caesar is not worthy to be king, Cassius tells Brutus that they should be ashamed of what they have allowed to happen in Rome. He calls Brutus to bring Rome back to the way it should be. Since Brutus is seen as a man of honor, he feels compelled to carry on this and do something about Caesar. Using claims such as these that will provoke Brutus are important and give more reasoning for the killing of…

    • 431 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    He misjudged Antony’s loyalty to Caesar and to Rome, calling him “but a limb of Caesar,” (Act II. Sc. I). Because of his altered perception in judgment, Brutus thought that every leader in Rome was as noble as him, acting for the good of the republic, which wasn’t entirely the case. Brutus was easily convinced that Mark Antony had joined the conspirators’ side after the death of Caesar and was unable to see through his false promises. Brutus never thought that the death of Caesar would provoke such a reaction from Antony because he assumed that every politician in Rome held clear distinctions between their private and public lives, concerning their duties in…

    • 720 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Brutus is a very cautious man. "Into what dangers are you leading me, Cassius, that you would have me lookinto myself for things that are not there?"(1.2.68-70) This quote is referring to act 1 where Cassius brings Brutus into the room and starts to talk about Caesar. When Cassius suggests to kill Mark Antony alone with Caesar, Brutus says, "Our plan will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius. We cut off the head and then hack the limbs, seem to kill Caesar in anger and then vent malice on his friends, for Antony is only a branch of Caesar."(2.1.169-172) Brutus doesn't want to just kill everyone, and be know as a killer, he just wants to do what he thinks is right for the people of Rome. Brutus was cautious, even near the end of the play when he was in his tent talking to Cassius,he told Lucilius and Titinius to go guard the door, until he had finished he conference.…

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar Thesis

    • 1118 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Cassius is one of the sly conspirators out for Caesar. He feels that Caesar will grow too ambitious, so he must be stopped before he's out of control. Therefore, he plans to murder Caesar. In order to make his murder look like a sacrifice for Rome and not a bloody plot, he must get Brutus in on his plan. With Brutus' good reputation the murder would be looked upon as a good deed. In order to appeal to Brutus, Cassius disguises his personality. In guise of a devoted friend, Cassius flatters Brutus to his fullest extent. He says, ."..Thoughts of great value worthy of cogitations/Tell me, good Brutus, Can you see your face?" (1.2. ). By pretending to flatter Brutus, Cassius hopes Brutus will join the conspiracy. Cassius plans ends up working and Brutus fears that Caesar will eventually become power hungry. Cassius is pleased that his false words have had an effect on Brutus, and he states to himself, "I am glad that my weak words/Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus" (1.2. ). Cassius' appeared to be considerate of Brutus' feelings, but in reality Cassius was really stabbing him in the back and "forcing" him to join the…

    • 1118 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Roman Empire and Brutus

    • 380 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Brutus is a patriotic middle aged man, who truly cares about the well being of his fellow people. “I do fear, the people, Choose Caesar for their king,” says Brutus. (Act 1 scene 2, 80) Despite Brutus’ friendship with Caesar, he much rather prefers Rome to remain a republic. He puts the masses before his own friendship. Brutus in return, is seen as trustworthy and reliable by the people. Indeed, Brutus is a noble man. Brutus says, “For let the gods so speed me as I love, the name of honor more than I fear death.” (act 1 scene 2, 90) He values honesty, fairness and balance. He is willing to lay his own life for what he believes. He is passionate and will do as much as what is needed so that what he believes is right will shine through. Brutus is easily swayed by Cassius in Act 1 scene 2. “Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”?” says the sly Cassius. (Act 2 scene 2, 140) After Cassius’ speech, Brutus considers the proposition of plotting against Caesar and does not shun the idea at all. Brutus is so willing to believe in his worthiness and Cassius’ call for action. He fails to truly listen to the Romans because he is too engrossed in doing what he believes is best for them.…

    • 380 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays