Cassius
Cassius, described as "lean and hungry" in appearance, is a long-time acquaintance of Caesar who harbors envy toward Caesar's towering influence in Rome. Cassius is the catalyst in persuading Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar, demonstrating his willingness to use deceit by forging letters from the public to manipulate Brutus's opinion.
After Caesar's death, Cassius's character flaws come to the forefront when Brutus accuses him of miserliness and susceptibility to bribery, underscoring that Cassius's motives lack the nobility Brutus strives for. Cassius's cynicism, however, is balanced by his sharp insight. At three crucial points, he warns Brutus about Antony, advice that Brutus repeatedly dismisses, much to his detriment.
Though largely portrayed in a negative light, Cassius shows a redeeming loyalty to both Brutus and Titinius toward the play's end. This offers a glimpse of his character's complexity and reveals that his loyalty, though often compromised by ambition, is genuine when it matters most.
Expert Q&A
Cassius's Persuasion of Brutus in Julius Caesar
17 Educator Answers
Summary:
In Julius Caesar, Cassius uses various persuasive techniques to sway Brutus against Caesar. He discredits Caesar by recounting instances of his physical weakness, such as saving him from drowning, and questions Caesar's superiority through rhetorical questions. Cassius flatters Brutus, appealing to his honor and noble lineage, and manipulates him with forged letters suggesting widespread Roman discontent. By amplifying Brutus's fears of tyranny and emphasizing Caesar's ambition, Cassius effectively convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy.
What persuasive techniques does Cassius use in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar?
Cassius discredits Caesar in a variety of ways in this scene, mainly by downplaying what skills or qualifications he might have to be considered a fit ruler. For example, Cassius tries to make Caesar seem weak by citing an instance where he almost drowned during a swimming race against Cassius. Cassius compares himself carrying the weakened Caesar to shore with the Trojan hero Aeneas carrying the aged Anchises to safety, an image which both infantalizes Caesar and makes Cassius seem heroic. This anecdote is unflattering to Caesar, though it has little to do with his intellectual or leadership capabilities, and therefore, feels unfair and irrelevant to use in persuading Brutus of Caesar's corruption or inabilities.
Cassius also appeals to Brutus' feelings of helplessness in the matter. The famous lines, "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars/But in ourselves, that we are underlings," are Cassius' attempt to rouse Brutus into action against Caesar, to make sure Brutus does not resign himself to the inevitability of Caesar's becoming a dictator (Act 1, Scene 2, lines 141–142). Cassius employs flattery as well, implying that Brutus is too good and noble a Roman to take Caesar's possible tyranny lying down. When Brutus passionately responds to Cassisus' arguments, Cassius further flatters Brutus and downplays his own cunning: "I am glad/That my weak words have struck but this much show/Of fire from Brutus" (Act 1, Scene 2, lines 177-179). In this way, Cassius is trying to appeal to Brutus' pride and instill the same jealousy in Brutus that Cassius himself feels in regards to Caesar's ascension.
What persuasive techniques does Cassius use in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar?
There are several directions you can go in this essay. You have so many rhetorical techniques to choose from. I'll give you three that you may want to base your essay around
Attacking the Man - Cassius' spends most of his time trying to persuade Brutus that Caesar needs to be killed for the good of Rome. To do this, he needs to persuade Brutus that Caesar is no better than any of them, so Cassius attacks Caesar's aura of immortality by telling Brutus a story of how one day he and Caesar went for a swim. Suddenly, the waves got rough and Caesar would have drown had Cassius not saved him (Act 1, Scene 2, lines 102-113).
Asking Rhetorical Questions - Cassius often asks Brutus questions that aren't meant to be answered. The questions are worded in a way where the only logical answer makes Caesar looks bad, so when he plants these questions in Brutus' head, he gets him to reallys start thinking about the damage Caesar is causing Rome. Some examples are, "Why should that name (Caesar) be sounded more than yours" (Act I, scene 2, line 144)? "Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed that he is grown so great (Act I, Scene 2, lines 150-151)? When the questions are worded like this, it sure sounds like Cassius has some strong points.
Committing Misinformation - Probably the most dishonest attempt to persuade Caesar is when Cassius writes letters to Brutus asking him to kill Caesar and signs them with names of citizens of Rome. This is extremely effective because Brutus is left to think the citizens of Rome feel Caesar is detrimental to Rome. It moves Brutus to act because he feels Caesar's death will be for the good of his beloved country.
Analyze Cassius's persuasive techniques in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar.
Cassius seeks to persuade and manipulate Brutus in this scene by reminding him of the close relationship between the two. The idea of manipulation can often sound as if lying is involved; in actuality, it does seem as if there is a strong bond between Cassius and Brutus, but note the way Cassius uses this to sway Brutus's feelings —he invokes pathos by asking why Brutus does not seem to have loved Cassius so much lately, as he had before; he says that he is "too stubborn" towards his "friend that loves you." Cassius is putting himself in the position of the wounded party, asking Brutus to explain himself and drawing out Brutus on his concerns.
Cassius then uses metaphor as a means of flattering Brutus—he paints himself as a mirror who can show Brutus his "hidden worthiness." While Brutus questions what Cassius can possibly show him, Cassius goes on to flatter him, calling him "good Brutus," "gentle Brutus," and explaining that, as his mirror, he will be able to show Brutus the greatness in himself of which he is unaware. Cassius even tries to pre-empt the idea that he may be flattering Brutus, by reminding him that he does not typically "fawn on men," or waste his words in falsely flattering others. He implores Brutus to think him "dangerous" only if he believes Cassius to be a routine flatterer—knowing, of course, that Brutus does not believe this.
Analyze Cassius's persuasive techniques in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar.
While I cannot write an essay on Cassius's persuasiveness for you, I can suggest you start your essay on the general theme of the power of words in Julius Caesar. There are several instances in the play where men are compelled by the power of the words of others to act with varying degrees of severity and with varying impact on the outcome of the tragedy.
Cassius in particular is constantly manipulating the early plot by pulling Brutus over to his side. He does so through flattery, manipulation (fake letters), and false comparison (Brutus's name with Caesar to show equality of character) among other tricks, as this example shows:
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
Write them together, yours is as fair a name;
I would think these three headings would make solid body paragraphs for an essay, as you should be able to find plenty of textual examples from the first act to support each one.
How does Shakespeare make Cassius persuasive in Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 138-188 of Julius Caesar?
In Act I, Scene 2, it is the Feast of Lupercal and Brutus and Cassius watch Caesar in a procession through the streets of Rome as the crowd shouts for him. Brutus expresses concern that the Romans may wish to make Caesar their king; Cassius responds that he believes that if Brutus is anxious about Caesar attaining such power, he would "not have it so," and he launches his persuasive arguments upon the premise that it is, indeed, honor about which he wishes to talk with Brutus.
In lines 138-188, then, Cassius fuels the anxiety of Brutus that Caesar may become tyrannical if given too much power, likening Caesar to the Colossus which towers over men. Further, he tells Brutus that men sometimes miss opportunities to change things because they do not act:
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings, (1.2.146-147)
He suggests that the name of Brutus can follow the sound of trumpets just as easily as the name of Caesar:
O, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brooked
As easily as a king. (1.2.186-188)
The allusion here is to Lucius Junius Brutus, who helped to expel the last king of Rome and worked to found the Republic in 509 B.C.
The persuasiveness of Cassius derives from his ability to take the anxieties of Brutus and use them as the foundation for his argument; namely, his fear that the Romans will make Caesar king, an act which will afford Caesar so much power that he will become corrupt and tyrannical.
How does Cassius persuade Brutus against Caesar in Julius Caesar?
Cassius successfully persuades Brutus into joining the conspirators by appealing to his honorable character and portraying Julius Caesar as an ambitious, undeserving politician, who will eventually disband the Senate and rule Rome as a ruthless tyrant. In act 1, scene 2, Cassius recognizes that Brutus is concerned about Caesar's growing popularity and calls attention to his feelings. Cassius then mentions that many Romans wish that Brutus would intervene in government issues and recognize the threat of impending tyranny. Cassius then shifts Brutus's attention to Caesar's flaws and tells a story about the time he saved Caesar from drowning in the Tiber River. He proclaims that Caesar is a flawed mortal like everyone else and recalls a time when Caesar suffered an epileptic seizure. After Cassius focuses on Caesar's obvious flaws, he proceeds to describe Caesar's confident, arrogant personality by telling Brutus,
Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars But in ourselves, that we are underlings (Shakespeare, 1.2.136–143).
Cassius's words are moving and depict Caesar as a domineering, arrogant man, who believes he is inherently superior. He also depicts Rome as full of passive, cowardly men, who are afraid to challenge Caesar and will not rise up against the future tyrant. Cassius then reminds Brutus of his noble, valiant ancestor by saying,
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough, When there is in it but one only man. 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 (Shakespeare, 1.2.157–163).
After Cassius's moving words, Brutus responds by promising to think about his valid argument and entertains the idea of joining the conspirators. Brutus proceeds to tell Cassius,
Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay upon us (Shakespeare, 1.2.173–176).
In addition to portraying Caesar as an ambitious tyrant and calling attention to his obvious flaws, Cassius also forges letters from concerned citizens encouraging Brutus to intervene and preserve the Republic.
How does Cassius persuade Brutus against Caesar in Julius Caesar?
In act two, scene one, Cassius, Casca, Cinna, Decius, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius visit Brutus's home around three in the morning to organize their plot to assassinate Julius Caesar at the Capitol. Brutus takes charge of the meeting by addressing the senators and telling them that it will not be necessary to swear an oath because their motivation to prevent tyranny is enough to spur them to action. Brutus then convinces the senators that they will not need Cicero's help, and Cassius suggests that they also murder Mark Antony. Cassius believes that Antony is a "shrewd contriver" and recognizes that he could cause them significant anguish if allowed to live. Brutus responds by telling Cassius that they will "seem too bloody" if they take Antony's life and compares him to "a limb of Caesar." Brutus then outlines how they should go about murdering Julius Caesar by saying,
"Let us be sacrificers but not butchers, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, And in the spirit of men there is no blood. Oh, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit And not dismember Caesar! But, alas, Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends, Let’s kill him boldly but not wrathfully. Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds. And let our hearts, as subtle masters do, Stir up their servants to an act of rage And after seem to chide 'em. This shall make Our purpose necessary and not envious, Which so appearing to the common eyes, We shall be called purgers, not murderers." (Shakespeare, 2.1.173-187).
Brutus is very much concerned about public opinion and desires the masses to view them as "purgers" and not murderers. He instructs the senators to "carve him [Caesar] as a dish fit for the gods" and commit the murder without wrath or malice. Brutus's words and actions are contradictory and the senators proceed to brutally assassinate Julius Caesar, stabbing him twenty-three times and bathing their hands in his blood. The violent, cruel nature of Caesar's assassination is something Mark Antony emphasizes during his passionate funeral oration, which incites the masses to riot and sways public opinion against the conspirators.
In Julius Caesar, how does Cassius persuade Brutus to join the conspiracy?
In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Cassius believes that Caesar does not deserve the glory that he receives from the Roman citizens. As the leader of the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, Cassius tries to draw Brutus into the plot. Brutus would bring several important aspects to the conspiracy—he is popular with the people and the other senators; his father was a well-respected senator as well; and most importantly, Brutus is a stoic, sensitive man who does not do anything without much contemplation.
On the day of the feast of the Lupercal, Caesar walks among the people, receiving the glory from recent triumphs in battle. He lusts for power and has recently indicated his desire to be the emperor of Rome. There are many factions that do not want this kind of ruler.
Cassius encounters Brutus outside of the arena where the celebration is happening. Brutus appears troubled which seems the perfect time for Cassius to lay his plan before Brutus. He tells Brutus that he has been worried about him. Brutus answers that he is “at war with himself.”
When Brutus hears the crowd cheering, he states that he is afraid that they are offering Caesar the crown. This inspires Cassius to share his feelings with Brutus.
Cassius begins by flattering Brutus. He tells Brutus that he is as good as Caesar and a most honorable man. He then proceeds to explain what has happened to create in Cassius this hatred for Caesar.
Serving with Caesar in battles, Cassius believes that Caesar is weak and womanish.
1st event
When they were dressed in war regalia, Caesar challenge Cassius to jump into the river and swim to a certain point on the other side. Both of them jumped into the water with full armor. About half way across the river, Caesar cried out to Cassius to save him. He was unable to go any further. Cassius swam to him and brought him back to the shore.
…so I from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
Is not become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature, and must bend his body
If Caesar carelessly but not at him.
The resentment is obvious. Cassius believes that he is a better man than Caesar, and that he deserves an equal footing with him.
2nd event
When Caesar and Cassius were fighting Pompey’s sons in Spain, Caesar became ill with a fever. This great hero shook and his lips lost their color.
3rd event
Caesar was an epileptic. When he had a seizure in front of Cassius, Caesar groaned and cried out for water. He was like a sick girl. And now, this weak man rules the world and men must succumb to his rule.
Then, Cassius gives his best argument.
“Men at some time are masters of their fates:
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.”
If people do not like what is happening around them, they must speak up and do what is necessary to change things.
This is the basis for his argument for Brutus. Cassius establishes that he would rather die than be under the rule of Caesar.
Caesar asserts himself as a powerful man who people must kowtow to if they want to survive. Cassius will not do this. He asks is this what Brutus wants.
Brutus has to think about what Cassius has said. As a friend of Caesar, it will not be easy for him to be involved in such treachery. If Brutus believes that it is for the good of Rome, he may be willing to be involved in the assassination that changed the course of the world at the time.
Who convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
At the opening of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Caesar enters Rome in triumph and glory from his victory over Pompey's sons, and he is now the most powerful person in Rome. Caius Cassius, a Roman senator and one of Caesar's generals, is jealous of Caesar and has aspirations to lead Rome himself. Cassius decides that Caesar must be assassinated and organizes a conspiracy against him amongst his fellow senators.
Cassius knows that he's not well liked among the people and that he doesn't have a particularly good reputation, so he decides to enlist his brother-in-law, Marcus Brutus, in the conspiracy. Brutus is well known, well liked, and honorable, and he's known to be a loyal friend to Caesar. Brutus will lend legitimacy to the conspiracy.
Unbeknownst to Cassius, though, Brutus already has concerns about Caesar's growing power and his immense popularity, which he expresses to Cassius when he hears a shout from the people praising Caesar.
BRUTUS: What means this shouting? I do fear the people
Choose Caesar for their king. [1.2.84–85]
Cassius takes this as his opening.
CASSIUS: Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so. [1.2.86–87]
In order to plant doubts in Brutus's mind about Caesar's power and ability to rule Rome, Cassius tells Brutus a story about Cassius himself having to save a weak and frightened Caesar from drowning. He also tells him about a time that Caesar had a fever and cried out, "Give me some drink, Titinius," like a sick girl.
Brutus is starting to come around to Cassius's way of thinking, but Brutus is extremely reluctant to assassinate Caesar, his friend and benefactor. Cassius wants to make sure that Brutus joins the conspiracy, so Cassius plans to write some letters against Caesar and have them secretly delivered to Brutus's home.
CASSIUS: I will this night,
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 glanced at. [1.2.318–323]
Cassius needn't have gone to all that trouble to deceive Brutus. Brutus decides for himself at the beginning of act 2, scene 1, that Caesar must be assassinated.
BRUTUS: It must be by his death . . .
And therefore think him as a serpent's egg
Which hatch'd would as his kind grow mischievous,
And kill him in the shell. [2.1.10, 32–34]
After Brutus has decided that Caesar must be assassinated, he receives another one of Cassius's deceptive letters. Even though Brutus has made up his mind about joining the conspiracy, this letter, and the ones he's received previously, convinces him that he's made the right decision.
BRUTUS: Such instigations have been often dropp'd
Where I have took them up. . . .
O Rome, I make thee promise,
If the redress will follow, thou receivest
Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus! [2.1.49–50, 56–58]
Cassius and the other co-conspirators have gone to meet Brutus at his home, intending to convince him to join the conspiracy, but they're surprised and pleased to learn that Brutus has already decided to join them. In fact, Brutus takes charge of the conspiracy himself!
BRUTUS: Give me your hands all over, one by one. [2.1.117]
After advising the conspirators that Marc Antony should not be killed along with Caesar and discussing how to make sure that Caesar goes to the Senate later that day (the Ides of March!) so that they can kill him, he sends them off to prepare for the day to come.
BRUTUS: Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily;
Let not our looks put on our purposes,
But bear it as our Roman actors do,
With untired spirits and formal constancy.
And so, good morrow to you every one. [2.1.234–238]
The rest, as they say, is history.
Who convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
Cassius is the main conspirator who convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy, even though Brutus must come to the realization that while he loves Caesar, he loves his country (Rome) more before he agrees to become part of the plot to end the life of his leader.
Cassius uses an array of rhetoric, including a tale in which Caesar and he are swimming across the river, and while he makes it fine, he has to go back and rescue Caesar who isn't strong enough to fight against the current and bear the weight of his own armor. Cassius claims that Caesar is too weak, and his envy/jealousy shines through in his examples. However, Brutus eventually weighs the pros and cons, and decides that Caesar truly is a danger to the system of government and way of life that his country enjoys currently.
In Julius Caesar, how is Cassius persuasive?
Cassius's ability to persuade other people to do what he wants can be considered a sign of strength or weakness. He does not possess the inner strength of the other three principal characters, Caesar, Brutus, and Antony. These men are all admired and respected, but Cassius is not. He knows that by himself he cannot organize a conspiracy againist Caesar but that if he can get Brutus to act as the leader, others will readily join in. This is not only because Brutus is so highly regarded, but also because Brutus is Caesar's best friend. If Brutus is turning against Caesar, then there must be good reason for an assassination. The fact that it takes so many men to bring Caesar down shows how strong a man he is and how much they fear him.
Shakespeare inserted a few lines of dialogue in Act 1, Scene 2 in order to demonstrate the kinds of reactions Cassius has been getting from nobles he has tried to sound out about killing Caesar.
CASSIUS
Will you sup with me to-night, Casca?
CASCA
No, I am promised forth.
CASSIUS
Will you dine with me to-morrow?
CASCA
Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner
worth the eating.
CASSIUS
Good: I will expect you.
CASCA
Do so. Farewell, both.
Cassius is, above all else, a greedy, selfish miser. He invites Casca to supper because that is a light evening meal and it will cost him little for entertainment. Casca's rude responses are not signs of a surly character but are intended to show that he doesn't like Cassius, that he really doesn't want to join him for a meal, and that he knows what kind of food to expect. Cassius will bring out his cheapest wine and serve miserly portions of food.
Caesar says to Antony:
Yon Cassius hath a lean and hungry look.
Misers are characteristically lean- and hungry-looking. This is because they don't even like to spend money on themselves. No doubt Cassius's entire staff of servants is also lean- and hungry-looking.
Cassius ups the ante, so to speak, when he asks, "Will you dine with me tomorrow?" Now he is offering Casca a full dinner. Casca still would prefer not to come because he obviously doesn't like Cassius and doesn't care if he knows it. But Casca realizes that Cassius will keep inviting him for tomorrow, the day after, and so on, until he runs out of excuses. It is especially noteworthy that Cassius says, ". . . and your dinner worth the eating." Casca has known Cassius all his life and therefore knows what sort of dinner to expect.
Shakespeare shows Cassius's mean nature throughout the play. His selfish character must be well known to everyone. That is why he realizes he cannot organize a conspiracy alone. That is why he has had to develop cunning and craftiness, a craftiness that Brutus would consider unworthy of himself. Caesar says of Cassius:
Yet if my name were liable to fear,
I do not know the man I should avoid
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much;
He is a great observer and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men: he loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music;
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mock'd himself and scorn'd his spirit
That could be moved to smile at any thing.
Cassius has learned how to manipulate men by studying their characters and then appealing to their dominant personal interests. His own interests are always in his security, profit, and advancement.
In Julius Caesar, how does Cassius convince Brutus to kill Caesar?
Firstly, and mainly, he does it by persuasion. Have a look at Act 1, Scene 2, and look at the speeches Cassius makes to Brutus: he makes arguments against Caesar, based on Caesar's ambition, the fact that Rome is supposed to be more powerful than any individual, based on Caesar's own girlishness and weakness.
Moreover, Cassius is excellent at playing on Brutus' own sense of arrogance and self-belief. Look at thsi extract from Act 1, Scene 2:
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Brutus, and Caesar: what should be in that Caesar?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
Write them together, yours is as fair a name;
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well;
Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em,
Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Caesar.
It poses as an abstract example, but of course it isn't. It tries to say "Why is Caesar's name so much more powerful than anyone else's?', but subtly it is saying 'Brutus, why is Caesar's name worth more than YOURS'. Brutus' ambition and arrogance is played on: and, that, I am quite sure, is a key factor in why he actually gives in.
Cassius also isn't above resorting to underhand tactics:
Good Cinna, take this paper,
And look you lay it in the praetor's chair,
Where Brutus may but find it; and throw this
In at his window; set this up with wax
Upon old Brutus' statue.
We see Brutus receive one of these letters in Act 2, Scene 1, and it certaintly works on him. 'Brutus, thou sleep'st, awake', it says, and Brutus seems to agree.
Hope it helps!
In Julius Caesar, how does Brutus' initial feelings enable Cassius to involve him in his plot?
Cassius is the first to notice that Brutus is in a perturbed state and comments on his mood in Act 1, scene 2:
Brutus, I do observe you now of late:
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have:
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.
Brutus replies:
Cassius,
Be not deceived: if I have veil'd my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors;......Nor construe any further my neglect,
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Forgets the shows of love to other men.
Cassius believes that Brutus has an issue with him but Brutus assures him that although he is troubled, it is an issue that he has to resolve within himself. He is, in essence, in a quarrel with himself and has, therefore, forgotten to show courtesy to others.
Cassius perceives that Brutus is disturbed and thus easy fodder for his manipulation. He apologises for being wrong and immediately starts complimenting him, softening him up. He, for example, mentions that many esteemed Romans except Caesar have wished that Brutus could see himself through their eyes, suggesting that they see much good in him, something that he can't quite seem to quite notice himself.
It is apparent that Cassius wants to paint a negative image of Caesar early in their conversation because he wishes to later ask Brutus to join his conspiracy. He mocks the general by referring to him as 'immortal' and saying that Caesar is not one of those who see the good in Brutus. Brutus, though, is aware of what Cassius is attempting and asks him:
Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me
Cassius then mentions that he will hold a mirror to Brutus and inform him about his inner goodness and that if Brutus should know him as a mere flatterer who later turns against those whom he complimented, then he should see him as dangerous. He is clearly attempting to manipulate Brutus.
When they hear shouting and Brutus expresses fear that the populace wishes to choose Caesar as king, Cassius pounces and asks if Brutus fears it and he suggests that, therefore, he does not welcome it. Brutus agrees and wants to know what Cassius wants of him. He asks if what Cassius is getting at is for the general good then he could offer him both honour and death and he would be indifferent to both. He further mentions that he loves honour more than he fears death. This means that he is prepared to sacrifice his life for the honour and good of Rome.
Cassius knows that Brutus is ready for his suggestion of a plot and he goes into a long discussion about Caesar's weaknesses, contrasting his frailty with their strengths. He expresses fear that Caesar might abuse his power if he should gain more status. He ends his entreaty with another flattering comment about Brutus:
O, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd
The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
Brutus retorts by saying that he will consider what Cassius has said, but asks him not too work himself up too much. He gives him the following instruction:
...my noble friend, chew upon this:
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us.
Brutus is evidently not prepared to allow Rome to fall under 'hard conditions,' as he calls it, that may ensue if Caesar should become its emperor. Thus the scene is laid for the conspiracy to progress and plot its bloody mischief.
How did Cassius persuade Brutus against Julius Caesar?
Although Cassius sensed that he was bringing Brutus around to joining his proposed conspiracy, he decided to follow up by sending him counterfeit letters purportedly from various important Roman citizens urging him to act against the tyrant Julius Caesar. Shakespeare got this, as he did so much of the information used in his play, from Plutarch. The playwright has Cassius say to himself at the end of Act I, Scene 2:
I will this night,
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 glanced at.
And after this let Caesar seat him sure;
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
In Act II, Scene 1, we see how Cassius's ploy has an effect on Brutus when he reads one of the phony letters.
He opens the letter and reads.
"Brutus, thou sleep'st. Awake, and see thyself.
Shall Rome, et cetera? Speak, strike, redress."
And to show that this is only one of many, Shakespeare has Brutus say to himself:
Such instigations have been often dropped
Where I have took them up.
Cassius must have Brutus on his side if his plot is to succeed. By himself Cassius does not have the charisma to attract co-conspirators. He is a selfish, miserly man with a reputation for having a bad temper, using threats and abuse to get his own way. Anyone who knows him would regard his proposal to murder Julius Caesar as being motivated by his own selfish interests. Caesar dislikes and fears Cassius. If Caesar became absolute ruler, he might have Cassius liquidated. And Cassius knows it! He is desperate, and he is operating under severe time pressure. A good illustration of his selfish character is to be seen right after his meeting with Brutus in Act I, Scene 2.
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.
If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
He should not humor me.
Cassius would have no objection to Caesar being made king if it would do him personally any good. He and Brutus become partners, but they are entirely different types of men. Brutus is patriotic and altruistic, whereas Cassius is totally selfish and greedy. They were bound to have conflicts sooner or later. Their final conflict erupts in the quarrel in Brutus' tent in Act IV, Scene 2, just before the battle at Philippi.
How did Cassius persuade Brutus against Julius Caesar?
Cassius managed to convince Brutus to participate in the assassination of Caesar by stating that Caesar’s death was necessary for the benefit of the republic.
When could they say till now that talk'd of Rome? That her wide walls encompass'd but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough, when there is in it but one only man.
Cassius was forced to seek Brutus’ participation in order to ensure that the murder of Caesar was not received too harshly by the general public. Brutus was known to be an honorable man, and his participation was expected to legitimize the assassination of Caesar. Although the other conspirators had different motivations, the death of Caesar for the benefit of the republic was the best reason to avoid a public revolt. Further, Cassius sought to show Brutus that it was odd that Caesar should enjoy all the glory alone. He stated that there was no difference between Caesar and Brutus. In addition, he asserted that Caesar was a man just like any other. These statements were meant to spur Brutus into action against Caesar.
There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd
The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
Which verses demonstrate Cassius's use of persuasion in Julius Caesar?
Cassius is a very devious and manipulative individual. He's committed to the conspiracy against Caesar but knows that it's important to have Brutus on board. Brutus has a genuine commitment to the cause of republican liberty and regards Caesar's ambitions as a threat to this cherished ideal. Cassius, however, seems motivated purely by personal gain. If Brutus can be persuaded to join the conspiracy then that will lend an air of nobility to the proposed regime change.
Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves that we are underlings.
'Brutus' and 'Caesar'—what should be in that
'Caesar'?
Why should that name be sounded more than
yours? (Act I Scene II).
Cassius is projecting his own lust for glory onto Brutus here. If Caesar can make a name for himself, says Cassius, then why can't Brutus? Love of glory was a very important value in Roman society, particularly among the aristocracy. Cassius knows just how irresistible the urge to achieve glory for oneself and one's family really is. Romans were expected to bring glory to their families' names through great and heroic deeds. Cassius is slyly insinuating that Brutus' participation in Caesar's murder will do precisely that.
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. (Act I Scene II).
Cassius can't come right out and ask Brutus to join the conspiracy. So he plays on his vanity, his ego. He makes the disingenuous claim that many of the best people in Rome are clamoring for Brutus to take over. If that's what they really want, then why not oblige them?
Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see
Thy honorable mettle may be wrought
From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes;
For who so firm that cannot be seduced? (Act I Scene II).
Here, Cassius's utterly ruthless cynicism is laid bare. As far as he's concerned, every man has his price. It doesn't matter how noble or principled he might be, he can always be persuaded, seduced or just plain bought off to do someone else's bidding.
In Julius Caesar, who did Cassius persuade and about what?
In Act 1 scene 2, Brutus is dejected. This seems like the perfect time for Cassius to plants the seeds of conspiracy. Cassius points out two things: Brutus seems sad; the people respect and honor Brutus. Brutus then share that he is afraid that the people will make Caesar king. Cassius agrees and then he says that Caesar is not fit for such glory. For example, he has a "falling sickness."
In the next scene, Cassius divulges his plans for conspiracy, as the omens that have been reported to him confirm that Caesar ought not reign. In this way, he persuades more people to be a part of the conspiracy.
In Act 2, we see Cassius' words to Brutus have changed him. Brutus comes to the conclusion that Caesar must be killed, even though Brutus still loves Caesar. But Brutus's love for the Republic is stronger.
In Act 3, Cassius is afraid that the plot has been discovered. So, he urges the conspirators to work quickly to get the job finished.
Cassius drives the conspiracy, but he has a way to make people own it as well.
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