Student Question

What figure of speech does Cassius use in scene 2, lines 55-62 of Julius Caesar and why is it ironic?

Quick answer:

Cassius uses a metaphor in which he compares himself to a mirror, claiming he will reflect Brutus's true nature back to him. This is ironic because, unlike a neutral mirror, Cassius has ulterior motives. He flatters Brutus to manipulate him into joining the conspiracy against Caesar, knowing Brutus's honorable reputation will lend legitimacy to their cause. Cassius's true aim is to prevent Caesar from surpassing him in power, rather than the good of Rome.

Expert Answers

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Cassius says the following to Brutus:
I, your glass,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
"I, your glass" is a metaphor: a comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as." Brutus is likening himself to a mirror, saying he will reflect back to Brutus parts of himself that Brutus can't see.
When Brutus brushes that off as dangerous, because it could lead to flattery, Cassius denies that he is a flatterer:
... if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And, after, scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
Cassius's words are ironic because he is not planning to act as a mirror. A mirror neutrally reflects back whatever it sees, but Cassius has an agenda. He is a flatterer. He is desperate to enlist Brutus into the conspiracy because he knows that Brutus will legitimize it. He will say anything to get Brutus on his side because if Brutus, with his reputation as Caesar's most loyal friend and a man of honor, participates in assassinating Caesar, the people will accept that Caesar was a would-be tyrant that had to be stopped. Ironically, too, Cassius is not interested in the good of Rome but in his own ego: he doesn't want his former friend and equal to become more powerful than he is.

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