Student Question

What are three common characteristics of Brutus and Cassius in Julius Caesar?

Quick answer:

Brutus and Cassius in Julius Caesar share several characteristics despite their differences. Both value friendship, as seen in their reconciliation after arguments and Brutus's internal conflict over killing Caesar. They exhibit arrogance, believing they have the right to assassinate Caesar for personal or patriotic reasons. Additionally, both display a reckless streak, ultimately choosing suicide over capture, demonstrating their pride and unwillingness to be paraded through Rome in chains.

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Many would say that Brutus and Cassius do not share any characteristics as Brutus is "noble" and Cassius is not.  However, there are some characteristics that the two share.  First, they both value friendship.  You can see this in Brutus' agonizing over whether to kill Caesar.  He hates what he believes Caesar is dong to Rome, but he does not want to hurt his friend.  You see this characteristic again in both men when they have an argument in Act IV scene II and make it up because of their friendship.  Another characteristic they share is a tendency towards conceit and envy.  Cassius shows this tendency strongly in his wooing of Brutus as he brags of his strength and Caesar's weakness.  Brutus shows this tendency by his willingness to listen to Caesar and to be flattered by the attention Cassius is showing him as well as to be swayed by the notes thrown in his window.   A third characteristic they share is too much pride to ever be carried through the streets of Rome in chains and so both men commit suicide.

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What are three unique characteristics of Brutus and Cassius in Julius Caesar?

I assume you are asking what three characteristics do Brutus and Cassius share.  First, they are both arrogant.  They both believe that they have the right to commit an assassination, whether out of patriotism or jealousy. 

Second, they both value friendship highly.  Cassius, although clearly wanting more power and although he is the driving force behind the assassination, defers to Brutus in many instances.  He agrees not to kill Antony, for example, even though he is wary (rightfully so) of the threat Antony poses.  However, Cassius values Brutus.  When Brutus insults him, he says: "Cassius is aweary of the world: / Hated by one he loves."  He would rather die than be hated by his friend.  Brutus, likewise, values frienship.  He is conflicted about killing Caesar, and must talk himself into it.  His love for his country in the end outweighs his love for his friend: "Not that I lov'd Caesar less, but that I lov'd Rome more."

Finally, the two characters share a reckless, even suicidal, streak.  Cassius pulls his own sword to demand his own death when Brutus insults him.  Brutus attacks early at Phillipi, basically sacrificing his army because he can't find a way to succeed.  When all hope is definitely lost, he takes his own life.

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