Brutus and Cassius Essay

Brutus and Cassius In Shakespeare’s play, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”, two important

dynamic characters, Cassius and Brutus, play the role to bring the tragedy into Julius’ life.

Cassius is revealed to have villainous and disapproving elements towards Caesar which is

significant in this tragedy for its contribution to the theme. Brutus first turns out as a

close friend to Caesar but as Cassius later on persuades him to have a similar view on

Caesar, he slowly transforms into a conspirator. Although both are high in position and

both seem to revolt against Caesar towards the rising action of the play, they have their

differences. In the beginning of the play, Brutus was shown as a good friend of Caesar,

but later on he becomes a more complicated character for he indirectly

gave in to be swayed by Cassius yet he claims himself to be an honorable man to Caesar.

Some could say that Brutus is even easily persuaded for Brutus was convinced by Cassius

that Brutus was much better than the overpowering Caesar when Cassius told Brutus

“...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, line 59-62) Cassius even admits or remarks that Brutus is noble. “Well,

Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see thy honorable mettle may be wrought from that it is

disposed…”(Act I, Scene ii, line 308-310) This quote of Cassius means that he sees Brutus

as a noble man but his honor and courage will be shaped in a different way, which also could

foreshadow the new events to occur. Cassius views Caesar differently for he does not like

the fact that Caesar has become more godlike in the eyes of many Romans. Cassius is very

envious of Caesar’s position and fearful of what Rome might become if Caesar becomes the

king. Cassius believes and wants to believe that Caesar is a vile man and does not have any

rights to be king. In conclusion both have similar qualities but their main difference would

be their view on Caesar and on whether he should be king or not.

Brutus in the story is defined or noted for being the more persuaded or

converted type but Cassius represents the people who persuade others to his/her own

views and opinions. Not only in these times were these qualities seen but even in modern

day and in other periods or centuries there are these types of “Brutuses “and “Cassiuses”.

Even today there are people who are persuaded into these other people’s ideas and

somehow end up hurting themselves or others which readers will find out at towards the

end of the story.