Analysis of Act 1 - Julius Caesar
The soothsayer warns Caesar to “Beware the ides of March" (1.2.19), but Caesar ignores his warning.
Although Caesar is superstitious, he thinks himself invulnerable. * The procession passes, except for Brutus and Cassius, two high-ranking Romans. Brutus has no interest in watching the festivities, and says Cassius should go on without him.
Establishes Brutus as thoughtful and deferent, but also stoic and humorless, immediately contrasting him with the vibrant Antony.
Cassius remarks that Brutus has acted strangely lately, and wonders whether they are still friends. Brutus says that he’s been worried by personal problems, and apologizes for being unsociable.
Brutus is introverted and oblivious to other peoples’ impressions. Cassius has a knack for manipulating people and controlling conversation.
Cassius says that Brutus is greatly admired by all of Rome, and that everyone—“except immortal Caesar" wishes Brutus knew this. Brutus wonders why Cassius is trying to make him proud, since he knows vanity would be uncharacteristic of him. Cassius says he’ll make Brutus realize just how admired he is, and that Brutus can trust him because he’s respected and honest.
Cassius is not appealing to Brutus’s vanity—Brutus has none—but to Brutus’ great sense of responsibility towards Rome. Cassius is trying to insinuate that Caesar means to become all-powerful by sarcastically calling him “immortal.”.
They hear cheering, and Brutus says he fears that Caesar is being crowned king. Cassius says that this possibility must displease Brutus, if he fears it.
Cassius puts words in Brutus’s mouth, but makes them seem like Brutus’ own ideas.
Brutus admits he is against the idea, although he loves Caesar, and asks Cassius to get to the point, saying that if it involves honor and the good of Rome, he’ll face death to achieve it.
Establishes Brutus’s conflict (his affection for Caesar versus his political ideals), and character (he always puts Rome ahead of himself).
Cassius
Although Caesar is superstitious, he thinks himself invulnerable. * The procession passes, except for Brutus and Cassius, two high-ranking Romans. Brutus has no interest in watching the festivities, and says Cassius should go on without him.
Establishes Brutus as thoughtful and deferent, but also stoic and humorless, immediately contrasting him with the vibrant Antony.
Cassius remarks that Brutus has acted strangely lately, and wonders whether they are still friends. Brutus says that he’s been worried by personal problems, and apologizes for being unsociable.
Brutus is introverted and oblivious to other peoples’ impressions. Cassius has a knack for manipulating people and controlling conversation.
Cassius says that Brutus is greatly admired by all of Rome, and that everyone—“except immortal Caesar" wishes Brutus knew this. Brutus wonders why Cassius is trying to make him proud, since he knows vanity would be uncharacteristic of him. Cassius says he’ll make Brutus realize just how admired he is, and that Brutus can trust him because he’s respected and honest.
Cassius is not appealing to Brutus’s vanity—Brutus has none—but to Brutus’ great sense of responsibility towards Rome. Cassius is trying to insinuate that Caesar means to become all-powerful by sarcastically calling him “immortal.”.
They hear cheering, and Brutus says he fears that Caesar is being crowned king. Cassius says that this possibility must displease Brutus, if he fears it.
Cassius puts words in Brutus’s mouth, but makes them seem like Brutus’ own ideas.
Brutus admits he is against the idea, although he loves Caesar, and asks Cassius to get to the point, saying that if it involves honor and the good of Rome, he’ll face death to achieve it.
Establishes Brutus’s conflict (his affection for Caesar versus his political ideals), and character (he always puts Rome ahead of himself).
Cassius