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Macbeth character analysis
Macbeth character analysis short essay
Positive and negative conflicts in macbeth
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Out of all the characters in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Caius Cassius is definitely the one most negatively seen, as his more unfavorable traits are focused on. Throughout the play, Cassius reveals other aspects of his personality, although most of them are cynical. In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Cassius is revealed through what he says, what he does, and what others say about him. What Cassius says and how he says it reveals him as a character. In Act I, Cassius is attempting to lead Brutus to believe that Caesar has become too powerful and must die. “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 wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes” (17). In this quote, Cassius is attempting to manipulate Brutus into believing that Roman citizens want him to lead them instead of Caesar, and that they are “groaning underneath this age’s yoke”, in which he is stating that the Roman people are tired of the way Caesar rules. Brutus replies, “Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me” (19). Brutus is stating that he doesn’t believe what Cassius is telling him, asking him what …show more content…
In Act I, Cassius forges letters from the citizens of Rome addressed to Brutus. “I will this night, In several hands in at his window 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” (35). Cassius has written forged letters from “citizens”, each with different handwriting, urging him to lead Rome, and hopefully leading him to join the conspiracy to assassinate
Shakespeare uses Cassius’ characterization in Julius Caesar to prove that Caesar is justified in his concerns about Cassius. Through means of indirect characterization, it is presented that Cassius is willing to act somewhat sycophantic to acquire what he finds necessary. When Cassius is speaking to Brutus in an attempt to sway his opinion concerning his loyalty to Caesar, he compares Brutus to Caesar and praises his equivalent status, stating that Brutus’ name is “as fair a name,” “it is as heavy,” and “will start a spirit as soon as ‘Caesar’,” and even rhetorically asks “upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed that he has grown so great?¨ (Shakespeare I. ii. 144-150). By providing reasoning behind his belief that Brutus is “as fair a name”
Considers killing Caesar but also does not want to. Finally decides that it is the best
Cassius truly believes Caesar has a frail state of mind and is unfit to have any form of authority in Rome. At first glance, his words and ideology seem to strive for the end of tyranny and become the savior of Romans, but it is clear he puts more emphasis on his rank rather than the well-being of others. When he states that their ranks were not their fault and should be taken into their own hands he intends to take his place by force with no regards for the Roman people or government. Additionally, Cassius shouldn’t be commended for saving Caesar from drowning because he remembrances on that deed to convince others that Caesar is feeble than most, yet he is treated like a god. Cassius’s greed for power motivates his murderous motivations but his ability to manipulate others to his will is also evident in his words. He refers to Caesar’s overwhelming power similar to a Colossus while he and the others “…walk under his huge legs… ” or are hidden in his glory. In reality though, the senators are more esteemed than despised. Another way Cassius misleads others is by faking Caesar’s fascist behaviors toward the commoners. He does so by forging negative letters about “Caesar’s Ambition” for Brutus to be pressured into joining his cause. Consumed by envy, he convinces Brutus to assassinate Caesar for the righteousness of the people but his incentive has
Every person has their own individual beliefs and values that they live by. There is a line that one believes they will never cross. However, people can also be easily persuaded to abandon these values if the reasoning is fair enough. This is human nature. To manipulate someone is to use or change them for a specific purpose. In Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, he illustrates how easily people can change their minds through manipulation. He conveys how people can be manipulated, how they manipulate themselves, and how they manipulate others.
Brutus has a naive view of the world. He is unable to see through the roles being played by Cassius, Casca, and Antony. He does not even recognize the fake letters were sent from Cassius. Then Brutus says,“You shall not blame us Antony, in your funeral speech, but speak all the good you can of Caesar.
In the first place, Cassius deeply dislikes Caesar and he has and evil plan to fool Brutus to kill Caesar. He wanted to find a way to convince Brutus that Caesar is bad, and they should kill him to save Rome. The thing Caesar did was he wrote fake letters talking about Caesars death and he sends it to Brutus to fool him to convince him to come with him to kill Caesar. It states on the passage on page 10 act 1, scene 2 "Good bye Brutus. Oh, I am glad that he is gone! I must get Brutus to help me, for Caesar loves and trusts Brutus, and without him,
Cassius is a sly, deceitful and an untrustworthy character. Caesar described him best. He said (act1, scene 2, line 195), “Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous”. Cassius is very superstitious. This is shown when he says (act 5, scene 1, line 75) “ you know I held Epicurus strong, and his opinion. Now I change my mind, and partly credit things that do presage…”. He believes in omen and signs that foretell events to come. Cassius is conceded. This is shown when he says to Brutus (act1, scene 2, line 116), “ And this man is now become a god, and Cassius is now a wretched creature, and must bend his body if Caesar careless but nod on him…”. Cassius continues on saying about times when he saved Caesar from drowning and when he saw Caesar with a fever and he started to shake. All this tells us that Cassius thinks he is just as good or even better than Caesar.
In the beginning, Cassius claims: “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” (1.2.150-152). Cassius believes that men have control over their fate, however this is ironic because out of all the characters, he is the least in control. Cassius encounters numerous opportunities which allowed him to alter his fate, nevertheless he choose to respond to these events based on Brutus’s opinions instead of his own. In addition, Cassius is aware that he does not possess positive qualities, therefore decides to manipulate Brutus in joining the conspiracy to bring legitimacy to his actions. Cassius is cautious not to provoke Brutus regardless of that fact that he engenders unfavorable outcomes. Soon after Caesar’s death, Brutus permits Antony to deliver a farewell address even though Cassius objects. Cassius voices his disapproval to Brutus’s decision once more: “Do not consent/ That Antony speak in his funeral/ Know you how much the people may be moved/ By that which he will utter?” (3.1.245-248). Cassius is suspicious of Antony’s sudden reconciliation, yet remains silent when Brutus reasserts that he is adamant about his decision. His compliance undermines the conspirators plan, ultimately costing them their lives. Furthermore, Cassius’ readiness to abandon his beliefs harms the success of the conspirators in battle. When discussing military tactics, Cassius urges for the army to remain in Sardis, but Brutus disagrees and argues that the army should march towards Philippi. Cassius establishes his credibility by mentioning that he is “older in practice” (4.3.37), and believes that his strategy will drain Antony’s soldiers tenacity to fight, allowing Cassius’s troops to be victorious. Nonetheless, Cassius eventually yields to Brutus’s requests even though he recognizes that Brutus’
In the beginning of the Book Cassius uses anecdotes of Caesar’s weakness and faults, argumentum ad antiquatum, and ethos on Brutus to persuade him to join the conspiracy to kill Caesar, this works on Brutus and shows that anyone, even people as stoic as Brutus, can be persuaded by appealing to their motivations. Cassius, a very suspicious character thru ought the play tells Brutus to “be not jealous on me” (827), in the quote he tells Brutus to not be suspicious of him because he is just a friend who genuinely cares. Cassius does this to put himself on Brutus’ side and not seem like a distant person, this allows him to criticize Caesar and suggest that he is a bad influence on Rome which appeals to Brutus’ desire to keeping Rome safe. After setting himself up as a friend to Brutus, Cassius uses harsh anecdotes on the weakness of Caesar to show that he isn’t fit to rule Rome. Cassius recollects on a time when he and Caesar went swimming in the river Tiber and Caesar screamed “Help me, Cassius or I sink” (828) to de...
Brutus’ ignorance creates an expectation that develops a path which leads him awry. When Brutus mentions,“ I would not Cassius; yet I love him well” (1.2.81-88 ), he portrays his internal conflict. Brutus depicts the rendering struggle between Cassius’ acquisitions and Caesar’s actions. His oblivion toward the truth and goodwill concerning the greater health of Rome prompt him astray. He acts with the innocence of a child, deceive and swindle by Cassius, Brutus is an
Initially, Brutus was wary of Cassius when Brutus said, “Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius?” (1.2.69). Subsequently, Brutus is persuaded as he states, “.what you have said / I will consider” (1.2.176-177). Cassius is willing to control any person who stands in his way. Cassius successfully turned Brutus against his best friend in order to achieve what Cassius believes to be best for Rome.
...re about Cassius through the things he does, such as persuading others in the direction of things that go towards what he wants. However, Brutus’ character can be more closely examined by the dialogues of others. As a result of all of this, Shakespeare’s audience has a negative attitude towards Cassius and a positive attitude towards Brutus.
Caesar’s hubris limits his ability to recognize the threat against him in Act 1. Although he has remarked to Antony that Cassius had a “hungry look” meaning Cassius seems suspicious and may poses a threat to Caesar since is not content with his position. Meanwhile in the back alleys of Rome, Cassius is convincing many senators that Caesar should not be the representative of Rome. “ I know that he would not be a wolf/ But that he sees the romans are but sheep./ He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.” (shakespeare, act 1 scene 3 line 105-107). The exchange between Cassius and Casca illustrates the image of Caesar that many of the senators have. The senators conception of Caesar is that he is arrogant and regards himself as the only person worthy
Cassius’ seek for power over others beings once he realizes how useful it would be to have Brutus as a
In the play Julius Caesar, there are many themes to choose form and the two that such out to me the most were friendship and pride. Julius Caesar and Brutus shared many hardships that followed along with friendships. Along their journey, the pride they had grew and they turned on one another.