In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, he exploits Cassius’ manipulative and clever nature in order to control Brutus’s actions and thoughts. Cassius is power hungry and tends to follow the path of treachery in contrast to Brutus who only wants to do what’s best for the people. Cassius’ cunning and selfish personality opposes Brutus’ noble and magnanimous one. Cassius utilizes manipulation to take advantage of people which contradicts to Brutus’ honest demeanor. After believing that he has almost convinced Brutus to perform as the commander of the plot against Caesar, Cassius has a revealing soliloquy. “Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet, I see, Thy honourable metal may be wrought From that it is disposed: therefore it is meet That noble minds keep
…show more content…
Brutus is honest and expects others to follow in suit so he expects others to be as well, while Cassius follows self preservation and mistrusts everyone else. Brutus’ naive thinking clashes with Cassius’ distrust of others. When Antony comes to the conspirators after the murder of Caesar, Brutus treats him with trust and kindness, because he believes that Antony is honest and trustworthy. In contradiction to Brutus’ opinion, Cassius considers Antony to be cunning and treacherous. Cassius wants to have him killed as well, but Brutus, with characteristic kindness and generosity, overrides him. When Antony asks permission to deliver a speech in Caesar's funeral, Brutus willingly allows it. Cassius is dismayed that he warns Brutus against it. “Brutus, a word with you. You know not what you do: do not consent That Antony speak in his funeral: Know you how much the people may be moved By that which he will utter?” (Act III, Scene 1). Cassius can tell that Antony will betray them but Brutus does not believe it. Unlike Cassius who can see the vindictive and selfish intentions of people, Brutus sees the best in everyone less he has solid evidence.
Cassius is a foil to Brutus. Both Cassius and Brutus plot to assassinate Caesar but Cassius is more inclined to treachery than Brutus is and thus easily concedes into his evil ambition. Brutus, on the other hand, debates whether to join the conspiracy without careful evaluation of the entire scenario. Brutus is keen on relying on his own reason and his awareness of his honorable obligations as a Roman to do what is necessary. Furthermore, Brutus’ candor and modesty are in obvious contrast to Cassius’ qualities of deception and thirst for
Brutus is honest and expects others to follow in suit so he expects others to be as well, while Cassius follows self preservation and mistrusts everyone else. Brutus’ naive thinking clashes with Cassius’ distrust of others. When Antony comes to the conspirators after the murder of Caesar, Brutus treats him with trust and kindness, because he believes that Antony is honest and trustworthy. In contradiction to Brutus’ opinion, Cassius considers Antony to be cunning and treacherous. Cassius wants to have him killed as well, but Brutus, with characteristic kindness and generosity, overrides him. When Antony asks permission to deliver a speech in Caesar's funeral, Brutus willingly allows it. Cassius is dismayed that he warns Brutus against it. “Brutus, a word with you. You know not what you do: do not consent That Antony speak in his funeral: Know you how much the people may be moved By that which he will utter?” (Act III, Scene 1). Cassius can tell that Antony will betray them but Brutus does not believe it. Unlike Cassius who can see the vindictive and selfish intentions of people, Brutus sees the best in everyone less he has solid evidence.
Cassius is a foil to Brutus. Both Cassius and Brutus plot to assassinate Caesar but Cassius is more inclined to treachery than Brutus is and thus easily concedes into his evil ambition. Brutus, on the other hand, debates whether to join the conspiracy without careful evaluation of the entire scenario. Brutus is keen on relying on his own reason and his awareness of his honorable obligations as a Roman to do what is necessary. Furthermore, Brutus’ candor and modesty are in obvious contrast to Cassius’ qualities of deception and thirst for