Cassius Use Of Manipulation In Julius Caesar

At the beginning of the play, Cassius covertly convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar; but even though Brutus agrees to the plot he still is wary about it. “I have not known when his affections swayed / More than his reason. But ‘tis a common proof / That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder” (Shakespeare. II. 1.

Cassius will prevail in making Brutus a conspirator to kill Caesar because he is adept at manipulating others. Cassius is cunning and forms his argument around honor to appeal to Brutus. In addition, Cassius formulates a deceitful plan to plant forged letters from Brutus' constituents about their dislike of Caesar. Also, Cassius undermines Brutus and Caesar's friendship by evoking negative feelings about Caesar. Finally, inklings reveal that Brutus has been considering the

Brutus was anxious about Caesar being ambitious. Brutus says “I love Caesar, but I love Rome more”. Brutus fears that Caesar is a threat to Rome. These thoughts and feelings lead Brutus to amalgamate the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. Brutus isn’t the only one who having issues with Caesar, but so is Cassius he is envious of Caesar’s power, he also wishes to kill Caesar to gain more power for himself and the love of the people.

After Cassius presents the idea of murdering Caesar to Brutus, he begins to take his manipulation a step further by sending Brutus forged letters from other senators. The letters leave Brutus to believe other senators

“Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that ‘Caesar’? Why should that name be sounded more than yours?” (1.2.140). Brutus allowed Cassius to talk him into killing Caesar, and believed that he should be loved and supported as much as Caesar. Brutus knew that with Caesar out of the way, he would become the people's

This justifies the use of rhetorical questions as an acceptable, rational persuasion technique. Immediately after this rhetorical question, Cassius uses compare and contrast by comparing Brutus to Caesar by saying, “Write them together, yours is as fair a name; / Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well” (1.2.48-51). By claiming that Brutus and Caesar both have “fair” names and that the names both “sound” equally honorable, Cassius highlights a clear comparison between Brutus and Caesar. The similarities between the two are emphasized by Cassius in order to persuade Brutus that he is equally as important as Caesar, and should not allow Caesar to establish his own tyrannical state.

In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Cassius is a foil to Marcus Brutus, for Brutus is consistently described as honorable and kind, contrasting the always clever and self-centered, Cassius. Cassius acts as a character who goes against the virtues and weaknesses of the main character. Brutus announces, “Why man, he doth bestride the narrow World like a Colossus, and we pretty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves” (Shakespeare I. 2. 142-145). By appealing to Brutus' feeling of honor and loyalty to Rome, Cassius hopes to persuade him to join the conspiracy against Caesar.

While Brutus maintains noble intentions, Cassius goes into this scheme with every intention of leaving everyone else behind to claim the power for himself, as he has been compelled by their society to do. Cassius tells Brutus that Caesar “doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus” while convincing him that Caesar is accumulating too much power for one man, despite harboring the belief that all of that power should be his (JC I.ii.142-143). To further prove his point to Brutus, Cassius gives Brutus fake letters telling him that the common people would rather have Brutus in charge than Caesar. While this is just Cassius himself manipulating Brutus, Cassius is motivated by the pressures of their society and Brutus, motivated by the belief that his society wants him to, joins the conspirators in their plot to kill Caesar and take power for themselves. Caught in a vicious cycle of societal pressure, these men continue to fight for power even after they achieve their original goal as evidenced by the civil war that breaks out following the assassination of Julius

One of the most important manipulators in the play is Cassius; who shows his skills as an excellent manipulator by convincing Brutus to join the conspiracy. During the first conversation between Brutus and Cassius, Cassius remarks about how Brutus could be a powerful as Caesar, “Brutus and Caesar- what should be in that “Caesar”? / Why should that name be sounded more than yours? / [...] / yours is as fair a name / [...] Weigh them, it is as heavy” (I.ii.143-147).

One can clearly understand that Cassius is trying to manipulate Brutus to help him sabotage

Unfortunately, Cassius uses Brutus’ altruistic characteristic and devout loyalty against him by sending fake letters with concerns regarding the crowning of Caesar for Brutus to read and be persuaded to join the conspirators. Cassius’ manipulation of Brutus serves as an example of how Shakespeare

Cassius saves the life of Caesar, sees him beg for water, and witnesses his epileptic seizure. From these weaknesses, Cassius finds himself to be just as worthy of the crown as is Caesar. His reasons are emotionally tied to getting rid of Caesar, Brutus chooses to become a conspirator for the good of Rome. He does not know how Caesar will use his power.

In fear of possible tyranny in Rome after Caesar is crowned, the conspirators are convinced by Cassius’ words to stab Caesar, while unaware of what these rash actions will ultimately result in. While planning Caesar’s murder, Cassius decides he needs a very influential and well-liked person to be the face of his conspiracy in order for them to become successful, and attempts to recruit Brutus as his co-leader. Whether dissatisfaction or envy is the motive behind Cassius’ plot to kill Caesar, Cassius says, “ Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves” (I.ii.146-148). Cassius tells Brutus that their free will is necessary to ensure the best for the Roman Empire, playing with Brutus’ morals and ideals, but it is arguable if the free will of the conspirators really had any effect on Rome. The fall of Caesar is undoubtedly an act of free will; the conspirators clearly show their faith in their own power to change Rome.

In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the theme is power. In the play, Caesar is seen after defeating Pompey in a battle. While everyone cheers him on, Cassius is trying to manipulate Brutus into his plan of attacking Caesar. Regardless of his friendship and loyalty to Caesar, Brutus decides to be a part of the conspirators. While Cassius is driven by power, Brutus is more concerned for the liberty of Rome.

Cassius is able to persuade Brutus to join his cause, using the right words, but with the wrong motivations,