Thursday, January 15, 2015

Discuss the arguments Cassius uses in reducing Caesar and in flattering Brutus. What are the arguments, and are they acceptable?The answer should...

First, Cassius declares that Caesar in all his glory is
actually just as ordinary as Cassius is. Cassius reveals Caesar’s flaws, proclaiming
that he had to save Caesar from drowning once. He adds that Caesar was sick with a fever
and groaned as any ordinary man would groan.


The point
Cassius is making is that Caesar has become too ambitious when he is just as ordinary as
the next man is. Cassius fears that Caesar is becoming a tyrant who will Lord himself
over others. Cassius is searching Brutus to see what his thoughts are as to Caesar’s
ambition of becoming emperor or king. Cassius would not have it so, and, now, he
searches to see what Brutus’ thoughts are in reference to Caesar crowning himself king
or Lord over others.


Cassius compares Brutus to Caesar and
says that the name of Brutus is just as honorable as Caesar’s
name:



"Brutus"
and "Caesar.” What is in that name, "Caesar?"
Why should that name be sounded
any more than yours?
Write them down together; your name is just as
good;
Say them out loud; your name sounds just as good;
Think about
their importance, yours is just as
important;



Cassius is using
flattery to seduce Brutus into his way of thinking. Flattery sets a trap, and Cassius
would have Brutus join a conspiracy to ensure that Caesar does not in fact crown himself
king. Indeed, Cassius lists Brutus' honorable qualities, hoping to convince Brutus to
consider being in a position of power rather than Caesar. Cassius is acting as Brutus'
mirror, explaining what he sees in Brutus:


readability="14">

It’s a morally upright face.
And it’s
very much lamented, Brutus,
That you don’t have any mirrors that
will
Let you see your own hidden worthiness,
Any mirrors that you
might let you see your shadow.
I have heard that many of the best-respected
men in Rome,—
Except immortal Caesar!— speak about Brutus,
And
groaning underneath the political burden of this age,
Have wished that noble
Brutus could see what they
see.



Cassius sees leadership
qualities in Brutus. Of course, this would mean that Caesar would have to be stripped of
his power. This would involve removing Caesar from power, even if it means death to
Caesar.

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