Thursday, March 6, 2014

What are some verses that show Cassius's use of persuasion.

Cassius is a very devious and manipulative individual. He's committed to the conspiracy against Caesar but knows that it's important to have Brutus on board. Brutus has a genuine commitment to the cause of republican liberty and regards Caesar's ambitions as a threat to this cherished ideal. Cassius, however, seems motivated purely by personal gain. If Brutus can be persuaded to join the conspiracy then that will lend an air of nobility to the proposed regime change.

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.'Brutus' and 'Caesar'—what should be in that    'Caesar'?Why should that name be sounded more than    yours? (Act I Scene II).

Cassius is projecting his own lust for glory onto Brutus here. If Caesar can make a name for himself, says Cassius, then why can't Brutus? Love of glory was a very important value in Roman society, particularly among the aristocracy. Cassius knows just how irresistible the urge to achieve glory for oneself and one's family really is. Romans were expected to bring glory to their families' names through great and heroic deeds. Cassius is slyly insinuating that Brutus' participation in Caesar's murder will do precisely that.

I have heardWhere many of the best respect in Rome,Except immortal Caesar, speaking of BrutusAnd groaning underneath this age's yoke,Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes. (Act I Scene II).

Cassius can't come right out and ask Brutus to join the conspiracy. So he plays on his vanity, his ego. He makes the disingenuous claim that many of the best people in Rome are clamoring for Brutus to take over. If that's what they really want, then why not oblige them?

Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I seeThy honorable mettle may be wroughtFrom that it is disposed. Therefore it is meetThat noble minds keep ever with their likes;For who so firm that cannot be seduced? (Act I Scene II).

Here, Cassius's utterly ruthless cynicism is laid bare. As far as he's concerned, every man has his price. It doesn't matter how noble or principled he might be, he can always be persuaded, seduced or just plain bought off to do someone else's bidding.

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