The Tragedy of Julius Ceaser

536 Words3 Pages
Cassius’ Persuasiveness In the play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, there is a conflict between those loyal to Caesar and those against him. Cassius, a conspirator against Julius Caesar, tries to persuade his friend Brutus to join the treacherous plot against Caesar. The witty Cassius employs various appeals to Brutus while searching for his weak spot. Although Brutus has many rebuttals, Cassius successfully finds a way to convince Brutus. Flattery, appeal to honor and to heritage are all tactics used by Cassius to lure Brutus into the conspiracy. As the characters exit, leaving Brutus and Cassius standing alone together, Cassius seizes the opportunity to persuade Brutus. First, he uses a familiar and handy tactic in his persuasion, flattery. Cassius says, “Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face? ‘Tis just. And it is very much lamented, Brutus, that you have no such mirrors as will turn your hidden worthiness into your eye, that you might see your shadow. I have heard where many of the best respect in Rome, speaking of Brutus, and groaning underneath this age’s yoke, had wished that noble Brutus had his eyes (lines 51-62).” He explains that Brutus is very influential, yet he doesn’t know it. He wishes that Brutus could only “open his eyes” to see the power he embraces. The familiar quote, “Flattery will get you nowhere”, did not apply to Cassius. Cassius’ realization that Brutus is susceptible to flattery proves helpful in his plot. As Cassius and Brutus carry on their conversation, Cassius realizes that Brutus values honor more than anything. With that in mind, Cassius appeals to honor in order to persuade Brutus. Cassius begins to tell Brutus two stories about Julius Caesar. Both stories shared a common outcome: Caesar was weak in a time of distress. In the Roman culture, it is dishonorable to be weak. Cassius
Open Document