In William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, Cassius is not only fully committed to the conspiracy but also instigates it. The second scene in Act I reveals his character and motives, particularly his attempt to bring Brutus into the conspiracy as its titular leader. Cassius serves alongside Caesar in many wars and even once rescued him from drowning. Unlike Brutus, who loves Caesar, Cassius is not half-hearted to the conspiracy.
In Act 3, Scene 1, Cassius gives Cinna fake letters to leave where Brutus will find them. They agree to confront the conspiracy, and Cassius uses strategies to persuade Brutus to join. The outcome of the battle is a draw, with half of each army defeated. The paradoxical omen Cassius saw influences him to believe the battle was completely lost.
Cassius commits himself fully to the conspiracy against Caesar, expressing his commitment to the plot. He asks Casca, “Be sudden, for we fear prevention – Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known, Cassius or Caesar?” Brutus anxiously ponders joining the conspiracy against Caesar. When he is brought one of the unsigned letters that Cassius has left for him, he becomes the most shrewd and active member of the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. He functions in some respects as the conspirators’ leader.
In summary, Cassius is not only fully committed to the conspiracy but also instigates it. His character and motives are revealed in Act 3, Scene 1, and the text provides evidence to support his claim.
📹 What Actually Happened the Day Julius Caesar was Assassinated
Julius Caesar made his mark on history for not only reforming Rome but also for his great military prowess on the battlefield, that is …
Does Cassius give himself half-heartedly to his conspiracy or does he commit himself fully?
Cassius makes a definitive commitment, stating that he will take his own life if the plan fails. He asserts that he was wronged by C. Brutus.
Who was Cassius the conspirator?
Gaius Cassius Longinus, born in 53 BC, was a key figure in the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar in 44 BC. He served under Marcus Licinius Crassus and saved the Roman army defeated by the Parthians at Carrhae. He later became tribune in 49 BC, and the civil war between Caesar and the Optimates saved him from trial for extortion in Syria. Cassius initially commanded Pompey the Great’s fleet but was reconciled with Caesar, who made him one of his legates.
In 44 BC, Cassius became praetor peregrinus and was promised the governorship of Syria. However, the appointment of his junior, Marcus Junius Brutus, as praetor urbanus deeply offended him, and he became one of the busiest conspirators against Caesar. Forced to withdraw from Rome after the murder, he left Italy for Syria, where he defeated Publius Cornelius Dolabella. When Caesarian leaders Mark Antony, Octavian, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus formed the Second Triumvirate in 43 BC, Cassius and Brutus combined their armies to starve out the enemy. Brutus was successful against Octavian, but Cassius was defeated by Antony and ordered his freedman to slay him. He was lamented as “the last of the Romans” and buried at Thasos.
Why did Casca join the conspiracy?
Casca meets Cicero, who describes the marvels visible in the streets that night and suggests that these foretell important events to come. After Cicero leaves, Cassius arrives to persuade Casca to join the conspiracy to liberate Rome from Caesar’s kingship. When Cinna joins them, Cassius sends him to leave letters where Brutus may find them and be persuaded that his opposition to Caesar is desired by many.
Casca is breathless and stares at Caesar, wondering why he is so moved. He has seen tempests, civil strife in heaven, or the world being too saucy with the gods to send destruction. Cicero mentions a common slave holding up his left hand that burned like twenty torches joined, and a lion glancing upon him without annoying him. He also mentions a hundred ghastly women transformed with fear, who swore they saw men all in fire walk up and down the streets.
Cicero believes that these prodigies are natural and portentous, as they point to the climate they point upon. He concludes that it is a strange-disposèd time, but men may construe things after their fashion. Caesar comes to the Capitol tomorrow, as he did bid Antonius to send word to him. He leaves, leaving the sky disturbed and Cicero exiting.
What is the role of Cassius in conspiring against Caesar?
Cassius, a long-time associate of Julius Caesar, becomes envious as a result of the latter’s considerable influence. As the tragedy of Julius Caesar progresses, Cassius initially persuades Brutus to participate in the plot to assassinate Caesar but ultimately allows Brutus to assume a leadership role in the conspiracy.
Who does Cassius attempt to convince to join the conspiracy in Act 2 Scene 1?
Brutus Cassius and others convince Brutus to join a conspiracy to kill Caesar. Caesar plans to stay home on the day of the assassination, but Decius Brutus persuades him to go to the Senate with the other conspirators and his friend Mark Antony. Brutus is anxious about joining the conspiracy but decides to act when he finds an unsigned letter from Cassius. He agrees to join the conspirators but rejects their plan to kill Mark Antony as well.
Brutus’s wife, Portia, asks him an explanation for his sudden change of mood. Brutus, along with Caius Ligarius, departs for Caesar’s house. Lucius, a general, asks Brutus to call him when it is lighted, and he agrees. Caesar exits, and Brutus believes it must be by his death. He knows no personal cause to spurn Caesar, but for the general’s crown, which might change his nature. He grants them to put a sting in Caesar that at his will he may do danger with. The abuse of greatness is when it disjoins.
What mistake leads Cassius to take his own life?
Cassius mistakenly believes the battle has been lost and Titinius has been taken captive, ordering Pindarus to kill him. When Titinius returns, he puts his victory wreath on Cassius’s head and kills himself. Brutus orders his legions to battle again to conquer Antony. Cassius, carrying a standard, confronts Titinius and the villains, stating that he has to defeat his own enemy. He slays the coward and takes the ensign from him, proving that the battle has been won.
Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas?
Cassius compares himself to Aeneas, the powerful founder of Rome, and Caesar to a weak, helpless elderly man, expressing his superiority. He is angry and indignant that Caesar has grown so powerful while Cassius is worth nothing. Cassius aims to deliver himself from bondage, believing that gods will make the weak most strong and defeat tyrants. He is a soldier, older in practice, and abler than himself to make conditions.
Exploring Cassius’ language can provide more evidence for his actions and his role in the conspiracy. It is also important to examine Cassius’ strategies to persuade Brutus to join the conspirators, which can offer insights into his manipulation and influence.
Who is manipulated by Cassius?
Cassius employs the narrative to influence Brutus and erode his perception of Caesar. He portrays Caesar as vulnerable and undeserving of his role in Rome, appealing to Brutus’s sense of allegiance to Rome.
What is the conspiracy plot of Cassius?
Brutus, a Roman citizen who holds Caesar in high regard, espouses the view that the populace should be at liberty to elect their own government. Nevertheless, Cassius’ missives persuade him that the populace is not amenable to an imperial system, prompting him to devise a scheme to assassinate Caesar.
What horrible mistake does Cassius make?
Cassius’s erroneous assumption that Titinius was deceased resulted in his own demise, precipitated by profound despondency. However, this misinterpretation was the result of a communication error, which ultimately led to the unfortunate outcome.
How does Cassius persuade Casca to join the conspiracy?
Cassius effectively persuades his listener by presenting Casca’s image as that of a noble and loyal Roman, and allowing him to act on it, thereby employing his persuasive tactics once again.
📹 TalkingStickTV – Michael Parenti – The Assassination of Julius Caesar
Talk by Michael Parenti author of “The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People’s History of Ancient Rome” given April 5, 1998 in …
It’s absolutely a shame a great man like Julius Caesar was horribly and cowardly murdered just because the Senators didn’t want to lose part of their power. Sadly, this situation happeneed again numerous times during the Roman Empire. For example, Emperor Domitian (who ruled the Empire just 150 years after Julius’ death) was a pretty great emperor way ahead of his time (even though he was pretty ruthless and used slaves as targets while playing archery), as he was the only emperor who solved the inflation problems Rome suffered from and also constructed a great amount of amazing buildings. However, the senators didn’t like him despite the good things he did, which caused Domitian to be killed in a pretty similar way to Julius.
Side note, Pontifex Maximus was not the most sought-after position in the Roman Republic. That would be the Consulship. The Pontifex Maximus was the chief priest of the Roman religion. Additional note. The Gallic Warriors were not equal to the Roman Legionaries. The Romans used standardized equipment, went through basic training, drilled consistently and were career soldiers. Most Gallic warriors were probably farmers who took up arms against the Roman intervention into Gaul.
To whoever is reading: Your skin isn’t paper don’t cut it Your size isn’t a book don’t judge it Your heart isn’t a door don’t lock it Your life isn’t a movie don’t end it You’re beautiful and don’t allow anyone tell you otherwise.. By the way I’m also a small youtuber looking for support, my dream is 6k I didn’t make this quote just wanna spread positivity plizz!!💚
In my (humble) opinion, calling Caesar the equal of Alexander the Great is probably stretching things a little far. He was a great conqueror to be certain. And definitely in the discussion for the Mt. Rushmore of conquerors. But Ghenghis Khan was probably closer to Alexander. In fact, Khan was probably the superior of the three.
The reason for the assassination is cause Caesar not only disobeyed and fought The senate and conquered Gaul and crossed the Rubicon and declared war on and against the Roman Republic and after he defeated pompey nobody stood in his way but his fatal mistake was making himself an enemy against and of the senate and taking away there power over the roman republic and the Senate has been power ever since it was first declared and established and have been in possession of power since it was first established in 509 b.c after there final king was dethroned but Caesar was also changing Rome and declared himself dictator for life King and God but also his relationship with deadly Cleopatra infuriated them cause not only was she a none Roman but manipulative
According to historical accounts, after the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony by Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus) in 30 BCE, Caesarion was captured. There is a story that Caesarion, who had been sent away for his safety, was brought back under false pretenses and killed. The specific tale about his death involving putting on running shoes is likely a metaphorical or symbolic reference to his attempt to flee or escape the inevitable capture by Octavian’s forces.
For those of you saying dictatorship is archaic. How is dictatorship archaic? You know if you look back in time there have always been different forms of governance. Democracy, Monarchy, Oligachy, Autocracy, Theocracy e.t.c. You do know none of them are perfect and all have their problems. Democracy cannot work when the government is corrupt. Democracy cannot work in a nation that is very tribalistic. People being more loyal to tribal leaders than the state is a recipe for disaster. If you look back at history you’ll see that the greatest empires in the world were mostly autocratic in nature. Just look at Rome from kingdom to republic, to Empire. Roman democracy at the end of the republic was absolutely corrupt. Autocratic rule was needed to end the strife and unrest.
Marc anthony and caesar died probably because off their interaction with egypt.Egypt had been a great power in the past,and many romans feared Egypt😛 Another fraction was Octavians ambitions to become emperor.With removing both his adversaries,his path to sole ruling was open.He only had to convince the senate,which he did when Marc Anthony was in Egypt. To sumarize:-Octavian Augustus was most likely the guilty ?
Impossible that he was born on July 12th…. there were only 10 months used back then… which is sept, oct, nov and dec are all -embers… because they were the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th months in latin. both Agustus and Julius wanted months named after them… so they were named AFTER THEM… not before and not specially when they were born.
11:03 Caesar was decimated? LoL no. Decimation was a punishment doled out to soldiers when they did something really bad like mutiny. They were grouped into 10s and all drew lots, the unlucky one was then beaten to death by the other 9. Ten in Latin is decem, this is how it gets its name. You guys really should get someone to proof read your scripts for these kinds of errors because it makes you look like you have no idea what you are talking about.
Pontifex Maximus was NOT the most sought after position. It was the head priest, it didn’t even have any official power, but did come with a lot of influence. It was held for life, so it was hardly something that would be sought after by a lot of people. Consul would have been the most sought after position, or arguably Tribune of the Plebs since it was more powerful in some ways. Religion was not as important to Romans as it was for say medieval civilizations. It was there but a lot of them didn’t take it that seriously, at least not the elites.
Wow. Came for an in depth explanation of what happened on March 15th 44 bc, and instead got a bad explanation of Caesar’s entire life crammed into 30 minutes and then a 3 minute gloss over of March 15th. I was hoping for some new information but just got disappointment. Edit: if you want more on Caesar’s life watch historia civilis. Much better content
I am truly tired of these crooked politicians with their hand out looking for money, Do any of them, contribute to their reelection, I think not. They are paying for commercials on many you tube sites. If you have no skills, good at lying, are self serving run for office. If you can do nothing else, become a politician.
Julius Caesar was likely one of the greatest people to have ever lived. The battles this man won, regularly against unbelievable odds was astonishing. A brilliant tactician, very forgiving and greatly loved by his legions and the middle to low classes, he also invented the book, and the calendar system we still use today. After he was assassinated, there was a feast and celebration to the life of Caesar, when this happened there was an extremely rare comet event in the sky which was observed by the masses which is historically known as the “star of Caesar” after which the masses saw this as a sign and deified him as a god in the heavens. This is where the story of Jesus Christ comes from, clemency, giving to the poor, forgiveness, Christians today are known as the people of the book. Julius Caesar invented the book. All the other mumbo jumbo was just made up through history.
There is a reason 80 percent of suicide cases are from men. Men just have a higher ceiling of standards than women. Men just don’t cry, men don’t display emotions, that is just weak. This creates a generation of men that are too scared of being judged, too scared of being true to themselves, too scared to indluge in one of the things(crying) that is thought to have been originated as a way to reduce pain, it is as if men are created to live in pain. Besides, men are even expected to be the ones to take care of life expences. And above all if they mess up, there is no mercy, if they mess up everything is gone. For a girl, she could always find another man with more money, If a woman is born beautiful, she has figured everything out, but men are always supposed to fight and play the game on hard mode, they are born in a jungle were only strong survives. They are supposed to make money for themselves and people around them, to create a perfect life for everyone around them, and all that weight of expectations lie on their shoulders. In addition, if a man makes something crazy or is thought of as weird, People think they are maf, but lf a woman does it, it is okay, she is just a woman, she could do whatever she wants because she would always find people simping for her. I think feminists are getting things wrong, thay are just asking for females to get all positive aspects for being a man while also keeping all positive aspects of being a woman. If they want to be treated like men, they should be treated like men, they have to also accept all drawbacks of being a man.
“Infamy, infamy – they’ve all got it in for me”. The real hero of the Roman senate was Tiberius. Is fellow consuls battered him to death with clubs because he had the temerity to stand up for poor farmers being thrown off their land to make way for aristocrats. After his death, he was so venerated in Rome they named the river Tiber after him as well as a later Emperor. But how many school kids have even heard of him?
Great Find here….Wasn’t a good student of history…and this vid gives a good reason why…one being a lot of it may have been fiction, opinion, and/or inferential…Its good to know the caesar wasn’t the dictator here was made out to be in current historical accts….and its seems today govt is like history repeating itself…
@westphalianprinz mate the book was a nominee for Pulitzer prize, that’s how good it is. If you look at history, politics in ancient Rome, for a long time (way before Caesar like hundreds of years before him) you had the Conflict of the Orders, and after a long period of struggle (almost 200 years) Patricians and Plebs finally had equal standing in politics. Then you’ve got two main factions, Optimates (Tories representing interests of aristocracy) and Populares (rest of society).
This lecture misses a key point of the republican military system, the main reason for the reforms of Marius and Gracchus was the latifundi, the roman army of the republic was self armed, soldiers needed land to support their military equipment which was quite expensive. This problem was solved by having the state arm the soldiers and providing them with land on retirement. It was one of the few avenues for social advancement in the empire.
@johnbranflake Cicero was bad enough, he was a man of his times, corruption is relative. If he were around today in our “enlightened” times, would he be considered corrupt? I don’t know. I’d like to think he would have been progressive and enlightened himself and deplore a life such as his own in ancient Rome. So I have a hard time condemming him completely, but he was pretty bad. He thought the common man pretty much worthless.