Julius Ceasar (play) by William Shakespeare

How does Cassius “whet” Brutus against Caesar?

OR

How is Brutus made to join the conspirators

In Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, we can see the transformation of Brutus is the work of Cassius. The transformation is not sudden, but gradual. As Iago makes Othello, jealous, so does Cassius turn Brutus against Caesar. In both Brutus and Othello, the change is very slow and steady and the result is great tragedy. In Othello, the work is done by Iago, and in Julius Caesar the same work is done by Cassius.

Brutus is an honourable Roman citizen respected by all. He is second only to Caesar in greatness. Both can be easily flattered. Cassius knows the weakness as well as merits of Brutus. So he begins his work of transforming Brutus with a reference to Brutus’ indifference to Cassius. Brutus does not know the hidden plot of Cassius. So he tells Cassius that his mind is full of conflicting thoughts and he forgets to thank his friends and he is sorry for it. Secondly Cassius turns to flatter Brutus. Many great Roman citizens think that Caesar is becoming a dictator and they want Brutus to liberate Rome from the oppressive rule of Caesar. Thirdly Cassius tells Brutus that he is one of the best friends of Brutus, so that Cassius can act as a mirror or Brutus, through which Brutus can see his hidden greatness. In truth Brutus is far greater than Caesar.

While Cassius and Brutus are talking, they heard the shouts of the people and Brutus is afraid that the people have chosen Caesar for their King.  Although Brutus loves Caesar very much, he does not want Caesar to be crowned King. Cassius knows the mind of Brutus. He tells Brutus that he is talking about honour and Brutus is ready to sacrifice even his life for honour because he loves honour more than death. Cassius tells Brutus that he is also an honourable man and he is willing to die opposing the tyranny of Caesar. After that Cassius tells Brutus Caesar is physically and mentally weaker than both Brutus and Cassius. In a swimming contest, Caesar could not reach the point and he cried for help like a child because he was drowning and Cassius help him and saved his life.  On another occasion Caesar had a fever, his lips became pale and he cried in pain.

Cassius tells Brutus that man is the master of his fate.  It means that Brutus can easily remove the present tyranny of Cesar, if he has a mind for it.  Cassius reminded Brutus he is the grandson of his great forefathers who bravely fought against tyranni and brought freedom to Rome. At this stage Brutus tells Cassius that he will think over what Cassius said. It means that the words of Cassius completely flattered Brutus.

Casca’s account of Caesar’s reaction when a crown was offered to him thrice also helped Brutus to fight against the tyranny of Caesar. Finally Cassius made arrangements to write many pamphlets written by the citizens of Rome requesting the help of Brutus. These pamphlets were thrown into his room through his window.  These pamphlets also highly flattered Brutus about his greatness. Thus Cassius used many tricks to make Brutus the leader of the conspirators without disclosing his plot to murder Caesar.

Character of Marcus Brutus

Though Marcus Brutus is not the hero of Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, he is heroic because he died for his principles such as human liberty and welfare of Roman people.  He is the noblest of the Romans and everyone including Octavious and Mark Antony  treat him in high esteem.  Mark Antony says: “ His life was gentle, and the elements / So mixed in him that Nature might stand up / And say to all the world, ‘This was a man”.  Cassius knows well these good qualities of Brutus and that is why he wants Brutus to join the conspirators and to be their leader.  Among the conspirators, only Brutus has no personal grudge against Caaesar and he murdered his great friend only for the welfare of Roman people.

But Cassius takes advantage of Brutus weaknesses. Brutus is flattered and he is confused. At first Brutus considers the murder of Caesar unnecessary because Caesar has not done anything wrong. But it is possible that Caesar may become a tyrant because the people offer him a crown and when he becomes the King, it is dangerous for Roman Empire.  Therefore the evil is to be nipped in the bud. Such thinking shows that Brutus is a foolish idealist and he has no practical wisdom.  He thinks that all other conspirators are as honest and sincere as himself.  Brutus says: “ Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius,/ We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,/ And in the spirit of men, there is no blood;”

If Cicero had been included, the turn of events would have been different.  Similarly if Mark Antony was also murdered, the turn of events would have been different.  But the noble idealism of Brutus did not work out. Rather it failed him.   In spite of Cassius’ warning, Brutus lets Antony speak at the funeral and the result was horrible. As a public orator, Brutus is failure. His life shows that an honest man cannot lead politics. Roman public is fickle-minded. Mark Antony knows it better. He could easily stir them to revolution by his speech.

Brutus is a loving husband, a kind and tender- hearted master and a sincere friend.  His affectionate sympathy for Lucius is highly remarkable. The death of Portia, and the murder of Caesar also made him guilty conscious.  The quarrel between Cassius and Brutus and the reconciliation show how sincere, honest and loving and generous Brutus is! He is truly a man.