What does Shakespeare say about humanity through Cassius in the play Julius Caesar?

This is a very broad question, but I will give my take on it. One aspect of Cassius is his machiavellian plotting, driven by jealousy and hatred of Caesar. This interpretation would suggest that Shakespeare is using the character of Cassius to comment on this dangerous aspect of human nature. There are, however, several more complex layers to this character.

Ironically, it is Cassius, not the noble Brutus, who seems to truly value human relationships. It seems that Cassius surrenders to Brutus' weaker judgements regarding the conspiracy because he values their friendship so deeply. It can be argued that his hatred for Caesar and his love of Brutus are the two most powerful forces driving Cassius throughout the play. This interpretation would suggest that Shakespeare is also using Cassius to comment on the manner in which personal relationships compel people to take extreme actions.

Shakespeare may also be using Cassius as a means to comment on the nature of political reform. Shakespeare extensively read Machiavelli, and Cassius' character seems to reflect Machiavelli's theory that certain individuals carry the desire to dominate and subjugate the people and are kept in check only by others with similar ambition. This raises an important question about humanity. Is tyranny kept at bay only by jealousy?

Cassius also plays a vital role in Shakespeare's discussion of the human view of fate and destiny. He is the character who utters the famous lines "the fault, dear Brutus, lies not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings." Cassius wants to believe that he has control over his own destiny, so much so that he embraces suicide as a noble means of freeing oneself from gnoble circumstances. It seems that Shakespeare is using Cassius to comment on the tendency for humans to feel that they are "masters of their fates."

I hope this helps.

First answer by ID1204936501. Last edit by ID3450473993. Question popularity: 5 [recommend question]