Julius Caesar

Manipulation In Julius Caesar

The theme of manipulation is originally brought forth when Cassius persuades Brutus into thinking Caesar is undeserving and abusive of his power. Brutus is very noble to Caesar, and had no harsh feelings toward him. He had no reason for hating him until Cassius manipulates him into thinking otherwise. (In act 1, scene 2), Cassius says to Brutus "I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, as well as I do know your outward favor. Well, honor is the subject of my story. I cannot tell what you and other men think of this life; but, for my single self, I had as lief not be a live to be in awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar; so were you. We both have fed as well, and we can both endure the winter's cold as well as he... Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder the old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber did I the tired Caesar. And this man is now become a god , and Cassius is a wretched creature and must bend his body if Caesar carelessly but nod on him. He had a fever when he was in Spain, and then the fit was on him, I did mark how he did shake." Here Cassuis is showing Caesar's faults and imperfections all at once and not focusing on a single good point. Thus using his power of persuasion in an unfair way therefore making him a manipulative character. This manipulation leads to betrayal.