Julius Caesar- Brutus & Cassius: Who Is the better leader?

Essay by betobertoHigh School, 10th gradeA+, March 2003

download word file, 9 pages 3.5

In William Shakespeare?s Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius are very influential characters. Each character makes many mistakes with the assassination plans and the strategies at Philippi. Each man has his reasons for their mistakes, if it is either their idealism, being uncompassionate or not, fully thinking for their actions. Brutus and Cassius are very contrasting people; one man is better suited to be a leader of a battle and an Empire, than the other. That man is: Marcus Brutus. Although Brutus makes many consequential mistakes, his errors are made because his nobleness outranks his intelligence. Whereas for Cassius, his mistakes are made from poor decision making. Brutus himself knows that he is often too honourable and not as realistic as he should be. ?I am not gamesome; I do lack some part / Of that quick spirit that is in Antony? [Act I, Scene II, L 28 ? 29].

By knowing this, that makes Brutus a better and stronger leader, since he is able to admit to his weakness.

Cassius is a very mischief person. His reasons to assassinate Caesar are far less noble than them of Brutus. Cassius?s intentions to kill Caesar are of jealousy. He is jealous that has become more powerful than Cassius. As well he is selfish in his reasons for the killing. Earlier in the times of Pompey, Cassius fought against Caesar. Which demonstrates him wanting Caesar dead. He shows his jealousy/selfishness towards Caesar to Brutus. ?For once, upon a raw and gusty day, / The troubled Tiber chaffing with her shores, / Caesar said to me ?Dar?st thou, Cassius, now / Leap in with me into this angry flood, / And swim to yonder point?? Upon the word, / Accoutred as I was, I plunged in / And bade him follow; so indeed...