The Motivation Behind Cassius' Plan to Assassinate Julius Caesar: An Exploration

Throughout the play Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar becomes increasingly aware of the jealousy and ambitions harbored by his friend and advisor, Cassius. As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that Cassius has a clear motive for wanting to see Caesar assassinated, primarily to elevate himself to a position of power. Many quote the lines from the play: "Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look, he thinks too much such men are dangerous," which foreshadow the dangerous ambitions of Cassius. Additionally, Cassius admits to his own envy in the famous line: "Why man, he doth bestride the narrow world / Like a colossus and we petty men / Walk under his huge legs and peep about / To find ourselves dishonorable graves."

The Play's Perspective: Cassius as a Threat

In the play, Caesar acknowledges Cassius as a potential threat, stating: "Such men as he be never at hearts ease / Whilst they behold a greater than themselves," implying that Cassius is constantly envious of those around him and seeks to diminish them.

Shakespeare's Insight into Cassius

While Shakespeare's play does not delve deeply into the historical context of Cassius' actions, it captures the essence of a man driven by ambition and a sense of injustice. In the excerpt provided, we see Cassius admitting to his envy and the desire to see himself as superior to Caesar. The quote "Men at some time are masters of their fates: / The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves that we are underlings," reveals not only Cassius' lack of faith in fate but also his belief that he should have more significant influence and power.

The Historical Cassius Longinus and His Motivation

In reality, the motivations of the historical Cassius Longinus were rooted in a complex web of politics and personal grievances. Cassius Longinus fought on the side of Pompey and the Optimates, the conservative faction, during the civil war. Upon learning the outcome of the Battle of Pharsalus, where Pompey was decisively defeated, Cassius attempted to flee to Pontus to continue the fight against Caesar. However, Caesar intercepted and demanded unconditional surrender. Despite promising clemency, Caesar later made Cassius a legate and later a Praetor. However, Cassius believed that only a king had the power to grant such honors and saw Caesar's actions as a potential threat to the Roman Republic.

Cassius felt deeply offended when he was made only a Praetor peregrinus, while his brother-in-law and junior Brutus were awarded the more prestigious position of Praetor urbanus. These slights, combined with a growing sense of resentment towards Caesar, ultimately led Cassius to become one of the chief architects of Caesar's assassination. As Brutus noted, "the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves that we are underlings," Cassius was driven by a deep-seated desire for vengeance and self-aggrandizement.

Shakespeare's Artistic License and Its Impact

Although Shakespeare's portrayal of Cassius in Julius Caesar is a work of fiction, it captures the essence of a man driven by envy, ambition, and a desire for power. While the play may not provide the historical context of Cassius' grievances, it certainly highlights his character flaws and his motivation as a character within the story. Shakespeare's portrayal of Cassius as a man who is constantly envious and seeking power resonates with audiences and students of literature.

Overall, both the historical and fictional Cassius Longinus share a common thread: a deep-seated desire for power and recognition that drives them to act against the person they see as a threat to their ambitions. While the historical context provides additional insight into Cassius' motivations, both versions of the story highlight his relentless pursuit of power and his willingness to make extreme choices.

References:

William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar Historical accounts of the Roman Republic and the civil war of 49-45 BC