Later on in the scene, we learn of Cassius’ dislike for Caesar through his conversation with Brutus, and how Cassius once saved Caesar’s life as he tells the story of what once happened in the River Tiber. Cassius should be boastful about saving his life to show he’s trying to show off and show that he doesn’t actually care about Caesar. We also learn that Caesar had a fever while in Spain; though seemingly innocent, he apparently cried like a little girl, a point Cassius should emphasise to show his dislike of Caesar and to gain a psychological victory.
Soon after, Cassius describes Caesar as “a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs, and peep about to find ourselves dishonourable graves.” By now, the audience should realise that Cassius is biased against Caesar due to his continual moaning. Yet again, Cassius says how huge Caesar (in terms of his power) is getting, as demonstrated when he says:
” When could they say, till now, that talked of Rome, that her wide walks encompassed but one man? Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough, when there is in it but only one man.”
Cassius ought to say this in disgust of Caesar while trying to persuade Brutus that Caesar is not the right choice for king, and that everyone will become slaves under his rule.
When Caesar re-enters we now realize that Caesar is getting suspicious of Cassius as he says, “He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous”. Caesar shouldn’t want anyone to hear this, as he is a proud man. We also learn that he is deaf in the left ear, another weakness, as he says to Antony, “Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf.”
Casca then starts talking to Brutus and Cassius. He should sound trustworthy to begin with, because as far as the audience is concerned, he provides the only source of information of what actually happened when Caesar was offered the crown. However, Casca then suggests Caesar tried to win over the Romans by refusing the crown, before continuing to suggest how Caesar also collapsed in the market place; yet another physical weakness. Furthermore, Casca mentions that, ”If Caesar stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less.”, suggesting the Romans are blinded by their love for him. By the end of the speech the audience should know that he is against Caesar by the way Casca tells of the events, speaking rather irritably about Caesar to try and suggest he has done wrong.
In Act 2, Scene 2 we see more evidence that Caesar is superstitious, and he also shows his cowardly qualities. When he orders the sacrifice, and asks, “Who’s within?” he should be panic-stricken to show he’s afraid; but to show his power, everyone around him should be instantly obedient to him. However, when he tells Calphurnia “Caesar shall forth” he should sound courageous, as he doesn’t want anyone to think that he isn’t brave.
Caesar should continue being boastful throughout his conversation with Calphurnia, especially when he says, “Cowards die many times before their deaths, the valiant never taste of death but once.” He is trying to say he’s valiant, even though he has feared death before. He should be very definite when he says, “I will not come today” as to show that he will not be swayed easily. When he is talking about the senators or the “graybeards” as Caesar refers to them, he should also talk as if they are unimportant so the crowd realises that he thinks and believes he is the most important person that exists.
When Caesar then tells Calphurnia “how foolish do your fears seem now Calphurnia!” he should almost be laughing at Calphurnia trying to suggest that he never really believed her, and when the conspirators then appear he should be very friendly as if he never called them graybeards, which ought to show his inconsistency.
In Act 3, Scene 1 Caesar must come across be self-righteous after mentioning how “the ides of march are come” to the soothsayer, as its shows he is pleased that an “unimportant” person didn’t get one over him. When Artemidorus tries to give Caesar a letter, although Caesar refuses because “what touches ourself shall be last served”, by ignoring Artemidorus, he can show that he really doesn’t have much time for the public and is an important figure who is naturally very busy.
When Caesar rejects Metellus’ plea, he should try to come across with a little arrogance by emphasizing such phrases like “I am constant as the northern star” and “I could well be moved, if I were as you”, as he thinks he shouldn’t have to answer all these questions because he is of such great magnitude. Through his belief in his own power, he naturally would also be getting rather angry, demonstrating his frustration. Especially when Caesar says “Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus?”; through his anger he can get across his point that he will never change his mind.
At the end of his life, and when Caesar says “Et tu Brute? Then fall Caesar!” he ought to be shocked and give up. As he is so very surprised about Brutus, I would expect the audience to feel sorry for Caesar after the way he has been treated, though on the other hand they still may feel that he deserved his fate, because of his boasting and inconsistency with his decisions. Though the audience may feel he did this sub-consciously, it leaves them with their own decision on the matters that have taken place.
