Cassius' Persuasion Of Brutus

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How does Cassius persuade Brutus to give him his attention and then begin to see things his way?

Cassius first gets Brutus’ attention through intuitive flattery as he says, “I have not from your eyes the gentleness and show of love as I was wont to have”. This shows that Cassius is basing his persuasion on his friendship with Brutus because this almost gives him a level of trust, which he can use to make sure Brutus listens to him.

He then suggests Brutus may be troubled in some way and Brutus says he does not know why he is in so much anguish. Cassius then says he will show Brutus himself as a mirror shows a reflection, “And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection,  I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of.” This is very clever as Cassius makes his offer sound as if he is not planting any new ideas in Brutus’ head but merely exposing the thoughts already troubling Brutus. However, it is obvious that Cassius’ intentions are to manipulate certain truths so that Brutus takes his point.

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Brutus then lets slip a crucial piece of information as he says, “I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king”. This is instantly pounced upon by Cassius who says, “Aye, do you fear it? Then I must think you would not have it so” as he sees this as a window through which he can pour his evil thoughts and work Brutus round to his way of thinking.

Cassius now feels he has Brutus’ attention and begins to make his case as Brutus asks, “Wherefore do you hold me here so long?”. Cassius knows he has been offered a ...

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