Suzy Sample, Ernie Example, and Randy Reference
Mrs. Reichert
English 10 Honors – Period 6/7
23 Apr 2014
Thematic Subject

Manipulation:
The art of skillful or artful
management.
Thesis

 Through the words of Cassius, Antony and Decius,
characters in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
Shakespeare develops the theme that manipulation
can lead otherwise law-abiding citizens to commit
treasonous and unlawful acts.
Cassius
Act I, Scene 2, Lines 54 - 62

'Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard,
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age's yoke,
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.
Context: Cassius and Brutus have stayed behind as the rest of the citizens and senators have
gone with Caesar to watch the Feast of Lupercalia races. They both fear what Caesar may do
if he is crowned emperor.
Audience: Cassius is speaking to Brutus.
Cassius
Act I, Scene 2, Lines 54 - 62

'Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard,
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age's yoke,
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.
Cassius
Act I, Scene 2, Lines 54 - 62

'Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard,
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age's yoke,
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.
Cassius
Act I, Scene 2, Lines 54 - 62

'Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard,
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age's yoke,
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.
Cassius
Act I, Scene 2, Lines 54 - 62

Connection to Thesis:
 Cassius wants Brutus to join his conspiracy.
 He is trying to show Brutus how worthy he is of the
titles Caesar is receiving.
 His use of the idea of the “mirror” and “hidden
worthiness” shows that he is attempting to:
 Show Brutus how worthy he is of the same titles.
 Show him how other see him as worthy as well.
 Thus, Cassius begins his attempt to manipulate
Brutus into participating in something unlawful and
treasonous.