What does Cassius mean by the following statement? “Flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank yourself;/This tongue had not offended so today,/If Cassius might have ruled.”
Question
What does Cassius mean by the following statement? “Flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank yourself;/This tongue had not offended so today,/If Cassius might have ruled.”
Solution
Certainly! Let's break down the statement step by step:
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Context: This line is from William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar." Cassius is speaking to Brutus after the assassination of Caesar, during a moment of tension and conflict among the conspirators.
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"Flatterers!": Cassius is expressing his frustration and anger towards those who flatter or deceive.
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"Now, Brutus, thank yourself;": Cassius is telling Brutus that he should blame himself for the current situation. He implies that Brutus's decisions have led to this outcome.
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"This tongue had not offended so today,": Cassius is referring to someone (likely Mark Antony) whose words have caused offense or trouble. He suggests that this person would not have spoken in such a way if things had been different.
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"If Cassius might have ruled.": Cassius is saying that if he had been in charge or if his advice had been followed, the current problems would not have arisen.
In summary, Cassius is blaming Brutus for not listening to his counsel, which he believes has led to their current predicament with deceitful flatterers causing trouble.
Similar Questions
What does Cassius reveal about Brutus' character in the text? "CASSIUS: I will do so: till then, think of the world. [Exit BRUTUS.] Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet, I see, Thy honourable metal may be wrought From that it is disposed: therefore it is meet That noble minds keep ever with their likes; For who so firm that cannot be seduced? Caesar doth bear me hard; but he loves Brutus: If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius, He should not humour me. I will this night, In several hands, in at his windows throw, As if they came from several citizens, Writings all tending to the great opinion That Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurely Caesar's ambition shall be glanced at: And after this let Caesar seat him sure; For we will shake him, or worse days endure. [Exit]." A. Cassius reveals that Brutus has a bad sense of humor. B. Cassius doesn't think he has reached Brutus; Cassius will need the opinions of others to help him. C. Cassius wishes he were Brutus so he wouldn't be "humored." D. Cassius is frustrated that Brutus is not interested in anything to do with Caesar.
What does Brutus reveal about Cassius in the text from section 14 of Julius Caesar? BRUTUS Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm; To sell and mart your offices for gold To undeservers. Cassius is honest, and he is very loyal to Brutus. Cassius is honorable, and he is somewhat loyal to Brutus. Cassius is untrustworthy, and he is not loyal to Brutus.
Cassius initiates the faction because he is worried about democracy in Rome.
Tension from the Start: The scene opens with Brutus seeming tense. What details hint at his emotional state before Cassius even arrives?
What contrast in values can be found in the highlighted passage from sections 14-15? "BRUTUS Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm; To sell and mart your offices for gold To undeservers. CASSIUS I, an itching palm? You know that you are Brutus that speak this, Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last. 15- BRUTUS The name of Cassius honours this corruption, And chastisement doth therefore hide his head. CASSIUS Chastisement? BRUTUS Remember March, the ides of March remember: Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake? What villain touch'd his body, that did stab And not for justice? What? shall one of us, That struck the foremost man of all this world But for supporting robbers, shall we now Contaminate our fingers with base bribes? And sell the mighty space of our large honours For so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, Than such a Roman." A. Cassius is an upright citizen, while Brutus has been found corrupt. B. Cassius and Brutus are both honest about all of their actions. C. Brutus and Cassius are both honorable about all of their actions. D. Cassius is corrupt in his actions while Brutus tries to uphold justice for all in his actions.
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