"This was a man" is Antony's final tribute to Brutus.

Brutus' reputation, damaged as it has been

by his participation in the conspiracy, and by his rather self-deluding rationale for it, has been
reclaimed. It has been reclaimed partially because his character, defined at the beginning of the
play as entirely masculine, has taken on some feminine characteristics, such as grief over his
wife's death, love for his friend, and tender concern for his followers. By the end of the play,
Brutus' character is more fully-rounded but is the world he leaves us better off? Can it be when
the world left behind is entirely without women? Shakespeare takes the opportunity in Julius
Caesar to say both "yes" and "no." At times, characters take on so-called feminine characteristics
and lose their ability to rule well. At other times, characters like Brutus gain a great deal from
incorporating the feminine into their own personalities. Shakespeare's suggestion is that while a
balance can be struck and an ideal attained, it is ultimately unworkable.
You find only two female characters in Julius Caesar. The first, Calphurnia, is Caesar's wife, and is
emblematic of one standard sexist Elizabethan understanding of woman. She is a shrew. She
controls instead of being controlled. She exists as a foil for her husband's character. By her
strength, the audience sees what Caesar ought to be; by her conscience, what his ought to be;
by her death, what he ought to be prepared to do. For this reason, her character is not developed
on a psychological level in the way that Caesar's is.
The reader's first contact with her is during the feast of Lupercal. Caesar asks Antony to touch
her as he passes her in the race that is a part of the celebrations. Caesar asks this because
Calphurnia is childless, and superstition dictates that the touch of the athlete during this holy
feast will make her fertile. The implication, then, is that she is at fault for not producing an heir.
In fact, the implication is that Caesar is no longer potent enough to impregnate her. His request
of the athletic womanizer, Antony, is an indication of Caesar's own effeminacy.
Such is the root of Caesar's downfall. He has taken on too many feminine characteristics. His
prowess is in the past and is only momentarily evident in Act II, Scene 2 when he refuses to listen
to Calphurnia's worries about what will happen if he goes to the Capitol. "Caesar shall forth. The
things that threatened me / Ne'er looked but on my back; when they shall see / The face of
Caesar, they are vanished." However, he is convinced, bowing to her hysteria and his mind is
changed only after Decius embarrasses him. "[I]t were a mock / Apt to be rendered for someone
to say / 'Break up the Senate till another time, / When Caesar's wife shall meet with better
dreams.'" On to his own death.
Portia is a much more interesting character on her own and yet she, too, is really only portrayed
through her relationship with men. Her relationship with her husband is clearly one of intimacy
and respect. She speaks openly with him about the unrest he has recently exhibited and forces
him to speak to her and tell her what is going on.
Note, however, how she does this. Brutus does not want her to know what is going on. She
changes his mind by pressing him to define her in one of the two ways in which a woman can be
defined in this society: She is either a good Roman woman worthy of his secrets, well-wived and
well-fathered, or she is "Brutus' harlot." Faced with this distinction, Brutus can only choose to tell
her what is happening. Unfortunately for Portia, the knowledge that he imparts is her downfall. In
Act II, Scene 4 Portia complains that she has "a man's mind, but a woman's might." She has been
given access to a man's knowledge but because of her position as a woman, she is unable to use
it and must sit and wait for the outcome of men's affairs. Such knowledge is too much for her
and she commits suicide in the very garden in which she first heard Brutus' secrets.
With this, Portia is gone from the play, and the reader never again sees a female character. What
the audience does see, however, is a transference of Portia's feminine qualities to her husband
by means of his relationship with Cassius. At the beginning of the play, the relationship between
these two men was less than profound. They are connected by a common desire to overturn

Caesar's tyranny but have entirely different motivations. In addition, Cassius' approach toward
convincing Brutus to join him has been cynical to say the least.
By Act IV, Scene 2, their relationship has become a friendship, and it has become a friendship
that has the decided qualities of a love relationship. In Act IV, Scene 2, Brutus has taken offense
at what he believes was Cassius' refusal to send money when he needed it. Cassius is quite
taken aback by this accusation and the conversation quickly descends into a "yes you did, no I
didn't" affair that almost results in a fight. Cassius is innocent of the offense and is hurt that he is
"Hated by one he loves, braved by his brother."
What motivates Brutus to this anger? It turns out that it is grief over Portia's death. It is to
Cassius that Brutus turns in his grief. The grief that he feels, the loss, the sense of betrayal are all
translated into anger toward this friend, and after those emotions are spent, the two men are
closer in some ways than Brutus ever was with Portia. The latter relationship shares the same
respect for each other and the same sharing of intimacy, yet it is a relationship that can operate
in the same spheres because it encompasses a level of equality not possible between a woman
and a man.
From that moment, the audience has an increasing amount of sympathy for Brutus, who has
been humanized by his wife's death. While he clearly loved his wife, there was also some
distance between them, partly because of her rather stoic nature (remember her self-wounding),
partly because he is unwilling to confide in her. This combination of the masculine and the
feminine in her character was not a completely appropriate one. It was unworkable given the
way in which the Roman world worked. The flip side, of course, was Caesar's behavior. His
combination of femininity and masculinity was also unworkable. With their deaths, Brutus is able
to incorporate both aspects of their personalities, most directly from his wife, given her more
moral nature. With the banishment of women and inappropriate femininity from Rome, the state
ought to be a better one. But there is an unattractive sterility to such a world. What has been
created is an unworkable ideal. Brutus' death is an indication of just how unworkable it is.
Second Analysis
In Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, it is a mans world. In the Roman world, women were
irrelevant. They were not allowed to speak in public and were barred from the world of politics.
A womans main function was to serve in the home. Women in the Shakespearean plays were
used to oppose the values of a masculine world. There are only two female characters
in Julius Caesar. Calpurnia and Portia love and serve their husbands.
Calpurnias character analysis
Julius Caesars wife was Calpurnia. A wifes role is as worrier about the safety of her husband.
Calpurnia exclaims: You shall not stir out of your house today.
Her purpose in the play was to foreshadow the death of Caesar at the senate. On the eve of the
Ides of March, Calpurnia has a portentous dream. Calpurnia imagines herself to be A lioness
[that] hath whelped in the streets. In comparison, Caesar has asserted that he does not fear
death end. Caesar tells the dream himself:
Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home:
She dreamt to-night she saw my statue
Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts,
Did run pure blood: and many lusty Romans
Came smiling, and did bathe their hands in it:
... and on her knee
Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day.

Calpurnia begs Caesar to stay at home. Her pleas seem to find Caesars ear until Decius Brutus
shows up. Decius shames Caesar by indicating that women do not know how to interpret
dreams. Thus, Calpurnia is thrust again to the background as a female who worries over nothing.
Portia Character Analysis
Portia is Brutus's devoted wife. Portia is aware that something has been troubling Brutus. He
refuses to confide his problems to Portia. Portia feels this goes against the confines of marriage.
Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus, Is it excepted I should know no secrets
That appertain to you? Am I yourself, To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed,
And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs, Of your good pleasure? If it be no
more,Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife.
Portias thoughts indicate that she believes that Brutus does not trust his wife. Then, her
purpose is only to serve him, and she becomes his prostitute.
Unfortunately, Portia has been convinced that her sex is weaker than men. Intelligent and clever,
she is the daughter of the great Cato, a highly reputed Senator; furthermore, she believes that
she is stronger than most women. Foolishly, she stabs herself in the thigh showing no pain and
demands that Brutus respect her and share his thoughts with her. Shocked by his wifes display,
he does agree to talk with her later and tell her his problems.
Although Portia is an admirable wife, Shakespeare uses her character to portray some qualities
that most Shakespearean men found annoying. She nags her husband; she attempts to
manipulate him with the reminder of her ancestry; and she deigns to interfere with her
husbands inner most thoughts.
Portia has hinted at a future occurrence with her self-inflicted wound. Later, in Act IV, Brutus
shares that Portia has killed herself by swallowing fire or hot coals. What a horrible death, yet an
interesting turn of events since it is the men who are prone to violence.
Both women love and respect their husbands. Yet, their opinions are ignored because they
represent the feminine sex. To Shakespeare, they should take care of their domestic roles and let
the men rule the world.

Third Analysis

In the play Julius Caesar William Shakespeare only includes two female
characters who play relatively minor parts. Shakespeare included these
characters because they bring an element of foreshadowing to the tragic
events that occur in the play.
One example would be in Act II, Scene II when Caesar's wife Calpurnia
foreshadows the death of her husband. She tells Caesar, "do not go forth
today: call i my fear," (Act II, Scene II). In that line Calpurnia is telling Caesar
not to go to the capitol that day because sh feels that something bad is going
to happen to him. As we know, something bad does happen.
Another example of the female characters foreshadowing tragic events would
have to be Calpurnia's dream in Act II, Scene II. "She dremt tonight she saw my
statue which like a fountain with a n hundred spouts did run pure blood; and
many lusty Romans come smiling and did bathe their hands in it," (Act II,

Scene II). This is foreshadowing the death of Caesar in the next act. This also
foreshadows when the conspirators bathe their hands in Caesar's blood after
they kill him.
Another example would be the character of Portia, Brutus's wife. In Act II,
Scene IV Portia attempts to see if Caesar is at the capitol and she sends Lucius
to the capitol to make sure everything is fine. She tells him, "I heard a bustling
rumor, like a fray, And the wind brings from the capitol," (Act II, Scene IV). She
is telling Lucius that she heard a loud noise coming from the capitol that
almost sounded like a riot. This foreshadows the riot that is going to break out
after the Romans find out about Caesar's death.
Even though the women in Julius Caesar have minor roles in the play. They are
the main characters that bring out the element of foreshadowing to the story.

Fourth Analysis
ThesignificanceoftherolesofwomenintheplayJuliusCaesarbyWilliamShakespearecanbeproddedfromthetwofemalecharacters
namely,CalpurniaandPortia,whoareinstrumentalintheworldofmentheyhavetolivein.Despitetheseeminglyminorpartsthatthese
womenhave,theirpresenceintheplayshouldberegardedasimportantastheybothbringatraceofforeshadowingtointensifythe
calamitiesoftheeventswhichwilloccursubsequentlyaswellasamorelucidviewofthepersonasoftheirhusbandsintheirprivatelives.

Firstly,theroleofCalpurniaasCaesarslovingwifeisparamountinherbeliefinsuperstitionsthatsheactuallyhasforewarnedCaesarfrom
histragicdeath.AfterherterrifyingdreaminwhichshesawCaesarsstatuepouringbloodinafountainwhileotherswashedtheirhandsinit,
sheurgesherhusbandtocancelhisoutingresolutelytowhichitfallstodeafears.HerdreaminActII,SceneIIstatesthatshe"sawmy
statuewhichlikeafountainwithanhundredspoutsdidrunpureblood;andmanylustyRomanscomesmilinganddidbathetheirhandsin
it,"andthisposesasaforeshadowingtothedeathofCaesarbytheSenateinthenextactwhenconspiratorsofhismurderbathetheirhandsin
hisblood.However,Caesareasilydismisseshiswifesconcernsastrivialitiesandmakesuphisowninterpretationofthedreamthathefails
toavoidhisbarbaricdeath.Thus,Calpurnia,asawife,hasshownherdevotionbystandingbyherhusbandsdecisiontoventurethroughthe
nightamidstherperturbedmindbutherroleasawomanputsherinadisadvantagethatshehastoloseherhusband.

Next,thereisPortiawhoisBrutusswifeintheplay.Herroleasawomanbearsamoreinfluentialeffectonherhusband.Shedoesnotwant
tomerelybecomeawifebutalsotheconfidanteofBrutusthatshecompelshimtotellherallhisdeeds,forshebelievesshecanbeagood
supporterandmotivatortohim.Uponwitnessingthedistraughtmindofherhusband,shewillshimtosharehistroublessothatshecanassist
himashiswife.Here,Portiaresemblesawomanofpoiseandstrongcharacterwhorealisesthatshelivesamongmenthatshewantstohave
anactiveroleinmensbusinesses.TheextentofherlovetoBrutusandthus,herwishtohelphimsettlehisproblemsisevidentwhenshe
hurtsherselfinthethighwithadaggertoproveherreadinesstosustainwhateverpainswhichmightcomewiththesecretpredicament.This
is her way of giving absolute and undeniable support to Brutus's ventures. Moreover, she also serves as a deliverer of foreshadowing in the
play as seen inActII,SceneIVwherePortiaattemptstoseeifCaesarisatthecapitol.So,shesendsLucius,herservant,tothecapitolto
ensurethatnothinghasgonewrongbytellinghim,"Iheardabustlingrumor,likeafray,Andthewindbringsfromthecapitol.Indeed,what
sheheardasaraucousfromthecapitalwilleventuallybecometheriotaftertheRomanslearnaboutCaesarsdeath.

The depiction of these two women in the play serves dual purposes, as foils to their husbands, especially in personal matters and as bearers of
foreshadowing for it is a pivotal element in the story development of Julius Caesar. For these reasons, the female characters inclusion in the
play should not be underestimated in the male-dominated world the story is set.

Cassus Vs Brutus

Shakespeare - Cassius vs Brutus Julius Caesar

In William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", honor is displayed as a prominent theme throughout the play.
Honor is having great respect for others, regardless of their status in society; and performing great
deeds not for personal gain but for the good of others. Marcus Brutus is an example of an honorable
man; Caius Cassius, however, is not.
When Brutus joined the conspiracy against Caesar, he did it solely for the good of Rome. Unlike all the
other men, Brutus justified his motive for murder: Brutus feared that Caesar would alter his attitude
when he was crowned emperor: "He would be crown'd/ How that might change his nature..." (II,i,1213). Brutus was afraid of the possibility of a negative change in Caesar that could doom Rome.
Cassius formed the conspiracy with motives based solely on envy, and he believed that Caesar was not
going to be a good enough ruler. He says: "...it doth amaze me A man of such feeble temper should So
get the start of the majestic world And bear the palm alone." (I,ii,128-31) Cassius also thought that he
was also much stronger than Caesar. Cassius says: "...Caesar said to me, `Dearest thou, Cassius, now
Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to yonder point?' Upon the word Accoutred as I was, I
plunged in and bade him follow; so indeed he did. The torrent roared...but ere we could arrive the point
proposed, Caesar cried, `Help me Cassius, or I sink.'...So from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar:
and this man Is now become a god and Cassius is A wretched creature...". (I,ii,102-117) Cassius had to
save Caesar from the river, which draws him to the conclusion that he deserves recognition for his
strength over Caesar. One of Brutus' flaws is that he is not very bright. He is an idealist; he doesn't think
about the consequences of Caesar's murder. For example, when Cassius presented the idea of swearing
an oath of secrecy within the conspiracy, Brutus assumes that all of the other men were as noble as he
and would not tell anyone of their plans. However, one man betrayed the conspiracy and Caesar was
warned.
Cassius' forethought is one thing he holds over Brutus, as he thinks about the possible outcomes in
Caesar's murder. He suggested killing Marc Anthony along with Caesar, however, Brutus said: "Our
course will seem too bloody.../Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers..." (II,i,162/166). Brutus didn't
want to kill Antony and Cassius backed down immediately. Cassius is also weak minded and changes how
he feels when someone disagrees with him. He suggested that Cicero join the conspiracy by saying,
"What of Cicero? Shall we sound him?/I think he will stand very strong with us." (II,i,141-2). Brutus
responds in protest by saying, "O name him not: Let us not break with him: For he will never follow
anything That other men begin." (II,i,150-3). Cassius vetoed his idea without arguement. For one to be
honorable, they must argue their opinions and stand up for their thoughts and beliefs.
Brutus not only treats all men with respect, but he also treats his wife Portia with respect. This is found
to be a remarkable trait as women were looked down upon in that day. He said to her: "You are my true
and honorable wife, As dear to me as are the ruddy drops That visit my sad heart." (II,i,287-90) When
he said this to her the reader notices that even though he is planning to kill one of his friends, he really
does have a kind heart.
Cassius, however, is very sarcastic towards others, such as Caesar, and has little respect for him. He
said: "Why man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his
huge legs and peep about..." (II,i,136-8) Although, both men die with their honor, Brutus is the one who
lived his life with integrity, Cassius did not. Brutus is "the noblest Roman of them all" (V,v,68) and died
with honor by his side. Honor is an important characteristic and must be used delicately, but Brutus
defines honor. Cassius is a man of little power and is envious of those who have what he wants.

Brutus vs. Cassius

In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare is the story of Julius Caesars death that took place 1500 years ago.
Caesar, during the time, was escalading in power and was to become emperor. The public was mostly pleased with having
Julius Caesar as their emperor but there were people who were outraged and were determined to stop this from
happening. The conspirators, as they were called, were a group made up of senators and men of high status in Rome.
The two most important men were Marcus Brutus and Cassius. These two men planned and killed Julius Caesar and later
led a civil war against Octavious Caesar, Marc Antony and Marcus Lepidus. Although both Brutus and Cassius had their
hearts set on the same goal they show distinct contrast between their traits and their moral fiber. Brutus is a character of
fierce loyalty and nobility towards Rome. He is a man honored and admired by everyone. He gets too preoccupied with
his political life and doesnt give enough attention or love to his wife. Brutus is also a man of strong pride and self
confidence which led to the fate of this tragic hero. Brutus honor is displayed during his speech at Caesars funeral,
Who is here is so rude that would not be a Roman? If any speak, for him I have offended(3.2.29-32). Although Brutus
has strong honor, he is also over confident. This is shown to us when he tries to befriend Antony. O Antony,
beg not your death of us! Though now we must appear bloody and cruel, as by our hands and this our present act you see
we do, yet see you but our hands. And this bleeding business they have done(3.1.177-181). Brutus is clouded by his
exaggerated poise and can not realize that Antony will be livid and will not listen. Brutus could not see the harm being
caused, instead he was a man thinking for the good of Rome. Cassius is a character far less great then that of Brutus.
Cassius is an envious and corrupt man who is also politically astute and thinks inward instead of out like Brutus. Cassius
motive for killing Julius Caesar is because he is jealous of Caesars political position and for him to obtain more
power. This is an example of how Cassius thinks only about benefits for himself compared to Brutus who assassinated
Caesar with intentions to benefit Rome. Cassius displays envy when he is speaking to Brutus Ye gods, it doth amaze
me a man of such feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world, and bear the palm alone(1.2.134-137).
Here Cassius is referring to how Caesar is just a normal man like them and why should he be above everyone else.
Cassius demonstrates political astuteness when he advises Brutus to assassinate Antony along with Caesar. Mark
Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, should outlive Caesar: We shall find him a shrewd contriver, and you know, his means,
if he improve them, may well stretch so far as to annoy us all, which to prevent, let Antony and Caesar fall together.
(2.1.163-168) This statement is an example of astuteness because it is unnecessary for Marcs death and Cassius would
benefit with him gone so he would not interfere with his plan. Cassius is a cowardly being and his actions were inflicted by
his self - intentions. In the beginning of the play, Cassius is the authoritative conspirator until he finally convinces Brutus to
join his cause. Gradually, Brutus takes control and becomes more authoritative and Cassius becomes more passive This
is demonstrated when Brutus and Cassius are arguing about allowing Cicero to join the assassination conspiracy. Cassius
thinks that Cicero is a good and honorable man and should be included, but Brutus quickly declines
saying O, name him not! Let us not break with him, for he will never follow anything that other men begin(2.1.156-158).
Instead of contesting Brutus, Cassius abides to what Brutus sets forth. Brutus again shows his dominance over Cassius
during military strategies against Octavious and his allies. Cassius wants his and Brutus armies to stay put and let
Octavious come to them, so that his armies will be worn. Tis better that the enemy seek us, So shall he waste his means,
and weary his soldiers(4.3.223-224) Brutus shows his dominance over Cassius by responding Good reasons must
by force give place by better(4.3.227) Brutus here is saying that if they wait here they face the chance that Octavious
army may grow larger by gathering more men along their travels. Brutus and Cassius major difference is their sense of
morality. Brutus is a very loyal and noble man to his country. Cassius in the play comments on this, Well, Brutus, thou art
noble(1.2.308). Brutus expresses his nobility when he says he is willing to die for Rome: I slew my best lover for the
good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself(3.2.42-43). Even his enemies admitted that he was a noble man: This
was the noblest Roman of them all (5.5.73) Antony makes this comment after Brutus takes his own life away on the
battlefield of Philippi. Cassius, in comparison with Brutus, is not noble but is a conniving character. He is the one who
starts the conspiracy to kill Caesar. He initiates the plot and persuades Brutus to help him. therefore ti's meet that noble
minds keep ever with their likes, for who so firm that cannot be seduced?(1.2.310-313). Cassius is saying that he is

planning to trick Brutus into aiding him in the plot. Cassius also has a mischievous nature unlike Brutus. Cassius plans to
write false letters and throw them through Brutus window: 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 his name(1.2.227-230). This shows Cassius is
clever but not trustworthy. These examples of Brutus and Cassius differ between being noble and honorable, or conniving
and mischievous. Brutus and Cassius have different ways of perceiving people, different personalities, and different
values. They contradict each other in these three important ways, but together they play an important role in
Shakespeares Julius Caesar.

Caesar and Brutus are both important men, in positions of honour; they are political
leaders who are respected and looked up to, and they are also close friends. By the start
of the play, however, Caesar has already supplanted Brutus in terms of power and
position and has, indeed, become the single most powerful man in Rome. The two men
are notably different in character and outlook. Caesar is egoistic; he refers to himself
grandly in the third person and is rather arrogant in his attitude towards others. Brutus,
on the other hand, is very courteous and kindly towards others in his manner. Even
more, he is concerned for others in political terms; he wants to preserve the Roman
republic, where no one man can be allowed to amass supreme power, like Caesar.
Whereas Caesar appears something of a political opportunist, seizing the chance for
personal gain, Brutus is politically idealistic and acts for the greater good of Rome, not
for himself. It is true that Caesar is seen to benefit the people of Rome in his will, but he
does not at any time appear to care for the people in a political sense, as Brutus does.
Therefore, the two men differ considerably in their political opinions, actions, and general
attitude towards others. Tragically, Brutus ends up feeling compelled to kill his old friend
for the sake of his political idealism (which also marks him out as naive). He wrestles
with his conscience over the matter:
It must be by his death: and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But
for the general. (II.i.10-12)
Brutus, then, is forced to admit that he has no 'personal' reason for killing Caesar at all,
only his own belief that he has to act for the 'general' good, in a purely abstract sense. In
the event, the ordinary citizens of Rome, in whose name he acts, prove themselves
incapable of understanding his motives and turn against him and the other conspirators.

Caesar is a man of action, while Brutus is an intellectual. Caesar is an extrovert. We never

see him when he is not with someone else, and often he is surrounded by people, as he is
at the time of his assassination. On the other hand, Brutus is often alone. He is an
introvert. Even his wife Portia complains that he does not spend much time with her and
refuses to confide in her. Caesar is ambitious. Brutus is not ambitious. Brutus seems
happiest when he is able to read a book in private or just to meditate. Caesar likes Brutus,

probably because Brutus is so different that their personalities complement each other's.
Caesar also knows he can trust Brutus because of Brutus' noble character, and they are
on the same level intellectually. Both men are superior to the men around them, and they
both know it. This makes both of them seem egotistical, although both are smart enough
to be courteous to everyone they deal with. Both men are highly respected for their strong
characters. Brutus, like Antony, stands in Caesar's shadow. Both Brutus and Antony start
to change when Caesar is eliminated. Both become more self-reliant, self-assertive,
opinionated, domineering. The changes that take place in these two characters are among
the most interesting aspects of Shakespeare's play. Antony makes a good leader, but
Brutus does not. Brutus is too introverted, too bookish to be a strong, popular and
successful leader. Antony has been a companion and protege of Caesar for many years;
as a result he has absorbed a lot of Caesar's military and political wisdom. In the
meantime, Brutus has been studying philosophy. Philosophers are not good teachers
when it comes to practical matters. Caesar and Antony are "street smart," while Brutus is
"book smart." Cassius is more like Caesar and Antony than he is like his partner Brutus.