Does Shakespeare’s Caesar Explain the Unexplainable Villains? \ stacker news ~BooksAndArticles

I keep meditating on the advice Caesar gives Antony regarding Cassius - who ends up being the lead instigator in Caesar’s assassination.

Caesar describes what it is about Cassius’s demeanor that he finds so troubling. I bolded the section that spoke most to me. Though maybe I read too much :)

I wonder if in this scene Shakespeare revealed his perception of his most “unexplainable villains” through the eyes of one of history’s most admired men.

What do you think?

CAESAR Antonius.

ANTONY Caesar.

CAESAR Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.

ANTONY Fear him not, Caesar; he’s not dangerous. He is a noble Roman, and well given.

CAESAR Would he were fatter! But I fear him not. Yet if my name were liable to fear, I do not know the man I should avoid So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, He is a great observer, and he looks Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music; Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit That could be moved to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart’s ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. I rather tell thee what is to be feared Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar. (1.2 191-213)

I also like how Caesar makes it clear that he doesn't fear Cassius - for always he is Caesar! - just that Cassius is the sort of man to be feared and untrusted.

20 sats \ 0 replies \ @nym 18 Apr

Caesar's observations about Cassius are not just about his physical appearance but also about his character traits, which he finds troubling. Caesar describes Cassius as having a "lean and hungry look," indicating a man who is not content and is always thinking, which he perceives as dangerous. Cassius's lack of interest in frivolous activities like plays and music, and his tendency to smile in a way that seems mocking or scornful, make it seem like Caesar sees Cassius as a man who is never truly at ease, especially when he sees someone greater than himself, making him a potential threat.

34 sats \ 0 replies \ @0xbitcoiner 18 Apr

Caius Cassius Longinus was Caesar's most prominent adversary in the Senate and the chief architect of the conspiracy that led to Caesar's assassination.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinsreporter 19 Apr

Shakespeare is at his best while portraying villains. It's so because in his lifetime he had to face a lot of villains against him. He was so famous that he attracted a lot of malice and portrayed the negativity in Cassius here with a lot of sublime and subtle details.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @IamSINGLE 19 Apr

Shakespeare's words are full of wisdom. So true even today, any man who possess content and malice would never be a fat man for sure!