In every story, there are characters that emerge as leaders. These characters display certain qualities and abilities that are generally associated with being a leader. Many of these qualities can be seen in the play Julius Caesar. In Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius both exhibit and lack certain , such as responsibility, having good intentions, and commitment and loyalty. A leader that takes responsibility for his actions and those of his followers displays excellent leadership skills. In this play, Brutus constantly shows this quality.
In act 5, when Brutus is about to kill himself, he says “Caesar, now be still: I killed not thee with half so good a will.” (5.5.56-57). Brutus I saying that he now more willing kills himself than he killed Caesar. Some regret is implied in what Brutus is saying; however, he doesn’t make excuses for his actions. Brutus takes the blame for what he and the other conspirators did. Brutus is basically saying that he knows what he did may not have been the right thing; however, he knows he cannot do anything to change it.
This quote has some remorse and an apologetic tone to it. When compared with this, Cassius shows much weaker skills as a leader.
In act 4, Brutus scolds Cassius and says “…Cassius, you yourself are condemned to have an itching palm; to sell and Mary your offices for gold to undeserved.” (4.3.1987-1990). This basically means that Cassius is much too easily tempted by his greed. Brutus is chastising Cassius for jeopardizing their reputation for petty and dishonorable reasons.
Cassius obviously does not set a good example for his followers and, unlike Brutus, he does not take responsibility for his actions. Intention is key in determining not only good character, by a good leader as well. In this play, one can analyze each character and determine their goodness not only through their actions, but also in their intentions. Some of the people have good intentions in spite of the fact that their actions may not have been honorable. For example, Brutus explains in act three, “…Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more…” (3.2.1555-1556). Here, Brutus is saying that he did not kill Caesar purely out of dislike, but for the good of Rome. He goes on to explain that Caesar would not have been a good leader for Rome and that is what motivated Brutus and the conspirators to do what they did. On the other hand, Cassius revealed some of his true intentions to be foul in the end if the play. In act 4, Brutus finally realizes that Cassius and some of the other conspirators did not have as honorable intentions as he thought.
He says, “Did not great Julius bleed for justice sake? What villain touch’d his body, that did stab, and not for justice?” (4.3.1998-2000). Brutus is accusing Cassius of having impure intentions. Cassius convinced Brutus that their reasoning for killing Brutus was for the sake of Rome when he first recruited him to the conspirators. Although some of the motivation for the actions of the conspirators and Cassius may have been rooted in justice, by this time, Brutus realizes that jealousy and greed were also factors in some of the men’s decisions. Cassius has spoiled their reputation and because of his dishonorable actions, their efforts are all a waste. The last leadership quality that is shown in this play is commitment. Throughout the different acts, Brutus progressively reveals how loyal he really is. Brutus shows that he is a man of his word and holds himself at high expectations. His honor forces him to stay loyal to all of his commitments.
In act 2, Brutus addresses the conspirators and says, “What need we any spur but our own cause, to prick us to redress? What other bond than secret Romans, that have spoken the word, and will not palter?” (2.1.741-743). Brutus is saying that the righteousness of their cause should stay loyal to the plans. Brutus is saying that his honor will bind him to this more strongly than any oath will. This is the one quality throughout the play that Cassius actually possesses. In act 2, he says “… all remember what you have said, and show yourself true Romans.” (2.1.846-847). Cassius is setting a good example for the rest of the conspirators and is encouraging them to be loyal. Not only does Cassius show he is a good leader through his own loyalty, but also through encouragement of his followers. Throughout the play, leadership is a recurring theme among several characters. Brutus and Cassius are key examples of this. Neither of them are the best leaders possible, but they aren’t the worst either. During certain situations, one of them shows more advanced leadership skills and during other situations, the other character does. Despite the fact that both men show many smaller qualities of leadership, the most significant are responsibility, intentions, and loyalty. These are the most prominent characteristics of leadership in the play.
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