William Shakespeare's 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,12-13). 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,