Question

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2.

CASSIUS. 'Tis just;
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,60
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard

Where many of the best respect in Rome—
Except immortal Caesar—speaking of Brutus,65
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.

BRUTUS. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?

CASSIUS. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
And since you know you cannot see yourself
So well as by reflection, I, your glass,

Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.

What do the symbols of mirrors and glass represent in this excerpt?

the importance of appearance
the need to be powerful
the desire to grow stronger
the ability to see one’s worth

Answer 1

the ability to see one’s worth

Cassius offers to be Brutus’s “glass” (mirror), reflecting Brutus’s hidden worthiness so he can recognize his own value and be persuaded to act.