Question

CASSIUS. Why, man, [Caesar] doth bestride the
narrow world
Like a colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonourable graves.
Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.

–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare

Read the passage. What is the cause of the growing conflict between Cassius and Caesar?

Caesar thinks that Cassius is too powerful.
Cassius no longer wants to rule Rome.
Caesar wants Cassius to rule with him.
Cassius fears Caesar’s growing power.

Answer 1

Cassius fears Caesar’s growing power.

He compares Caesar to a colossus who towers over "petty men" and insists their lowly status is their own fault, showing resentment of Caesar's dominance.