How Shakespeare Creates Tension in Julius Caesar Act 1 Scene 3 Essay Example

Caesar for these events and says that the gods are angry because Caesar has been offered the crown; we can see this when Cassius says ‘as doth the lion in the Capitol.

Further tension is created when Cassius clearly shows his hatred for Caesar. For example, he refers to him as being ‘no mightier than thyself, or me, in personal action, yet prodigious grown and fearful. ’ He is showing that he believes Caesar is weak and that he should not be offered the crown. This is also shown earlier on in the play when Cassius explains the story of when he and Caesar did swim the river Tiber and when Caesar asked for Cassius’ help when he was drowning.

Cassius further creates tension in the scene when he declares ‘I know where I will wear this dagger then: Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius. ’ Here, Cassius is stating that he will commit suicide if Caesar should come to power and the throne. However in these times committing suicide was seen as a heroic and noble act and therefore Cassius would be seen as a heroic figure and this would further damage the image of Caesar should it happen.

On top of this, Cassius further shows his dislike for Caesar when he says ‘poor man, I know he would not be a wolf but that he sees the Romans are but sheep. He were no lion, were not Romans hinds. ’ Saying this, Cassius is trying to explain that Caesar does not deserve to have power and that he has only come to it by feeding off of the Romans and other people. Finally, a great amount

of tension is created in the way Cassius manipulates Caska and this eventually leads to Caska joining the conspirators.

This can be seen when Caska says ‘and I will set foot of mine as far as who goes farthest. ’ This shows that Caska is willing to do whatever it takes and to go as far as any other man who is part of the cause. It is also shown when Cassius explains ‘there’s a bargain made. ’ Furthermore, when Cassius arranges the meeting to be held ‘in Pompey’s porch’ a huge amount of tension is created, as the place is ironic as Pompey is Caesar’s enemy and he has defeated them not too long ago.