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CASSIUS The torrent roared, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside And stemming it with hearts of controversy - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 6
CASSIUS The torrent roared, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside And stemming it with hearts of controversy. Caesar cried, 'Help me, Cassius, ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:CASSIUS The torrent roared, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside And stemming it with hearts of controversy - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
how Shakespeare presents Caesar in this extract
Answer
In this extract, Shakespeare portrays Caesar as a physically weak and cowardly figure through Cassius’s reflections. For instance, Cassius characterizes Caesar’s plea for help with the quote, 'Help me, Cassius, or I sink!' This suggests a lack of strength and reliance on others, positioning Caesar as vulnerable.
Moreover, Cassius's admiration for Aeneas contrasts with his disdain for Caesar; he feels that while Aeneas heroically bore his father, Caesar is merely a 'wretched creature' who must 'bend his body.' This implies a patronizing view of Caesar's character, highlighting his perceived inadequacies. Additionally, Cassius mentions Caesar's frailty during his fever in Spain, remarking on how he 'did shake.' This imagery further emphasizes Caesar’s physical weakness.
The language used, such as 'coward lips' and the comparison to 'as a sick girl,' signals that Cassius sees Caesar as someone who does not possess the qualities of a strong leader. Overall, this extract effectively conveys Shakespeare's portrayal of Caesar’s weaknesses.
Step 2
how Shakespeare presents Caesar as a weak leader in the play as a whole
Answer
Throughout the play, Shakespeare continues this thread, depicting Caesar as ambitious yet ultimately weak in his leadership. Despite his god-like status and the adoration of the public, he often ignores valuable advice and warnings, which positions him as somewhat arrogant and blind to dangers.
For example, when he dismisses the soothsayer's warning, 'Beware the Ides of March,' it reflects his overconfidence and disregard for omens, further establishing him as a leader who struggles to heed caution and wise counsel. This theme is reinforced by characters like Cassius and Brutus, who frequently express their concerns over Caesar's growing power, suggesting that his leadership may lead to tyranny rather than prosperity.
Moreover, the public's perception of Caesar as a formidable leader is juxtaposed with the scheming and manipulation by those around him. Mark Antony’s use of rhetoric and his eventual sway over the people presents an interesting contrast, showcasing how Caesar’s leadership relies on others’ influence rather than on his strength of character.
In conclusion, Shakespeare presents Caesar as ambitious, yet fundamentally weak, revealing the dichotomy between his perceived power and the reality of his dependent nature.