So the forgiveness, which ought to make it more difficult for Brutus and Cassius to turn against Caesar (for us) is for them just more proof of his ambition.
Oh, now THAT is an absolutely FASCINATING thing you have just told me - thank you very much indeed, because this is what has kind of always bugged me about the conspiracy against Caesar (he showed them mercy; they killed him), but after your explanation, I understand MUCH better how Brutus and Cassius can be heroes to their contemporaries despite what I see as vile recompense for Caesar's mercy. I guess apropos our earlier discussion, by Dante's day, this view had completely changed until it was more in line with how I see it - blahblah ingrates etc. - or in fact, the speech which Shakespeare gives Antony wherein he repeatedly and sarcastically refers to Brutus and Antony as "honorable" men, where in fact, they really WERE by Roman lights. So interesting!
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2005-11-15 02:58 am (UTC)Oh, now THAT is an absolutely FASCINATING thing you have just told me - thank you very much indeed, because this is what has kind of always bugged me about the conspiracy against Caesar (he showed them mercy; they killed him), but after your explanation, I understand MUCH better how Brutus and Cassius can be heroes to their contemporaries despite what I see as vile recompense for Caesar's mercy. I guess apropos our earlier discussion, by Dante's day, this view had completely changed until it was more in line with how I see it - blahblah ingrates etc. - or in fact, the speech which Shakespeare gives Antony wherein he repeatedly and sarcastically refers to Brutus and Antony as "honorable" men, where in fact, they really WERE by Roman lights. So interesting!