Question

analyzing causal relationships

cassius. theres a bargain made.
now know you, casca, i have moved already
some certain of the noblest-minded romans
to undergo with me an enterprise
of honourable-dangerous consequence.
-the tragedy of julius caesar, william shakespeare

which statement is the best analysis of what causes casca to join the conspiracy?

• casca joins the conspiracy because cassius uses various means to manipulate his emotions.
• casca joins the conspiracy because brutus has already joined, and he respects brutus.
• casca joins the conspiracy because caesar has become king, and he is against this.
• casca joins the conspiracy because cinna persuades him to trust cassius.

Explanation:

Analyze the provided text

The excerpt from Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar shows Cassius speaking to Casca:
"There's a bargain made.
Now know you, Casca, I have moved already
Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans
To undergo with me an enterprise
Of honourable-dangerous consequence."

In this passage, Cassius is sharing that he has already recruited noble Romans for their dangerous enterprise (the conspiracy). This is a key moment of persuasion.

Evaluate the causal relationships

Using Causal Relationships in Drama, we look at what drives Casca's decision to join. Cassius uses strategic persuasion, appealing to Casca's sense of honor, fear of Caesar's rising power, and the supernatural portents of the night to manipulate his emotions and convince him to join.

Assess the multiple-choice options

Let's evaluate each option based on Drama Analysis and the Julius Caesar Plot:

• Option 1: "Casca joins the conspiracy because Cassius uses various means to manipulate his emotions." This is historically and textually accurate for this scene (Act 1, Scene 3), where Cassius masterfully plays on Casca's fear of the storm and his superstitious nature.
• Option 2: "Casca joins the conspiracy because Brutus has already joined..." This is incorrect; Brutus has not yet joined at this point in the play.
• Option 3: "Casca joins because Caesar has become king..." Caesar never actually becomes king in the play; he is offered the crown but rejects it.
• Option 4: "Casca joins because Cinna persuades him..." Cinna does not persuade Casca; Cassius is the primary motivator here.

Thus, the first option is the most accurate analysis.

Answer:

• (A) Casca joins the conspiracy because Cassius uses various means to manipulate his emotions. (Correct answer)
• (B) Casca joins the conspiracy because Brutus has already joined, and he respects Brutus.
• (C) Casca joins the conspiracy because Caesar has become king, and he is against this.
• (D) Casca joins the conspiracy because Cinna persuades him to trust Cassius.