Blindness In Julius Caesar Analysis

The eyes are the most central sense in the human body, we gather information with our eyes, assess situations, learn, and understand the world around us through sight. Upon closer inspection of Brutus and Cassius’ language in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, their frequent references to eyesight become ironic. Their language patterns are telling because as arguably the most blinded in the play, their obsession with sight lends to the notion that focusing too much on seeing truth only leads to a more narrow view and eventually, that narrow view leads to death. The first reference to eyes comes from Brutus who states, “No Cassius, for the eye sees not itself / But by reflection, by some other things” (1.2.58-59). Immediately, Brutus sets the standard that there is an inherent blindness that exists when assessing one’s self. The eyes are deceptive, like mirrors. Cassius replies to Brutus’ statement with, “And it is very much lamented, Brutus, that you have no such mirrors as will turn / your hidden worthiness into your eye” (1.2.61-63). Here, Cassius tries to convince

They have both become so obsessed with doing what they believe is right, that they cannot see the bigger picture. The fact that before both their deaths, they mention a change in sight may be an indication that they are actually finally seeing. When Brutus sees the apparition of Caesar he says, “I think it is the weakness of mine eyes / That shapes this monstrous apparition” (4.3.319-320). Brutus believes his sight has begun to falter, and in his “faltering sight” Caesar’s ghost acts as an omen for his eventual death. What Brutus is unaware of is that in seeing Caesar, he sees the truth as well. Moreover, the idea of an awareness of sight being an omen of death resounds with Cassius too. He says, “My sight was ever thick,” as he resigns himself to his fate (5.3.22). He realizes he had not seen as clearly as he could have and that is why he is fated to