In William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", honor is displayed as a prominent theme throughout the play. Honor is having great respect for others, regardless of their status in society; and performing great deeds not for personal gain but for the good of others. Marcus Brutus is an example of an honorable man; Caius Cassius, however, is not.
When Brutus joined the conspiracy against Caesar, he did it solely for the good of Rome. Unlike all the other men, Brutus justified his motive for murder: Brutus feared that Caesar would alter his attitude when he was crowned emperor: "He would be crown'd/ How that might change his nature..." (II,i,12-13). Brutus was afraid of the possibility of a negative change in Caesar that could doom Rome.

Cassius formed the conspiracy with motives based solely on envy, and he believed that Caesar was not going to be a good enough ruler. He says: "...it doth amaze me A man of such feeble temper should So get the start of the majestic world And bear the palm alone." (I,ii,128-31) Cassius also thought that he was also much stronger than Caesar. Cassius says: "...Caesar said to me, `Dearest thou, Cassius, now Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to yonder point?' Upon the word Accoutred as I was, I plunged in and bade him follow; so indeed he did. The torrent roared...but ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried, `Help me Cassius, or I sink.'...So from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar: and this man Is now become a god and Cassius is A wretched creature...". (I,ii,102-117) Cassius had to save Caesar from the river, which draws him to the conclusion that he deserves recognition for his strength over Caesar. One of Brutus' flaws is that he is not very bright. He is an idealist; he doesn't think about the consequences of Caesar's murder. For example, when Cassius presented the idea of swearing an oath of secrecy within the conspiracy, Brutus assumes that all of the other men were as noble as he and would not tell anyone of their plans. However, one man betrayed the conspiracy and Caesar was warned.

Cassius' forethought is one thing he holds over Brutus, as he thinks about the possible outcomes in Caesar's murder. He suggested killing Marc Anthony along with Caesar, however, Brutus said: "Our course will seem too bloody.../Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers..." (II,i,162/166). Brutus didn't want to kill Antony and Cassius backed down immediately. Cassius is also weak minded and changes how he feels when someone disagrees with him. He suggested that Cicero join the conspiracy by saying, "What of Cicero? Shall we sound him?/I think he will stand very strong with us." (II,i,141-2). Brutus responds in protest by saying, "O name him not: Let us not break with him: For he will never follow anything That other men begin." (II,i,150-3). Cassius vetoed his idea without arguement. For one to be honorable, they must argue their opinions and stand up for their thoughts and beliefs.

Brutus not only treats all men with respect, but he also treats his wife Portia with respect. This is found to be a remarkable trait as women were looked down upon in that day. He said to her: "You are my true and honorable wife, As dear to me as are the ruddy drops That visit my sad heart." (II,i,287-90) When he said this to her the reader notices that even though he is planning to kill one of his friends, he really does have a kind heart.

Cassius, however, is very sarcastic towards others, such as Caesar, and has little respect for him. He said: "Why man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about..." (II,i,136-8) Although, both men die with their honor, Brutus is the one who lived his life with integrity, Cassius did not. Brutus is "the noblest Roman of them all" (V,v,68) and died with honor by his side. Honor is an important characteristic and must be used delicately, but Brutus defines honor. Cassius is a man of little power and is envious of those who have what he wants.