During class on Monday, we analyzed and discussed a quote from Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar regarding eyes, and how they view objects. After being confronted by Cassius, Brutus is asked if he could see his face, his response was, “the eye sees not itself but by reflection, by some other things” (I.ii.52).
One way of viewing this quote is anatomical. The eyes convert light from the environment into electrical impulses which travel to the optic nerves, creating shapes and color that our brain perceives as reality. Since our eyes are positioned at the orbital, or eye-socket, region, it is physical impossible to view our body without any aid- even if your eye falls out of the socket, you wouldn’t see your body. One way humans see themselves is through reflection.
A more figurative and symbolic way of viewing Brutus’s words how reflection is interpreted. At the beginning of Cassius’s rhetorical speech, he repeats a pattern of powerful adjectives to boost Brutus and lower his guard. Brutus’s response about eyes evokes Cassius and makes him extend Brutus thought by saying, “so well as by reflection, I, your glass, will modestly discover to yourself” (I.ii.68). This extension helps readers to conclude that the people we interact with show us our reflection. A person’s actions, personality, and behavior are all the information needed for another person to reflection.
Another interesting idea that was discussed in class from Brandon was how reflection is not always accurate. This take on the quote relies heavily on our personal beliefs and who we want to be. Due to this false appearance, people are never truly satisfied with themselves, resulting in the endless chases for our dream reflection.
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