Shakespeare presents the intentions of Brutus as clean and precise, through the use of metaphor in his speech to Cassius, about the potential killing of Mark Anthony.
Using the analogy of dismemberment after murder to present his thoughts to Cassius, Brutus reasons that once Caesar is dead his right-hand, in Anthony, can do as little as his literal right hand could after his death. This shows Brutus’ reluctance to take part in the conspiracy, but also highlights his need to perform actions to benefit the people, as is shown in the line ‘let us be sacrificers, not butchers’. Making this point, Brutus shows that he believes that, while ridding of Caesar would benefit Rome, he does not want to wield the blade.
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