Final answer:
Cassius's allusion to saving Caesar from the Tiber by likening it to Aeneas carrying Anchises from Troy portrays Cassius's jealousy, reveals his character, and situates the play within the context of Rome's historical and mythological grandeur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The allusion made by Cassius in Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar serves multiple purposes in adding depth to the play. The mention of Aeneas carrying his father Anchises out of Troy draws a parallel between Cassius's action and that of a historic and heroic figure, albeit in a twisted manner fraught with irony and foreshadowing of the treachery to come.
- Cassius's jealousy of Caesar is highlighted through his boastful comparison, suggesting he is not just the savior of Caesar but also superior to him.
- The allusion reveals insight into Cassius's character, portraying him as someone who considers himself as noble and heroic as Aeneas, though his actions may suggest otherwise.
- Lastly, this connection to the hero myth reinforces the drama's context within a larger narrative of Rome's history and its epic tales.