Preview

The Tragedy of Marcus Brutus

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
558 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
The Tragedy of Marcus Brutus
Many believe that the title of William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is inappropriate since Julius Caesar was not the tragic hero of the play. Several feel that the true tragic hero of the play was Caesar's right hand man, Marcus Brutus. For centuries this debate on whether who should possess the title of the tragedy is still unknown. However, I think that the play should be entitled The Tragedy of Marcus Brutus, because Brutus contains more qualities of a tragic hero than Caesar does. A tragic hero is stated to be the main character of the tragedy that always has at least one flaw that can easily be distinguish which leads to their death. In Shakespeare's Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Brutus is indeed the tragic hero because he had various flaws. However three particular flaws that he had were his overconfidence, impatience ness along with naiveté are what led him to his downfall. The reason why I say that Brutus was overconfident is because he believed that the assassination plan for Caesar would go directly as planned without any sever consequences. Along with being overconfident he was impatient. The plot to kill Caesar was organized and effective in only a few amount of days which meant it was a rushed job. Without it being carefully considered the group of conspirators along with Brutus didn't of the effect of their actions. If they had taken time to consider these flaws they wouldn't have to go to start a civil war with the people of war. As well as go into battle to early if Brutus had only listen to Cassius idea to wait for their enemy's to come to them instead of vice versa. Yet I think his biggest flaw was his naiveté because Brutus was persuaded to do things with ease. He never thought that he could've been the one being deceived, which he was, and that the whole world was as noble and respectable as he was. It all stated when he was convinced to join Cassius and the conspirators to murder Caesar in the beginning of the play with the

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    As a tragic hero Brutus possesses a flaw of naivety. Brutus is too trusting in others, such as the conspirators. The conspirators believed that Caesar was too ambitious and that they should kill him for the good of Rome, themselves and for their own personal benefit. Brutus trusted that they were conspiring to kill him for the sake of Rome. (Quote). He was also naïve by letting Antony speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus believed that Antony would praise Caesar at his funeral and follow the rules that he was given. Brutus trusted him and by letting him speak Antony turned all the Romans against him. Antony sparked a civil war by convincing the Romans that the conspirators that they did wrong. Since Antony turned all the Romans against him, he…

    • 161 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    In the play Julius Ceasar by William Shakespeare, Marcus Brutus is the tragic hero. Brutus is a tragic hero because he has Tragic Flaws. Brutus’s first tragic flaw is that he is naive; he is not a shrewd judge of people. As Caius Cassuis states, “Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see/thy honorable mental may be wrought /…There for it is meet / That noble minds keep ever with their likes / For who so firm that cannot be seduced?” (1.2.319-323). This shows how naïve Brutus is because he does not see that Cassuis is trying to manipulate him. Brutus’s second tragic flaw is that he has rigid ethics; he thinks he is unmovable. Brutus states himself that “[he is] armed so strong in honesty,…

    • 608 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    I believe Brutus is a cowardice, weak, and loving man who wants only the best for Rome. Brutus loves Rome so much that he believes the only way to keep the Empire alive and stable is that he must kill Caesar. Brutus is intellectual but only makes decisions that benefit him, making him seem greedy. When Brutus speaks to the crowd of Caesar’s death in act three scene two he states “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I love Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and all die slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men ?”…

    • 346 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Within The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, it is argumentative that Julius Caesar appears to fit the definition of a tragic hero, however it is also believed by a large sum of individuals that Marcus Brutus is found to be a more fitting character to the definition of a tragic hero. Written by William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is based upon a plot which revolves around the common theme of a tragedy, which can be perceived as a dramatic composition that often involves verses as well as a death of a high class individual, during the Elizabethan era.…

    • 680 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    the trial of brutus

    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Our beloved Caesar was shredded from this world by the daggers of hatred and it was Marcus Brutus, who claimed to love the man that led to this tragic murder. Brutus and the conspirators begged that Caesar was killed for the greater good of Rome, and for the benefit of the people, but Caesar was beloved by all. “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” (3.2.23) ; being viewed as a noble man among the Roman people proved to be more important to Brutus than to be a good man to someone who he had called his friend.. They were all simply jealous men who could not stand to continue to be overshadowed by the light of greater men’s triumphs. He would never continue the cruelty shown by Rome’s first ruler whom we so feared and hated; there was no reason for Caesar to die. Caesar had owned all of his accolades and was punished for doing so. He was a strong man, becoming the head of his house at age 16, being ousted from the country by Sulla, being captured by pirates and later crucifying them after his release. “I could be well moved, if I were as you; “If I could pray to move, prayers would move me but I am constant as the Northern Star, Of whose true-fixed and resting quality / There is no fellow in the firmament.” (3,1, 63). Caesar expresses how he would be a stable leader for the Romans. He has gone through the trials of war and exile and emerged a stronger man. Caesar has suffered through his life, and to be betrayed by those he trusted is worse than the pain he suffered in death. Although Brutus stands at trial this day it should be noted that he did not act alone. Numerous members of the senate were involved in this heinous act and should be met with the same fate that should happen Brutus; namely the manipulative Gaius Cassius Longinus. These men were meant to serve the republic and the glory of Rome, yet shamed it by staining the floor of the senate with the blood of Rome’s favored son. Caesar gave numerous political reforms and was beloved by his…

    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The story of Julius Caesar is a time period where Caesar was the noblest men of all of Rome. It's a famous time were there was a lot of tragic events. For example in act 3 scene 1 Cesar is stabbed and killed by the conspirators at the senate. The fall of their King was a tragic event. Also Brutus committing suicide who was also one of the noblest man of Rome. A tragedy is a powerful impact in a story. Which in ties in with a tragic hero who is the main protagonist {character} in the story but they will most likely will not achieve their ends they will most likely die in trying. Brutus in my opinion is a tragic hero in the story of Julius Caesar. Brutus is a character that we learn about who he really is. We learn what his motives is in the…

    • 554 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Tragic Hero Archetype

    • 1105 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The tragic hero archetype has been played with for as long as literature has been created, but no one had quite a spin on it like William Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s tragic heroes were specifically designed to elicit pity and fear from the audience and to really feel their downfall. In Julius Caesar, the protagonist Brutus is a well-made example. But the character of which the play is named after is often not considered as one. Although the character of Julius Caesar does not follow all the requirements of the traditional Shakespearean tragic hero such as Brutus, the titular character still should be considered one.…

    • 1105 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, Brutus is the tragic hero for many reasons. Brutus' character is noble, loyal, and honest. In the play Brutus is forced to make a difficult choice between killing Caesar, the ruler of Rome, to save Rome or to stay loyal to Caesar and let him live. Even when he stabs Caesar he is noble because he was doing it for the citizens of Rome.…

    • 492 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Brutus’s weakness is that he is mood unpredictable, and he doesn’t show emotion. This weakness is shown many times throughout the tragedy. For example, in the beginning of the tragedy, he is having an internal conflict and acting strange he says, “ I am not well in health, and that is all.” (67.) This shows his weakness because he does not say what is wrong and he is temperamental. This shows that he doesn’t show his emotions and his emotions are all over the place. This is a weakness of Brutus. In addition to that, later in the play, Brutus has a disagreement with Cassius. He says, “ are much condemned for having an itching palm.” (149) This shows that he is temperamental. Because one minute he is peaceful and the next moment he is mad. In conclusion, Brutus’s weakness is that he is temperamental and does not show is emotions…

    • 613 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    the mamba

    • 451 Words
    • 2 Pages

    “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight. This quote can be assimilated to Brutus in Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. In a way he died as a hero but he did live long enough and saw himself becoming the villain. Throughout the play, Brutus had been consumed in a lot of drama and deaths. The readers can tell the internal arguments he has with himself about it too. In William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, there are many tragic deaths, drama, and heroes and villains. The question is, is Brutus the hero or is Brutus the villain.…

    • 451 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Roman Empire and Brutus

    • 380 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Brutus is a patriotic middle aged man, who truly cares about the well being of his fellow people. “I do fear, the people, Choose Caesar for their king,” says Brutus. (Act 1 scene 2, 80) Despite Brutus’ friendship with Caesar, he much rather prefers Rome to remain a republic. He puts the masses before his own friendship. Brutus in return, is seen as trustworthy and reliable by the people. Indeed, Brutus is a noble man. Brutus says, “For let the gods so speed me as I love, the name of honor more than I fear death.” (act 1 scene 2, 90) He values honesty, fairness and balance. He is willing to lay his own life for what he believes. He is passionate and will do as much as what is needed so that what he believes is right will shine through. Brutus is easily swayed by Cassius in Act 1 scene 2. “Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”?” says the sly Cassius. (Act 2 scene 2, 140) After Cassius’ speech, Brutus considers the proposition of plotting against Caesar and does not shun the idea at all. Brutus is so willing to believe in his worthiness and Cassius’ call for action. He fails to truly listen to the Romans because he is too engrossed in doing what he believes is best for them.…

    • 380 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Julius Caesar

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Brutus is a very cautious man. "Into what dangers are you leading me, Cassius, that you would have me lookinto myself for things that are not there?"(1.2.68-70) This quote is referring to act 1 where Cassius brings Brutus into the room and starts to talk about Caesar. When Cassius suggests to kill Mark Antony alone with Caesar, Brutus says, "Our plan will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius. We cut off the head and then hack the limbs, seem to kill Caesar in anger and then vent malice on his friends, for Antony is only a branch of Caesar."(2.1.169-172) Brutus doesn't want to just kill everyone, and be know as a killer, he just wants to do what he thinks is right for the people of Rome. Brutus was cautious, even near the end of the play when he was in his tent talking to Cassius,he told Lucilius and Titinius to go guard the door, until he had finished he conference.…

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Brutus Tragic Hero

    • 682 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Being a tragic hero, Brutus has one major flaw; Brutus is too easily swayed to believe what others say or think. Cassius writes notes in different handwritings to try to get Brutus to join the conspiracy and dethrone Caesar. “All tending to the great opinion / that Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely / Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at”…

    • 682 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Marcus Brutus’ plight is ultimately a decision to save a republic that involves sacrificing its soon-to-be dictatorial leader, with the conspiracy taking into consideration the pros and the cons of such an act. Often times the better choice is the more difficult one, especially when it involves the murder of a man beloved by all. As such, Brutus is the tragic hero of the play Julius Caesar. His tragic flaw is his easily trusting nature, and his conflicting emotions and nobleness make him one of the most renowned tragic heroes of all time.…

    • 831 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Brutus the betrayer

    • 463 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Brutus is a betrayer of Caesar’s trust, even though what he did seemed to be in the best interest of his country. He still betrayed Caesar’s trust by being disloyal and killing him. He took advantage of a position that he could have used to help the people through his influence; instead he used it to kill Caesar.…

    • 463 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays