Caesar essay

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Brutus is classified as the tragic hero of “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare because he is blinded by single-minded focus on personal ethics that combined with a tragic flaw dooms him to make a serious error in judgment; however, he himself maintains his morals and his spirit lives on. Brutus’s relentless determination for the greater good of Rome contributes to his identification as the tragic hero. Even though Brutus is not a good judge of character, all of Brutus’ actions are intended for benefit others. He truly believed that if the conspirators “motives” are pure —as he was “sure they” were—they “bear fire enough” to sustain unwavering loyalty for the cause without need for an oath (2.1.127-132). Brutus articulates this to maintain the integrity of the act for both the conspirators, and the audience. For the audience, this statement enhances the play with the use of verbal irony because they are already aware that not all of the conspirators are murdering Caesar for Rome’s best interest; rather, for their best interests. From this statement, Brutus can be characterized as apprehensive about joining the conspiracy yet still honorable. He can be seen as apprehensive because he feels the need to orate why the conspirators are slaying Caesar. It is said so repetitively that it sounds like he is still convincing himself of the righteousness of the act; however, this lends to his characterization as being honorable. Because Brutus goes through so much deliberation, it is revealed to the audience that Brutus is slaying Caesar not for personal motives: but for the good of Rome. The tragic flaw of naivety dooms Brutus to make a tragic error in judgment. He only joins the conspiracy because he is manipulated by C... ... middle of paper ... ...ng him or returning him to Rome in chains. Even his enemies, Antony and Octavius, recognize this after his suicide. Over his dead body, Antony declares that “this was the noblest Roman of them all” and he killed Caesar only for the “common good” therefore Octavius rests declaring Brutus is deserving to the “rites of burial” so that his spirit shall be treated with “respect” (5.5.74-82). Brutus was so heroic even his enemies recognized it with his death because he was tragically manipulated by Cassius. He was a hero that fell out of favor yet never lost his morals and feeling of duty to the people. Because of this, his spirit will live on. Forever. Brutus maintains his integrity even in death and with integrity is how he is maintained. Although Rome is restored after his death, the balance and order come at an especially high price: the sacrifice of a tragic hero.

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