The Inability of Brutus to Assume Political Leadership of the Conspiracy Against Julius Caesar in Shakespeare's Play

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The Inability of Brutus to Assume Political Leadership of the Conspiracy Against Julius Caesar in Shakespeare's Play

In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare presents a broad range of historical personalities as complicated human

beings in agonizing conflict with one another and with themselves. Literary authors A.L. Rowse once

wrote, "No issue hinders a man's leadership capabilities more than his confusing perception of honor, noble

idealism, and inner self-conflict" (15). In his drama about power, nobility, assassination, and revenge,

Shakespeare examines this particular issue best in his simple yet complex characterization of Brutus. Guided

by conflicting emotions, Brutus, an idealistic man, is unable to assume political leadership of the conspiracy

against Julius Caesar. However, although he ultimately participates in Caesar's murder, he is neither a

clear-cut hero or villain. On the contrary, it is the corruption and instability of human nature that eventually

leads to his downfall.

Brutus lacks several important ingredients in regard to assuming political leadership: confidence and

ambition. He is also indecisive. His inner conflict is first revealed in a conversation with Cassius in which he

responds to Cassius' fear that his friend Brutus disapproves of him. Brutus assures Cassius that he is not

angry with him, but with himself:

Cassius,

Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look,

...

... middle of paper ...

...ssume leadership of the conspiracy, Shakespeare

weaves the recurrent motif of honor and honesty around his gentle characterization of Brutus. In so doing,

he undoubtedly confirms that the corruption and instability of human nature does, in fact, have a negative

impact on the noblest plans.

King 4

Works Cited

Roberts, J.M. A Concise History of the Early Roman Republic. New York: Oxford UP, 1994.

Rowse, A.L. The Elizabethan Renaissance. New York: Simon, 1975.

Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. New York: Simon, 1975.

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