Brutus: The Tragic Hero of Julius Caesar

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Brutus as Tragic Hero in Julius Caesar In Julius Caesar, Brutus is the protagonist who exhibits a tragic flaw. Brutus was a man of moral and honor. When he saw the future of Rome in jeopardy, he did what he thought was best at the time. He, Cassius and other men plotted and killed Caesar. Brutus thought that his actions were noble because Caesar could change when he is crowned just as serpents egg when it hatches. Brutus fits the definition of a tragic hero because he did a great thing for Rome. If Caesar was crowned and given the power to rule, the destruction that he may have cause is unknown. However, Brutus' tragic flaw was his gullibility and hubris. Brutus was easily convince by Cassius to kill Caeser when Cassius emphasizes how honorable it would be. Brutus' overwhelming pride clouded his judgement making unable to see and realize the harm in his actions. Only til the end of the plot does Brutus realize that what he did may not have been the best or most righteous action. So Brutus is a hero because he has the qualities of a hero such as honor and justice but he is flawed through his overwhelming pride. From the killing of Caesar to his own suicide, Brutus committed these acts believing they were right. Though Brutus may not have done the best things at the time, his ideas and intentions were not flawed.

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