Marcus Brutus, The Most Noble Roman in Shakespeare's Play Julius Caesar

Being ethical, patriotic, reasonable, and showing selflessness are just a few characteristics of a noble man. After the death of respected Julius Caesar, the speedy fight for power exposed the veracious side of Roman figures. William Shakespeare, in his play Julius Caesar, examines the struggles for the title of the noblest Roman between ethical Marcus Brutus and other power thirsty Romans to reveal the most honorable man.

Marcus Brutus shows qualities of a noble roman through patriotism. He makes many tough decisions that result in questioning his character, but the actions he takes are for the betterment and out of the love for Rome. After the assassination of Caesar, Brutus orders: “And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood / Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords: / Then we walk forth, even to the market-place, / And waving our red weapons o’er our heads, / Let’s all cry, ‘Peace, freedom, and liberty!’ (III.i.106-110).

These lines show Brutus’ patriotism because he wants to go to the market place yelling “Peace, freedom, and liberty!” showing Romans that killing Caesar was not for power but for the betterment of Rome. After Marcus Brutus’ death Antony addressed his true feelings. Over Brutus’ dead body he said: “All the conspirators save only he / Did that they did in envy of great Caesar; / He only, in a general honest thought / And common good to all, made one of them” (V.v.69-72)

Antony realized that Brutus did not murder Caesar out of desire but only because it was out of adore for Rome. Brutus believed that Caesar was ambitious and not a good king for Rome. Along with patriotism Brutus shows high moral standards as another noble characteristic.

Brutus portrays ethical standards as another honorable and nobl...

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...e utmost of our friends / Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe / We, at the height, are ready to decline” (IV.iii.212-216).

Brutus explains to Cassius that the enemies are getting stronger day by day and that marching to Philipi would be a good idea so that they can get more soldiers on their way there. Brutus is also recognized as being reasonable and noble by Antony. After his death, Antony and Octavius decided that Brutus deserves a proper burial. Antony also said, “This is the noblest roman of them all” (V.v.68). Although it took Antony a while to notice but he realized Brutus was noble and didn’t kill Caesar out of envy. All in all, Brutus was a patriotic, ethical, and reasonable man.

As the play progresses, William Shakespeare reveals the noblest roman. Marcus Brutus showed exceptional qualities such as being patriotic, reasonable, and ethical.