Characteristics Of Brutus

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Recommended: Project On Aristotle Ideas about tragedy

But how do we define a tragic hero? Aristotle offers a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the elements that a tragedy consists of in The Poetics. Known earliest surviving document discussing dramatic theory, Aristotle presents ideas and arguments that are still useful in analyzing more contemporary dramatic works. As found in his Poetics, Aristotle 's explanations of tragedy and the tragic hero support an argument that Brutus in Shakespeare 's Julius Caesar qualifies as both heroic and tragic.
There are four primary components of a tragic character as defined Aristotle. First, a tragic character must be good. Aristotle claims that “The character will be good if the purpose is good.” a rule that is “relative to each class.” (Aristotle) …show more content…

They also refer to him as “noble” Brutus throughout the play. Even as enemies on the battlefield, Antony can help but praise Brutus in the final monologue for Brutus’ honor and well-natured idealism. Therefore, from Brutus’ description from other characters, we can successfully conclude that Brutus possesses Aristotle’s first tragic quality. Furthermore, citing examples such as choosing to avoid killing Antony and to let Antony give funeral rites to the dead Caesar, we can also conclude that Brutus has a sense of …show more content…

In order for the plot to invoke pity and terror into the audience, it must follow certain guidelines. In these guidelines, three key terms are associated with a tragic plot. The first is reversal of fortune, which must be from good to bad according to Aristotle. In order to best arouse catharsis, this reversal of fortune must occur either consciously or unconsciously “between those who are near or dear to one another.” (Aristotle) Examining the text, we know that while Brutus has conflicting feeling towards Caser, he considers Caesar to be his friend. Brutus is primarily concerned Caesar’s ascension to power and the potential corruption that power may cause. Despite this, Brutus claims “Yet I love him (Caesar) well.” and respects Caesar and it takes serious contemplation as well as trickery on part of the suitors to convince Brutus to kill Caesar. (Shakespeare, I, ii, 1058) Later in the same scene Cassius informs us that Caesar reciprocates Brutus’ love for him. Thus when Brutus, being the last of the conspirators to stab Caesar, does aid in the murder it shocks the plebeians, as well as Caesar, leading Caesar’s iconic dying words to be that of disbelief “Et tu Bruté? Then fall Caesar.” (Shakespeare III, i,

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