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In William Shakespeare's renowned play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the character of Brutus emerges as the most heroic figure. Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, where Caesar's popularity is soaring and the citizens clamor for him to be crowned king, Brutus stands as a paragon of honor, selflessness, and bravery. He believes that Caesar's ascent to power would imperil the Roman Republic, and thus, he takes the drastic step of conspiring to assassinate Caesar in the name of the greater good.
This essay will delve into Brutus's noble qualities and actions, highlighting his unwavering commitment to Rome, his selflessness, and his remarkable bravery.
Throughout the entirety of the play, Brutus's actions and choices are characterized by honor and nobility. In a crucial moment, during the conspirators' meeting at his house, the day before Caesar's assassination, Brutus eloquently states, "Let’s be sacrificers but not butchers" (II.i.166). His choice of words reflects his desire to carry out their plan with dignity and purpose, rather than resorting to brutality.
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Brutus, despite being the newest member of the conspirators, assumes a leadership role in this meeting, demonstrating his rationality and poise.
Even after Caesar's death, when Antony requests permission to deliver a eulogy at Caesar's funeral, Brutus accedes, declaring, "You shall speak in the same pulpit whereto I am going after my speech is ended" (III.i.249-251). This act of granting Antony the opportunity to speak, despite the risks involved, underscores Brutus's compassion and fairness. His genuine belief in the righteousness of their cause blinds him to the potential harm Antony might inflict, revealing his honorable nature.
Antony himself acknowledges Brutus's honor when he instructs Messala to take Brutus's lifeless body to his tent, saying, "He, only in general honest thought and common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle" (V.v.71-73). Even in death, Brutus commands the respect and admiration of others, a testament to the profound impact of his honorable deeds and character.
Brutus's selflessness is a defining trait that endears him to the people of Rome. He places the welfare of Rome and its citizens above all else, even his personal relationships. In his earnest attempt to win the favor of the Roman populace and demonstrate his selflessness, Brutus boldly proclaims, "[he] had rather be a villager than to repute himself a son of Rome" (I.ii. 172-173). This declaration conveys his profound humility and willingness to sacrifice his own status for the greater good.
When addressing the crowd after Caesar's assassination, Brutus candidly confesses, "Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more" (III.ii.21-22). This admission underscores his unwavering commitment to the people and his belief that Caesar's unchecked ambition posed a genuine threat to the Republic. Brutus's selflessness is evident in his willingness to make the difficult decision to eliminate Caesar for the sake of Rome's future.
Perhaps the most poignant illustration of Brutus's selflessness is when he tells the plebeians, "I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death" (III.ii.47-48). In this moment, he not only displays courage but also allows the crowd to decide his fate, exemplifying his selflessness by placing his life in their hands. Brutus's actions consistently reflect his dedication to the people and his willingness to make personal sacrifices for their benefit.
Bravery is another characteristic that defines Brutus's character throughout the play. He exhibits careful consideration and unwavering determination in every decision he makes. When faced with the agonizing choice to kill his close friend Caesar, Brutus is resolute in his belief that it is necessary to prevent Caesar from amassing too much power. He exclaims, "Why I, that I did love Caesar when I struck him" (III.i,183), highlighting the internal turmoil he experiences while demonstrating his unwavering resolve.
Brutus's bravery shines through as he addresses his imminent demise, stating, "The time of life, arming myself with patience to stay the providence of some high powers that govern us below" (V.i,104-107). Despite his emotions and fears, he remains steadfast in his commitment to his principles, underscoring his courage in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Brutus's courage is on full display when he joins the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar and personally delivers the fatal blow. He does not delegate the act to others but instead takes the responsibility upon himself. His words, "Even for that our love of old, I prithee hold thou my sword-hilts whilst I run on it" (V.v,27-28), emphasize his determination to accept full accountability for his actions. Brutus's bravery is a consistent thread in his character, from the beginning of the play to its tragic conclusion.
In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare crafts Brutus as the most heroic character, driven by honor, selflessness, and bravery. Brutus's unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rome, his readiness to make personal sacrifices, and his courageous actions make him a figure worthy of admiration. His integrity and nobility are evident in his words and deeds, and even in death, he commands the respect of his adversaries. The enduring legacy of Brutus as a heroic character serves as a testament to Shakespeare's masterful storytelling and the timeless appeal of Julius Caesar.
Brutus's character embodies the qualities of an honorable, selfless, and brave leader, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of literature and reminding us of the complexities of moral dilemmas and the sacrifices made for the greater good.
Brutus: The Heroic Character in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. (2016, Apr 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/brutus-in-julius-caesar-essay
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