Both characters show signs of guilty conscience later in the play and eventually die for their tragic flaws. Brutus and Macbeth have similar situations; however, there is much difference in the characteristics and personality of the characters. Brutus’s intention is reasonable and straightforward while Macbeth commits the crime because of his ambitious and corrupt characteristics. Brutus murders Caesar for his country and well being of the people whereas Macbeth does it for his own self gain. Brutus is a Roman nobleman who loves his country greatly.
He was ashamed of Brutus and the other conspirators. He felt anger, remorse, and fear for the future of Rome. He felt his heart was lost and lies with Caesar. Antony explained to the people that the conspirators should die; their death would avenge Caesar’s. Antony’s speech was more powerful than Brutus’.
Everything that he did was for the benefit of someone else. Even though he killed Antony's best friend, Antony still recognized Brutus as "the noblest Roman of them all. "(5.5.68-70) He does this in Act 5, Scene 5, after Brutus' death because of Brutus, the only conspirator that actually killed Caesar because "not that I lov'd Caesar less but that I lov'd Rome more. (3.2.22) He cared more about others than he did himself. For instance, in the process of killing Caesar, he could have easily backed out because he knew he might have been punished, but he knew in the long run, that it would help the plebeians most.
Although there were several involved in the assassination of Caesar, one individual stood out because of his relationship with Caesar and unusual position. This essay will display characteristics of Brutus that represent the makings of a trustworthy and respectable leader while also underlying his flaws. When analyzing Marcus Brutus and his ideals, the inevitable question becomes did Brutus truly believe that his actions were strictly for the good of Rome? And why was it necessary for Caesar to have to die for Rome to prosper? This essay will examine these questions and illustrate the justification of Marcus Brutus betraying and killing Julius Caesar.
Through lots of plotting, Brutus creates a conspiracy with the Senate to kill the ruler. Both Caesar and his people respect Brutus. In lines 85-89 of Act 1, Scene 2, Brutus states, “But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught towards the general good, set honor on one eye and death i’ the other, and I will look on both indifferently.” These lines claim that Brutus’s actions are only for the greater good of Rome.
Brutus's tragic flaw was that he was too trusting. He frankly and honestly felt that he had had to kill Caesar in order to save Rome from tyranny. He trusted Antony not to blame the conspirators in his speech at Caesar's funeral. Antony broke that promise and got Brutus and the others into deep trouble. Brutus also trusted Cassius.
But he had a decision to make which was if he loved Rome more than he will kill Caesar with the conspirators on the ides of March. Another definition for a tragic hero is that he must be physically or spiritually wounded by his experiences possibly resulting in his death. A quote from Brutus, “Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves than that Caesar were dead to live all freemen? As Caesar loved me I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice it.
The Three Mistakes of Brutus In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus makes three important mistakes that lead to his ultimate demise. Brutus makes the mistakes of letting Marc Antony give a funeral oration over the body of Julius Caesar, refusing to kill Marc Antony, and joining the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. Brutus allowing Marc Antony to give his funeral oration to the citizens of Rome is a grave mistake with many severe consequences. When Antony hears about the assassination of Caesar, he sends word to Brutus and the conspirators that he loved Caesar but will now vow to serve Brutus if Brutus promises not to punish him for being once loyal to Caesar. This fools Brutus into thinking he can trust Antony, so he allows him to give a funeral speech over the body of Caesar to a large crowd of Roman citizens.
In William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”, Marcus Brutus has a strong relationship with Julius Caesar, but an even stronger relationship with Rome and its citizens. His love for Rome is what drove him to assassinate Julius Caesar, because despite being such an intimate friend of Caesar, he felt his growing power would threaten the welfare of Rome. The honorable intentions of Brutus are what make him the noblest of all the Romans. Marcus Brutus felt that allowing Julius Caesar to accumulate power would put Rome and its citizens in danger. In his speech to the Roman citizens at Caesar’s funeral, he asks them: “Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?” (Act III, sc.
An example of his tragic flaw is the trust he puts in Cassius. This backfires as Cassius tricks him into killing Caesar for selfish reasons. Another example of his naïve attitude is allowing Mark Antony to give a eulogy speech at Caesar’s funeral. This, it once again backfires and Mark Antony ends up turning the plebeians against him. This is shown when Mark Antony uses reverse psychology by stating “But Brutus is an honorable man.” His tragic flaw shapes and foreshadows his downfall.