Julius Caesar: Brutus' Moral Ambiguity

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Julius Caesar: Brutus' Moral Ambiguity Shakepeare's intruiging play Julius Caesar tells a tale of a honorable man who puts his personal interests aside and pulls off a devastating move in order to protect Rome. When Caesar returns to Rome after killing General Pompey, he is given a hero's welcome but his crowning as king becomes a major conflict all throughtout the city and strikes fear in the hearts of many people. Marcus Brutus, a dear friend of Caesar is revealed as a morally ambiguous protagonist of the play as he is pressured into defending his highest values and becomes involved in plotting the assasination. Although Brutus' actions may seem questionable and ultimately lead to Caesar's death, his decision is made with good intentions that can be seen through his patriotism for Rome, idealistic views of the world, and moral obligations. Marcus Brutus was in fact one of the conspirators that murdered Caesar. However, his actions are justified because he makes his decision with Rome's best interests in mind. One of Brutus' characteristics that plays a key part in this is his extraordinary patriotism. Brutus is shown as an influential man who loves his country and will do just about anything to protect it. Unlike the other conspirators, Brutus was not power hungry nor did he choose to kill Caesar for personal gain and selfish desires. When Caesar returns from to Rome after murdering Pompey, Brutus fears that he will become a tyrant and a great threat to the Republic. Caesar does not hesitate to do away with anyone who is the slightest bit against him. When Marullus and Flavius speak out agaisnt Caesar to disperse a crowd of Roman workers and go throughout the city taking off crowns and decorations from any of Caesar's statues, he has them both killed. Brutus may have been invloved in Caesar's murder but he does so unselfishly in order to protect Rome by
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