In an essay and research paper, Marcus Brutus is portrayed as the tragic hero.
Caesar ruled Rome with great power and one of his closest associates was Marcus Brutus, a loyal friend who always put his country first. However, Brutus faced a difficult decision: whether to save his friend’s life or prioritize the well-being of Rome. Remaining true to his Roman identity, Brutus chose to sacrifice his friend. By aligning himself with the conspirators plotting against Caesar, he bolstered their strength and ability to sway public opinion. While all the plotters betrayed Caesar by stabbing him in secret, it was Brutus who personally confronted him face-to-face before delivering the fatal blow. Following this event, Marc Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus assumed control of the triumvirate while Brutus and Cassius led their armies against Antony and his soldiers. Tragically, it is during this conflict that Brutus meets his demise due to inherent flaws in his character.
While stationed at cantonment, Brutus and Cassius have a conversation where Cassius discloses his intention to commit suicide. Later that night, while Brutus is sleeping, he is suddenly awakened by the unexpected appearance of Julius Caesar’s ghost. Caesar tells his old comrade that they will meet again at Philippi. This surprises Brutus and leaves him uncertain about its meaning – does it suggest Caesar’s resurrection or foreshadow something ominous? Despite this, Brutus leads his soldiers towards Philippi. After Cassius dies, Brutus and his troops find themselves winning the battle without him even realizing it. Instead of facing humiliation in Rome, Brutus decides to take the cowardly path and ends his own life with Strato providing him a blade.
Brutus had a tragic flaw in that he was overly loyal to both Rome and his friend Caesar. After assassinating Caesar, he began to question the righteousness of his actions. Consequently, when Antony delivered his speech during the ensuing events,
After the funeral, when all the people from Rome turned against Brutus, things started to go downhill for our hero. Then, during the conflict, when he believed he was defeated and chose to commit self-destruction, his downfall was finalized.
Brutus, a loyal adult male to his country, was known for his modesty and adherence to his own beliefs. Although he could be influenced by others, such as the persuasive letters, he still retained his independent thinking and actions without relying on others. Moreover, Brutus earned great respect from the people of Rome, making him an attractive choice for the conspirators seeking his involvement. The conspirators believed that by having Brutus kill Caesar, it would appear that their motives were not driven by jealousy but rather for the benefit of Rome. However, despite exhibiting cowardice in killing Caesar and knowing he would have to live with that guilt, Brutus did not meet a noble death like Caesar when his time came. Instead, he chose to take his own life out of fear of being publicly humiliated by being dragged through the streets of Rome.
Previously mentioned, others influenced him when the notes were planted. Upon reading them, he was somewhat persuaded by the plotters. However, when they spoke to Brutus directly, he was completely swayed and decided to join them. If Brutus hadn’t joined, Caesar might have survived and a new triumvirate with Brutus, Antony, and Caesar could have potentially emerged.
Out of all, he was the most noble Roman.
With the exception of him, all the plotters simply followed instructions.
Driven by envy towards the esteemed Caesar, they acted out of jealousy.
He has a simple and authentic understanding.
They created one for the benefit of everyone.
He had a comfortable life with all the necessary components.
He was so diverse that Nature could take notice
And declare to the entire universe that this was an adult male!
