Julius Caesar Essay: The Character of Brutus -- Julius Caesar Essays

The Character of Brutus in Julius Caesar Et tu Brute? Caesars simple statement sums up Brutus round character in the development of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Brutus was thought to represent no threat due to his nobility and his loyalty however, these qualities are precisely wherefore the story is such a catastrophe. What stemmed from these traits is the last expected outcome. Caesars surprise was so immense, he could only mutter these last few words. Brutus direct nobility, his loyal patriotism, and his nave and idealistic manner define Shakespeares tragic hero. Honor is an underlying foundation of Brutus and can be clearly seen during the plays dramatic speeches. Brutus himself makes his honor apparent in his orations. After the assassination of Caesar and during the funeral speech, Brutus asks the people of Rome, Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, express for him I have offended(act III, sc ii, ln 29-32). This in Brutus proves he is noble as he cares and protects the welfare of the people and Rome as a whole. He is torn between his sense of duty with Rome and his friendship with Caesar. In the end however, he must rationalize his actions to save face and conform to both(prenominal) sides of his conflict. Furthermore, Brutus tries to prove his nobility to virtually everyone. When Brutus utters his last words, he tells Caesar his intentions, I killed thee with half so good a will(act V, sc v, ln 50-51). His honor is always retentive and never fails to prevail at even the most taxing and awkward situation. Brutus considers his honor in every aspect and choice in his life and a lot rules over his own accord. Accordingly, many people, including his enemies, were very m... ...t categorized with his honor, his loyalty to Rome, and his naive and idealistic disposition. Works Cited Bloom, Harold. William Shakespeares Julius Caesar. Chelsea House Publisher Connecticut, New York, & Pennsylvania. 1988, Pg. 33 - 36 Boyce, Charles. Sha kespeare A to Z. Roundtable Press, Inc. New York. 1990, Pg. 78 - 80 Durband, Alan. Shakespeare Made Easy Julius Caesar. Barrons Educational Series, Inc. New York. 1985. Ludowyk, E.F.C. Understanding Shakespeare. Cambridge University Press New York. 1962, Pg. 184 - 187 Morner, Kathleen & Rausch, Ralph. NTCs Dictionary of Literary Terms. National textual matter Company Illinois. 1991, Pg. 225 - 227 Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. Dover Publications, Inc. New York. 1991. http//student.cscc.edu/ENGL/Engl264/traglex.htm. Shakespearean Tragedy. 11-29-01. Yahoo.