Brutus the Tragic Hero in Julius Caesar Essay

In William Shakespeares Tragedy, Julius Caesar, Brutus is the protagonist who exhibits a very tragic flaw. He was a very noble, honorable man. When he sees Rome threatened he acts without thought of the consequences of what he would do. He, Cassius and other men against Caesar plotted and killed Caesar. Brutus did not flinch, he knew his actions were just and it was for the best of Rome. Caesar would more than likely become a wrathful dictator instead of a noble king.

Brutus is most definitely a tragic hero because he acted for not only what was in his best interest, but for all of Rome as well. If Caesar was crowned king with the power of a dictator, the devastation is unimaginable. Several men met and discussed about the things that would happen if Caesar took crown. The conspirators need Brutus to join the conspiracy because of his friendship with Caesar and his popularity among the people. Even his enemy, Mark Antony, comments at the end of the play: This was the noblest Roman of them all. These men decided to convince Brutus to rise against Caesar. Brutus most tragic flaw was being easily susceptible, and unskeptical. Brutus was too easily convinced by Cassius that it would be in Romes best interest for Caesar to be murdered. Sly tactics used by the men of the conspiracy tricked Brutus to join. Brutus wanted all of the Romans to see him as being a savior to Rome to the extent that he would not make logical choices. Brutus tries to cover the conspiracy with honor and virtue. He is only fooling himself, because the other conspirators do not share his motives.

Brutus devastatingly high pride and honor clouded his judgement and he was unable to realize the harm in his actions. Only after the plan had been executed did Brutus ever think twice that his actions may have had foreign influences by others in the conspiracy . Too late now, Brutus must add reason and justice to his actions for others to understand his actions and be accepted in the eyes of fellow Romans.

Brutus had the intentions and qualities of a hero in the way that his actions were honorable and just. Although he is blemished because of his infinite pride. All of his actions including the death of Caesar to his own suicide, he believed they were the just thing to do. Although this seems to be the incorrect thing to do or the correct way of handling this, Brutus thoughts, means were never flawed.