The Tragedy of Marcus Brutus in Julius Caesar Essay

The Tragedy of Marcus Brutus

Aristole was an ancient Greek philosopher who had founded Poetics. In Poetics, Aristole defined the characteristics of tragedy. A tragic hero has the ability to do great but makes a fatal mistake and falls away from greatness. In William Shakespeares Julius Caesar, you read about the tragedy of Julius Caesar. However, Shakespeare portrays Brutus as the tragic hero.

Marcus Brutus is bound with honor and nobility. In society, he was well known and trusted. Brutus says that If it aught toward the general good, set honor in one eye and death in the other, and I will look on both differently; for the gods so speed me as I love the name of honor more than I for death. (I.2.85.89). Whereas many people fear death, but for Brutus he cares more about honor and nobility more than dying.

It is in this point of the story when we see Brutus tragic flay. He puts his trust into the wrong people. Cassius convinces Brutus that having Caesar as king wouldnt be good for Rome. Brutus loves Rome too much to see it fall under the rule of a tyrant. During Brutus speech after Caesar was killed he states why he joined the conspiracy. Brutus says If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesars, to him I say, that Brutus love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loves Rome more. (III.2.17-21). It is clear that Brutus loved Rome more, but then Antony took the stage and turned the crowd against Brutus. Antony asked Brutus if he can make a speech saying nothing bad about him, but agreeing with what he said. Before Brutus got on the stage to speak, Antony says: Thats all I seek, and am moreover suitor that I may produce his body to the market-place, and in the pulpit, as becomes a friend, speak in the order of his funeral.(III.1.228-231). Brutus put his trust into anything, but when Antony got on the stage and made his speech, the crowd slowly turned against him.

As the Plebeians began to search and destroy all of those who took part in the conspiracy, Brutus realizes these were the consequences of joining the conspiracy. War broke out between Mark Antony and Brutus. Brutus talks to his guard Volumnius and tells him The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me two several times a night; at Sardis once, and, this last night, here in Philippi fields. I know my house is come. (V.5.18-21). Brutus explains to Volumnius that the ghost of Caesar is a sign, that it is his time to go. Now dead, Antony respects Brutus because he didnt envy Caesars power and ambition like everyone in the conspiracy, but because he joined because he wanted better for Rome.

Even though the play Julius Caesar is about the fall of Julius Caesar, the story behind the tragedy was the struggle of the tragic hero, Marcus Brutus. Brutus is bounded with honor and nobility. Hes well known and respected throughout society. With his great love for Rome and his ability to put a great amount of trust in anyone, Brutus falls from greatness. Despite that he is now a fallen hero, his spirit is remembered by Romans for wanted better for his country. Aristole defined the word tragedy in his work the Poetics. The Poetics helped create many tragedies such as Julius Caesar.