The Tragedy of Julius CaesarStories generally have a hero and a villain, with people in between. What defines a hero or a villain is how we portray that character. For example, Adolf Hitler was thought to be a hero by the Germans when he saved the economy, but a villain to all the Jews. In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the main protagonist Brutus performs a series of unfortunate actions that deem him to be a villain, but is ultimately an honorable man who is mistaken as one. Brutus’ lack of doubt, his conflicting loyalty, and his honor create a terrible predicament for him.
Brutus unfortunately thinks no one is going to deceive him. Brutus joins the conspiracy to kill Caesar after Cassius convinces him to after Act I with fake letters, ”As if they came from several citizens, writings, all tending to the great opinion that Rome holds of his name…” (907). Brutus does not question the letters , and thinking it was for the greater good, kills Caesar. His lack of doubt for the letters and Cassius makes Brutus perform an irreversible mistake, which perceives him to be a villain.
Another person Brutus should not trust is Antony, because after letting Antony live in Act III, he also lets him speak at the funeral, “You shall, Mark Antony” (949). Not only is letting Antony live a blunder, but letting him speak for the funeral of the man he is most loyal to causes the entire population of Rome to riot. Brutus’ inability to not trust people causes many chaotic events to erupt.Brutus has conflicting loyalties; to Caesar and to Rome. He chooses to stay loyal to Rome, which means he has to disconnect bonds with Caesar, although later regrets it, “Caesar, now be still; I killed not thee with half so good a will” (998). Although Brutus’ intentions are good, killing Caesar only made things worse.
Rome erupts into war, and hundreds of lives are lost due to Brutus choosing the worse path. Conflicts with Cassius occur before the war, arguing with Brutus remarking, “You wronged yourself to write in such a case [bribes]” (970). Even after murdering Caesar, they still have issues to work out. Brutus always has the plan, which led to their downfall.Honor is the main reason why Brutus dies in the end, but also why he is ultimately deemed a hero.
After Lucilius’ capture, he states, “I dare assure thee that no enemy shall ever take alive the noble Brutus.” (996). After the defeat of his army, Brutus wants to die nobly. It is achieved after he orders Strato to kill him. The fact that no one but Brutus has taken his life lets Antony comment, “This was the noblest Roman of them all” (998).
After all of Brutus’ actions and mistakes he is still perceived as a hero when Antony tells the plebeians. This is the reason why Brutus is a hero and not a tragic villain.After all of that, Brutus is still considered a hero. Rome respects him and gives Brutus a proper burial. It raises a question however.
Can villains be more heroic than heroes? Antony is considered to be a hero even though he kills over 100 senators and causes a mass riot. It is all about how we view these people.
