The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Analysis

Document Type:Essay

Subject Area:Literature

Document 1

The character Brutus explicitly fits this description and can be attributed to as a tragic hero because he is consistently depicted as a noble, upright and honorable man, who is however led into a tragedy of betraying a friend. As a result, he suffers both internal and external conflict which ultimately leads to his downfall. Brutus’s major flaw is his idealism and trustworthy nature which leads him to make major mistakes that ultimately results in his downfall. Brutus’s character as a tragic hero is demonstrated through his noble standing, fatal flaw and continuous mistakes which make a toxic mixture that leads to his ultimate downfall. Brutus’s position as a noble standing man contributes to his appeal as a tragic hero.

Sign up to view the full document!

Marcus Brutus’s fatal flaw is his trustworthy and idealistic nature that makes him easily convinced and manipulated by others thus accountable for the actions which begin his downfall. Brutus is very idealistic or rather naïve and allows everyone around him to deceive him because he believes that no one will ever lie to him since he does not lie. Cassius first manipulates Brutus by comparing him to Caesar Cassius where he states, “Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that ‘Caesar’?/ Whys should that name me sounded more than yours? (Shakespeare 1. Through this statement, Cassius anticipates to provoke jealousy and a desire for power in Brutus. Also, Cassius forges petition documents and signs then to convince Brutus of how dangerous Caesar is; this act is justified when he states “Be you content.

Sign up to view the full document!

This declaration suggests Brutus’s attempt to justify Caesar’s assassination solely on theoretical grounds; that he may yet become one because he knows that Caesar is not truly an oppressive tyrant as he is inclined to think. Brutus joins Cassius and the other conspirators into killing Caesar and this decision provokes a civil war in Rome. Brutus’s overly trusting nature and his idea of success for him and that of Rome tainted his sense of reality and initiated his downfall just like any tragic hero. In addition to his first fatal mistake of joining the conspirators, Brutus continues to commit further major mistakes which fasten his ultimate downfall. After Caesar's assassination, Brutus allows Antony to speak on his behalf at the funeral with the assumption that he and the other conspirator would look fewer criminals and better people.

Sign up to view the full document!

From $10 to earn access

Only on Studyloop

Original template

Downloadable