The word patriot means “one who loves and defends a country’s freedom or interests.” In William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, Brutus is a character who can be portrayed as either patriot or betrayer depending on the reader’s viewpoint. Although many readers view Brutus as a betrayer after killing Caesar, Brutus was just doing what he believed to be the best for Rome. Brutus is loyal to Rome and therefore needed to take actions to protect his people, even if it meant killing a friend. Although, Brutus may have been protecting Rome, he also betrayed a friend who trusted him. While doing what he believed to be the most logical action in protecting Rome, Brutus betrayed some of those who trusted him. After stabbing Caesar, Brutus and the other conspirators …show more content…
Cassius doesn’t just hint at killing Caesar, but Antony, too! Cassius tries to convince Brutus into killing Antony as he may want vengeance but Brutus only wants to protect Rome, not be seen as murderers: “Let us be sacrificers but not butchers, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, And in the spirit of men there is no blood.” Killing Caesar is already had enough for Brutus, now Cassius wants Antony gone too. Brutus makes it clear that the assassination is purely to protect Rome, not about betraying friends. Ultimately, Brutus just wishes to keep Rome safe, as a result of this he must eliminate a threat- Caesar and his rule. With all things considered, Brutus’s loyalty to Rome made him betray and kill Caesar, for he feared the damage Caesar’s rule would cause to the country where Brutus’ loyalty lies. While many see Caesar’s assassination as a betrayal, it should be seen as an act of patriotism. Brutus practiced all his actions with good intentions and a goal of protecting Rome. After reading into both sides and even though some readers can’t see past the assassination, Brutus truly saw his actions as pure