One’s reputation is gathered by the honor bestowed on them. Throughout the ancient and modern world honor is envied by many. During the study and read of Julius Caesar, a Shakespearian play following the death of Pompey and Caesar’s downfall, many characters are tested to being honorable. The merit of having honor and being honorable are central themes within the play. Characters are affected by their decisions because of their lust for reputation. The play, Julius Caesar, makes of honor as accepting self-responsibility and wrongdoing towards Brutus, Portia, and Antony’s actions, intentions, and values. Marcus Brutus was a close colleague of Julius Caesar, who had recently risen in power after killing Pompey. In Act 1, Scene 2, Brutus is …show more content…
Portia was a loyal wife, and very patience and trustworthy. She had been ‘asleep,’ throughout most the play, although she had known there was something going on that Brutus is not telling her. Portia begged Brutus to tell her his intentions, and upon refusing, she reveals a stab, in which she had done herself, to prove her patience, a keeper of secrets, and to convince Brutus. She is well-aware of how to prove her honor, which was to inflict harm on herself. Portia exclaims, “Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife,” (2.1.310) this is her saying that if she, Portia, can not learn of her husband’s aim, she is not a wife, but another prostitute. Portia is honorable because she believes it was her fault she couldn’t stop Brutus from joining the conspiracy, and it was too late by the time she found out. Instead, Portia commits suicide, by swallowing fire coals. This is obviously honorable at that time, due to having the courage of suicide, not to mention the method of hot coals. “ No, my Brutus. You have some sick offence within your mind, which by the right and virtue of my place I ought to know of,” (2.1.266-270) Portia was truly a valiant and loyal wife, who stood up to Brutus and tried to keep him from harm, this cost her life, as she fell distressed up