“Idealistic reformers are dangerous because their idealism has no roots in love, but is simply a hysterical and unbalanced rage for order amidst their own chaos.” – William Irwin Thompson. In the tragedy Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare an interesting topic emerges, the main character Brutus and his passion to pursue his idealistic views for Rome inevitably led to his comeuppance. Brutus’ idealism leads to his downfall because he is the only senator who genuinely cares for his citizens who will selflessly act to pursue the interests of others.
Brutus is the only senator of Rome who passionately cares about the citizens interests and
Needs which indefinitely leads to his strenuous decision to assassinate the leader of Rome Julius
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Brutus reasons with himself as to why joining the other conspirators is the flawed decision,
Brutus reveals this during a soliloquy depicting his inner thoughts. “He would be crowned. How
That might change his nature, there’s the question. It is the bright day forth the adder and that craves wary walking. Crown him that, and then I grant we put a sting in him that at his will he may do danger with.”(Shakespeare, 2.1. 12-18) this states that if Caesar were to be crowned it would alter his passion for the country and he would door a poor job as ruler to fulfill the interest of the population which is not in Brutus’ idealist world. After the ruler’s assassination Brutus reveals to Mark Antony why he participated in the murder, (you see we do- yet see you but our hands and this bleeding business they have done. Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful. And pity to the general wrong of Rome- as fire drives out fire so pity pity- Hath done this deed on
Caesar. For your part, to you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony. (Shakespeare,
3.1.177-184) Brutus’ remarks to Antony tell that he has acted in the best interest of the