Julius Caesar Brutus Traits

Analysis of Junius Brutus in Shakespeare The character of Marcus Junius Brutus in the play Julius Caesar is depicted as a strong individual, driven by his perception of honor and duty. Throughout the play, Brutus demonstrates utmost loyalty to the Roman Republic. I intend to further scrutinize William Shakespeare’s narration of this character, particularly Brutus’s personal conflict, as he struggles to navigate the dynamics between duty and friendship. Brutus, was a well-respected senator, known for his republican values and excellent leadership. As the play progresses, the lines between his friendship with Julius Caesar, a powerful political and military figure, begin to muddle with his duty to Rome. Charismatic and captivating, Caesar naturally

This is evident when Brutus states, “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (Shakespeare 33). This passage illustrates his moral dilemma, and the paradoxical motivations for eventually betraying Caesar, as he truly holds Caesar in high regard, yet, cannot allow Rome to fall into corruption. One of Brutus’s most fundamental flaws, was his honor. His obligation to Rome consumed him so strongly, he ruminated one evening, “It must be by his death: and for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him.” (Shakespeare 14). Here, Brutus emphasizes that he has no personal desire to harm Caesar, in contrast he feels as though the welfare of the republic is endangered. He is blinded by his altruistic ideologies and eagerness to save Rome. In the period that Brutus grapples with the weight of his restlessness, a group of senators have already begun to form, referred to as the conspiracy, gathered by a common interest in murdering

Brutus uses the metaphor of a serpent’s egg to rationalize preemptively killing Caesar before he becomes corrupt and leads the Republic into erosion. Yet, unbeknownst to Brutus, his actions would eventually establish his own downfall as well. Consequently, on the Ides of March, Caesar departs to the Senate, and is ambushed by the conspirators, therefore dying. Upon his death, Caesar glimpses Brutus standing among the others, and cries out “Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar!” (Shakespeare 28). This moment encapsulates Caesar’s realization of betrayal. He trusted and cared for Brutus, as a mentor and friend, yet was forsaken in the end. Although Caesar’s life ends here, Brutus’s downfall is eerily ironic and just as harsh. After Caesar’s death is publicized, the political landscape of Rome intensifies as his nephew, Octavius, takes over the city. As the conflict continues to escalate, Rome begins to transition into an empire, the very thing Brutus attempted to avoid in the beginning. Octavius’s rise to power marked a significant shift in the Roman governance, as the republican values Brutus cherished were slowly