Julius Caesar Tragic Hero Essay

In most fairy tales there are heroes; these heroes are strong, valiant, and steadfast, and they can overcome any obstacles they face;however, not all heroes fall under these stereotypes; some have faults, and sometimes these faults will inevitably lead to their downfall. These heroes are most often known as Tragic Heroes. The Greek philosopher Aristotle describes a tragic hero as "A person who commits errors in judgment, which eventually leads to his downfall." No character better represents this than Marcus Brutus in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. Throughout the play, Brutus’ morals never waiver; he represents nobility, fidelity, and has a strong sense of equity;however, Brutus had one fatal flaw and it was his naivety. Though

Brutus believed every man only had good intentions and were honorable. It is for this reason Cassius had such an easy time manipulating Brutus into joining the conspiracy. Throughout the events of the play Cassius uses a plethora of tactics to control Brutus. He uses pathos to appeal to Brutus’ ego, telling him he is honorable, admirable, and superior to Caesar. “Every man of them, and no man here but honors you, and every one doth wish you had but that opinion of yourself.”(32). By appealing to Brutus’ ego Cassius was able to deceive him into believing he would be a savior to Rome if he killed Caesar, and because of Brutus’ nobility he was willing to do anything for the betterment of Rome. Cassius is described as being a master manipulator. This especially shines through when he used the people of Rome against Brutus to control Brutus to his liking. He sends Brutus forged letters supposedly from the people of Rome begging him to save them from Caesar's tyranny. He urges Brutus to “ awake and see thyself! Shall Rome, &c. Speak, Strike,Redress.” (30). From Flattery to forgery Cassius manipulates Brutus and uses his naivety against him. Cassius knew Brutus would do anything for the Roman people. inevitably, it was Brutus’ loyalty to his city which would become one of his biggest

Brutus convinced himself it was his moral duty to kill Caesar and save Rome. He believed the Roman people would praise him for slaying Caesar, so when Brutus eventually carried out the plan of the conspiracy and killed Julius he was aghast when the people of Rome turned on him. He exclaimed the people of Rome were saved and they no longer had to suffer under Caesar's reign.“ People, and senators, be not affrighted, Fly not, stand still; ambition's debt is paid” (47); however, as Brutus begins to realize everything Cassius had told him was a lie the damage had already been done. Once again Brutus had let his credulous disposition blind him from reality. After the death of Caesar, Brutus announces to the people of Rome his regret for killing their leader and his love for the Roman citizens. He claims “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.”(54). This proves while Brutus’ actions were heinous, his only motive was to help the Romans. Further stating how even though Brutus was a morally just person, his love for the Roman people was