Pride In Julius Caesar Research Paper

The tragic flaw in Marcus Brutus was his pride. Brutus was lulled into the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar with Cassius’ flattery and also flattery in the form of letters forged by Cassius to appear that various Romans had lauded Brutus. Brutus would best fit Aristotle’s description of the tragic hero because of his pride—that is, pride in his integrity and pride in his reputation. Brutus’ pride in his integrity is demonstrated when Cassius approaches him because Brutus has “wronged” Cassius (p. 103-105) In a time of battle, Brutus attacked Cassius for defending a man who took bribes from the Sardians (p. 103). Brutus conceitedly exclaims that “But for supporting robbers, shall we now contaminate our fingers with base bribes, and sell the mighty space of our large honors for so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, than such a Roman” (p. 106)

81). However, Mark Antony’s embellished speech easily overwhelmed Brutus’ influence and turned the citizens against the conspirators, creating a mob (p. 84-92). Antony also deceived the people concerning Caesar’s will, in which Caesar had promised every man seventy-five drachmas (Greek currency); in his speech, Antony had wielded the will in his address to the citizens with great success, acting as though he would fulfill Caesar’s will (p. 91). Instead of giving the money Caesar promised in his will, Antony used the funds to support a war against Brutus and Cassius (p.