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Was Julius Caesar Justified Essay

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Everyone in high school English should be familiar with the story of Julius Caesar. Jealous conspirators convince Caesar’s friend Brutus to take part in the assassination of Caesar to stop the to-be dictator from gaining too much power. By taking part in this deception, Brutus was a betrayer because he did not provide logical evidence that would have justified murdering Caesar for his ambition. However, some may see Brutus as a patriot because he put the good of Rome above his dear friend Caesar. Brutus recognized Rome was in danger of being ruled by a tyrant and was even ready to offer up his own life if Rome needed it to be done: “I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.” By putting down his life …show more content…

Being good friends with Caesar, he naturally wanted the best for his friend, but he saw there were bigger concerns about how Caesar was ruling Rome. Brutus would not have killed Caesar unless he genuinely believed it was for the greater good. While he honored their friendship, Brutus realized it was the best for Rome. However, while Brutus could be seen as a patriot, his actions best fit those of a betrayer. While his offering to sacrifice himself is persuasive, Brutus does not explain to the plebians how the death of Caesar would be best for Rome. He only states that it has to be done. Brutus should’ve worked with the citizens of Rome to find other solutions to the extreme crime he committed. No matter what Brutus’ reasons were for killing Caesar, his actions were not justifiable. Even if it were acceptable to murder someone for little reason, if Brutus was a true friend of Caesar, he would have tried to fight for his friend’s life and take him off the throne in an honorable way. He never confronted Caesar about his actions, but instead plotted behind his back, as a betrayer would. Brutus was a betrayer because he did not provide logical evidence that would have justified murdering Caesar for his

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