What Is Julius Caesar Nobility

Greed, avarice, and rapacity fill the minds of the conspirators, fueling their decision to murder the soon-to-be leader of Rome, Julius Caesar. But one conspirator is different, his mindset points toward the betterment of Rome, the betterment of others rather than his own being. He, Marcus Junius Brutus is not only an honorable man, but he is the most noble Roman of them all. Brutus exhibits his nobility through the limit of bloodshed, his altruistic nature, and of course his Roman identity. One clear-cut example of Brutus’ noble mindset is his ability to put the lives of the innocent before his own. One example of this is when the conspirators contemplating the murder of not only Julius Caesar, but also Caesar’s close companion, Marc Antony.

(2.1, 174-177)
Here, Brutus explains to his fellow conspirator Cassius that there is no need for more bloodshed than there already is, and, by stating that there is no blood in the spirit of men, he shows Cassius that it would be dishonorable to kill Antony as he does not pose an imminent threat to them at the time. This display of innocence shows Brutus’s true nobility and portrays him as one of the more heartfelt characters in the tragedy. Brutus’ altruistic nature is prefigured in the beginning of the play through his denial of joining in on the revolt against Caesar. Brutus respects Julius as a great friend even to the point of love. Before he had been manipulated by Cassius and the conspirators he wouldn't dare kill his dear friend Caesar. Brutus’ lack of selfishness sets him apart from the other conspirators, who are in on the plan simply because of jealousy and the potential of fame. When speaking to Cassius at the beginning of the tragedy, Brutus states, “Brutus [he] had rather be a villager than repute himself a son of Rome” (1.2, 172-173). By saying this, Brutus shows the Romans that not only is he respectful of them, but that he thinks higher of them than he thinks of himself. A noble man can be defined as one who is always honest and charitable, always willing to put the lives of those in need before his own. In his act of killing Caesar, he truly believes that he is doing what is right for Rome, not that he is pursuing

After the conspirators have successfully murdered Caesar and therefore completed their conceited plan, Brutus steps in front of the audience of people, providing his reasoning for their infamous act. During his speech to the Plebians, he states, “not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” (3.2, 21-22). Shakespeare depicts Brutus’ pride the most during this speech to the Plebians, in having him explain himself in such a way that shows his true gratification in being a member of the Roman civilization. After the speech is over Brutus even goes on to state that “I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death”(3.2 46-47). Brutus tells the Plebeians that he is so confident in his decision and so remarkably proud of his capital of Rome that he would kill himself with the same dagger used to kill Caesar rather than disappoint them. He ends up fulfilling his promise by the end of the play, stabbing himself in the chest, killing him instantly. This death can be easily considered one of the most noble deaths of them all, presenting Brutus as having so much pride that it could not be done any other