Brutus always acts in an honourable manner and is right to kill Caesar. Comment on this statement.

Authors Avatar by aliafsyed (student)

Alia SyedEnglish CourseworkMr. Miotti

Julius Caesar Essay

“Brutus always acts in an honourable manner and is right to kill Caesar.” Comment on this statement.

Literature has brought to surface some of the world’s greatest geniuses, most notably the renowned playwright, William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was born in 1594 in Stratford-upon-Avon. He produced numerous masterpieces throughout his lifetime, such as Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar was one of Shakespeare’s shortest plays and was first performed in 1601 in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The plot revolves around Julius Caesar, an incredibly ambitious and triumphant leader who returns victoriously from war. Upon his return, it is suggested that his greatest ambition may come true and he will be announced as the ruler of Rome. However, it is obvious that the other characters in the play are not in favour of this decision and this ultimately leads to his death by the hands of his loyal servant, Brutus. Brutus is genuinely patriotic and his choice to kill Caesar is potentially driven by his loyalty to his nation. The plot then focuses on Brutus and his fight to achieve peace for Rome, eventually leading to a war with Caesar’s close friend, Mark Antony. The play revolves around Brutus and the aftermath of his decision to kill Caesar. This essay will evaluate Brutus’s actions and will determine whether his decision to kill Caesar was truly justified.  

 Throughout the play, there are several instances in which the people of Rome show respect for Brutus. Although Caesar is considered to be ranked very high in the hierarchy, it is often considered that both Brutus and Caesar are equal. For example, Cassius states, “What should be in that ‘Caesar’? Why should that name be sounded more than yours?” (Act I, scene ii, 142-143). Cassius compares the name of ‘Brutus’ with ‘Caesar’, and by doing so, he is indirectly comparing their reputations. Hence, Cassius believes that Brutus has just as much power and support to rule Rome as Caesar. It can also be observed that several Romans look up to Brutus and his honourable nature. This is demonstrated in a quotation by Casca, “O he sits high in all the people’s hearts…” [Act I, scene iii, 157-160]. This quotation especially reinforces the fact that Brutus is a good character because it is said by Casca, who is not impressed very easily. Another situation which shows that Brutus is admired by the Romans can be seen when Cassius states, “I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome (Except immortal Caesar), speaking of Brutus…” [Act I, scene ii, 58-62]. In this quotation, Cassius is emphasizing the fact that Brutus is so commendable that even powerful Romans respect him. Along with being an esteemed figure in Rome, Brutus is also highly ranked and successful. This can be seen when Cassius says, “And look you lay it in the praetor’s chair,” [Act I, scene iii, 143]. Cassius uses the word ‘praetor’ which also means ‘judge’. Therefore, this shows that Brutus has a significant amount of power and is above many people. In general, Brutus is a good character in the eyes of many, is just and is greatly devoted to his nation.

Join now!

Brutus’s main goal throughout the play is to achieve peace for Rome, and therefore, he justifies this as the reason for Caesar’s unfortunate demise. Brutus continually brings up the point that Caesar will not be a good leader for Rome. When Brutus states, “It if aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i‘th’other,” [Act I, scene ii, 85-86], it shows that Brutus simply wants what is best for Rome. Brutus is willing to do anything in order to protect the tranquillity of his nation, whether that involves murder or not. The key aspect that makes ...

This is a preview of the whole essay