Brutus: The Tragic Hero of Julius Caesar and His Downfall

As an English essay due Monday, you might be tempted to whip up some ideas on the fly for your 11th-grade English class. However, if you're looking for a deeper analysis, let's dive into Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' and explore the question: Was Brutus responsible for his own downfall?

Brutus as a Tragic Hero

William Shakespeare casts Brutus as a tragic hero in the Greek sense—a character who makes a critical judgment error, leading to his own destruction. This concept of a tragic hero is rooted in Greek tragedy, where the protagonist's downfall is often attributed to a hamartia or tragic flaw. In this case, Brutus's flaw is his idealistic view of Roman nobility and his unwavering commitment to his principles.

The Killing of Caesar: A Result of Jealousy or Idealism?

The act of assassinating Julius Caesar raises many questions. While some may argue that Brutus acted out of jealously or due to the alleged affair between Caesar and his mother Servilia, the deeper analysis suggests that Brutus's decision was a reflection of his idealistic beliefs. In reality, historians like Plutarch and Suetonius provide more nuanced insights. Eloquently, some sources even suggest that the real Brutus and Caesar were related, a fact that was too controversial for Shakespeare to incorporate in his play.

The Noblest Roman: Idealism and Sycophancy

Shakespeare portrays Brutus as someone deeply committed to the idea of Roman nobility. His noble intentions are well-intentioned, but his ignorance of human nature and his willingness to manipulate by Cassius ultimately lead to his downfall. Cassius, a more pragmatic character, recognizes Brutus's weak spots and exploits them relentlessly.

Blaming Cassius: Overlooking Brutus's Own Actions

Many commentators uphold that Brutus is inherently flawed. His choices, such as not killing Antony alongside Caesar, are viewed as errors in judgment. Despite his noble ideals, Brutus allows himself to be swayed by Cassius's arguments, indicating a vulnerability in his decision-making. This dilemma emphasizes the complexity of his character: a man of principles who, in his quest for nobility, falls prey to his own naive beliefs.

Brutus's tragic flaw is his inability to distinguish between genuine nobility and opportunistic sycophancy. His unwavering commitment to his ideals makes him susceptible to manipulation, as seen when Cassius convinces him to support the conspiracy. This manipulation is further highlighted when Cassius's pragmatic approach aligns with Brutus's idealistic views, leading to a tragic outcome.

The Downfall of Brutus: Idealism vs. Reality

Brutus's downfall is not merely a result of Cassius's manipulative tactics but also of his own idealistic nature. His noble intentions are noble, but his failure to recognize the reality of political power and human nature ultimately leads to his demise. By clinging to his ideals, Brutus blinds himself to the fact that the path to true Roman nobility might involve compromise and negotiation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brutus is indeed responsible for his own downfall. His tragic flaw is rooted in his idealistic belief in the nobility of Rome. This belief, while admirable, ultimately leads him to make critical errors in judgment. His downfall is a testament to the often fatal consequences of idealism in the face of political reality.