Brutus as a Tragic Hero

Julius Caesar is regarded as one of William Shakespeares greatest works of literature. It is mainly based on is mainly based on the assassination of Julius Caesar. Brutus, a servant and close friend to Julius Caesar. was ironically the ringleader for Caesars assassination. Brutus thinks that if he assassinates Julius Caesar he will be doing what was scoop for Rome. In this play, Brutus is often referred to as the sadal friend. According to Aristotle, a tragic hero essential be noble, rise hubris, demonstrates hamartia, and experiences an epiphany.Brutus fits Aristotles explanation of a tragic hero since he has all of the characteristics. A tragic hero requires be noble. Shakespeare do Brutus noble in this play by making him always lacking to do what is best for Rome. He incorporates that by making Rome Brutuss top priority. When Brutus was discussing the assassination with the some other assassins, he states, No, not on oath. If not the face of men, the hold outance of our souls, the times abuse if these be motives weak, break off betimes, and every man hence to his idle bed.So let high-sighted tyranny rage on till each man drop by lottery (2. 1. 124-9). Brutus explains how the current state of Rome is lovesome enough to hold themselves together rather than swearing to each others fealty. He proves his nobility by saying how the sadness and suffering of the Romans including themselves should not only be their motivation to assassinate Caesar, but should as well as be creating a brotherhood amongst them. In other words, Brutus believes that a Romans word should be their loyalty rather than swearing on it.Shakespeare also shows Brutuss nobility indirectly when Caesar was being assassinate. Before Caesar died, he looked to over to Brutus and he said, Et tu , Brute? Then fall Caesar (3. 1. 85). Et tu, Brute means Even you, Brutus in Latin, and this shows that Caesar knows that in that wish must be a noble purpose if Brutus was involved. In that manner, this quote also shows Caesars respect for Brutus as a person. If the dictator of Rome respects his servant, than the servant must be noble to his empire, thus, Brutus is a noble person.Not only do tragic heros need to be noble, but they also have to demonstrate hubris. Hubris is excessive pride or self- assurance. Brutus shows his excessive pride and confidence is when he acted on his decisions rather than others. For example, when Brutus assassinated Caesar, tier Antony wanted to create a speech at his funeral. Cassius tries to tell Brutus what could go wrong, but Brutus pig-headedly says, I will myself into the pulpit first and show the reason of our Caesars death It shall avail much than do us wrong (2. . 257-63). Brutus doesnt even consider what Cassius has told him. It is as if he already resolute not to listen to Cassiuss since he thinks his thought is superior. Another example of Brutuss self-confidence was in the lead the battle of Brutus and Cassius against Ma rk Antony and Octavian. Brutus asks Cassius on the opinion of if they should attack the enemies or bet for them. Cassius thinks it would be better to wait for the enemies, but Brutus says, Good reasons must of force give place to betterThe enemy, marching along by them, by them shall make a fuller number up, come on refreshed, new added, and encouraged from which advantage we cut him off if at Philippi we do face him there, those people at our back (4. 3. 233-42). Brutus explains that great reasons give away for better ones. He also explained how the enemies will gain more soldiers for their army on the way to them, but they could nullify that advantage by going towards them. Although Brutus provides a reason to why his lead is better than Cassiuss claim, he still gives the impression that he is superior to Cassius.Brutuss hubris can also give the impression that he thinks better about than himself than he does others. Either way, this causes Brutus problems. Tragic heroes normal ly suffer hamartia as a result of their hubris. Hamartia is another word for tragic flaw. Brutus demonstrates hamartia in his naivety. One way this was demonstrated was when Brutus was discussing the assassination and they wanted Cicero to get involved. Cassius, Casca, Cinna and Metellus all believed that Cicero should be involved to. once Brutus made his decision, he stated, O name him Cicero notLet us not break with him, for he will neer follow anything that other men begin (2. 1. 161-3). Brutus did not even speak persuasively he just exclaimed his opinion and everyone agreed with him all of a sudden. This shows that the Cassius, Casca, Cinna and Metellus might be just difficult to use Brutus to get rid of Caesar. Another way Brutus demonstrates hamartia is him being manipulated too easily. Cassius flattered Brutus and Brutus let the compliment get to him. One example is when Cassius compared Brutuss and Caesars names.Cassius tries to flatter Brutus by saying, The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings. Brutus, and Caesar. What should be in that Caesar? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? (1. 2. 149-53) Cassius explains to Brutus that they were the ones to get hold their own fate and not the stars. In other words, he is trying to tell Brutus they are inferiors at their own will. This gives an impression that Cassius is trying to make Brutus feel guilty about himself.Then Cassius attempts to fire up Brutus by saying that his name is equally capable of ruling Rome. The devious Cassius easily manipulates Brutus, and Brutuss self confidence helped him believe all of Cassiuss compliments were true. Brutus wouldnt know about his tragic flaw until he lost everything. An epiphany is where someone has a sudden realization of something. Aristotle define epiphany in a tragedy where the tragic hero realizes his/her mistake or mistakes made. In Julius Caesar, Brutus had an epiphany when he was getting ready to fight Octavian and Mark Antonys army.In the tent discussing his plans with Cassius, he confesses that his wife, Portia, died. Brutus sadly explains She Portia is dead Impatient of my absence, and grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony have made themselves so strong for with her death that tidings came with this she fell distract, and (her attendants absent) swallowed fire Speak no more of her (4. 3. 171-83). Brutus is kerfuffle that his wife is dead and realizes that he dragged her into this mess. He accuses himself for losing the love of his life, and this creates a sensation of pity.This is the turning point in the play where Brutus starts to believe that killing Caesar was not right. Brutus also experiences an epiphany at the end of the story, after his defeat against Mark Antony and Octavian. Having lost everything, Brutus decides to murder himself. Brutuss final words were, Caesar, now be still. I killed not thee with half(prenominal) so good a will (5. 5. 56-7). Wit h these meaningful last words, Brutus creates a sense of pity for himself. Brutus was never sure of whether he should have killed Caesar or not, and he proves it with these words.To kill himself with half so good a will he gives the impression to where he is curious about what the condition would Rome be wish with Caesar still in power. Aristotles definition of a tragedy seems to fit all the tragedies today. He states that the tragic hero must have the following traits must be of noble birth, must show excessive pride, must show a tragic flaw, and must learn from his/her mistakes. This universal map of tragedy fits William Shakespeares Julius Caesar in a perfect manner. Although one could argue that Brutus is not the tragic hero, he best fits Aristotles definition of a tragic hero in Julius Caesar.