Alvin Cao
World Civilizations I/English
Mr. Richardson/1
March 9th, 2015

Villainous Brutus

Brutus’ actions only benefit Brutus. Brutus murders Caesar, the most honorable man in the Roman Empire for Brutus’s own gains. Cassius manipulates Brutus into joining and leading the conspiracy. Greed and power blind Brutus and lead to his death. Brutus serves as the villain of Julius Caesar. Brutus kills the most honorable man in Rome, Julius Caesar. Caesar’s honor stems from his lack of ambition. Caesar rejected the crown three times when Marc Antony offered him the crown. When Caesar had “a crown offered [to] him …. He put it by with the back of his hand … And he put it by thrice.” (1.2.231-239) Caesar avoids taking the crown three times and refuses the power of Rome preferring to act selflessly. Caesar displays honor because he values the people before himself. When many people pushed to have their papers recognized by Caesar, Artemidorus urged Caesar to read a letter outlining plans to murder Caesar. Artemidorus demands his letter read first because “Mine’s … touches Caesar nearer” (3.1.7), and Caesar replies “What touched [me] shall be touched last” (8). Caesar places greater importance on others before himself.
Arrogance and selfishness drive Brutus. Brutus envies Caesar, and Brutus’s envy led him to Cassius. Brutus felt Caesar needs to acknowledge him more as equals. Cassius preys on Brutus’ jealousy by mentioning “… “Brutus” and “Caesar”—what should be in that “Caesar”? Why should that name be sounded more than yours?” (1.2.149-152) Brutus joins the conspiracy because Cassius persuades him. Brutus only cares about how he looks to the Roman citizens. When the conspirators plan to murder Caesar, Cassius suggests to kill Marc Antony. Brutus responds with, “Our course would seem too bloody … Let’s be sacrificers, but not butchers … This shall make our purpose necessary and not envious” (2.1.175-191). Brutus dismisses the idea of additional bloodshed for fear of losing the Roman people’s support because he wants more power. Brutus proves his dishonorable nature through his hypocrisy and murder of Julius Caesar. Many Romans engaged in bribery to secure power in Rome. When