Julius Caesar and Marcus Junius Brutus: Wise Adversaries or Honourable Foes? Essay

Submitted By KikiBurls
Words: 548
Pages: 3

Although Caesar has not always been as wise as Brutus, they share a certain, honourable aspect, appropriate for the era in which they live. They both have confidence that the actions they have taken, or plan to take, are fitting towards the situation. Brutus, however, is more reasonable and fit for a higher authority. Brutus has a hefty amount of love and respect for Rome. He even says he is willing to die for his home country (I.ii.171-74). A man this gallant towards his country has a virtuous sense of honour. Even when he plotted the death of his own ruler and dear friend, he chooses decency and integrity over bloodshed (II.i.172-74) Caesar is also a reputable man, for his time. When offered the crown, he denied it three times before agreeing to take it (I.i.220-30). The action in and of itself is an honourable act. Though Caesar and Brutus have numerous similarities, the two are notably different individuals. Caesar was never put into an authoritative position to use the wisdom he possessed. He also doesn’t take his wife seriously when she dreamt of his death (II.ii.10-12, 41-48). Not only does he not heed her warning, he also mocks her and speaks down on her (II.ii.105-08). Unlike Caesar, Brutus takes feat when conspirators arrive to home during the night (II.i.77-85). He makes a plan, informs the conspirators, and executes it intelligently. Brutus is aware of the consequences yet he continues his plot. He realizes that killing an oppressor is the only way to purge Rome of tyranny. “It must be by his death: and for my part, / I know no personal cause to spurn at him, / But for the general.” Brutus says (II.i.10-12). He knows if he murders Caesar, he can restore Rome from what Cassius says the people hate to what he sees as right. Countless traits make up a man and his beliefs; his beliefs are what drive him to accomplish goals. Brutus’ goal was to repair Rome and remove Caesar from power and as stated in Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, he succeeds (III.i.73-78). It