Brutus A Tragically Misunderstood Hero Essay - 1219 Words

In William Shakespeares classic tragedy â€Å"Julius Caesar† the characters are all positioned on a path that leads them to a terrible and disastrous end. Some destroy themselves for the greater good of Rome or just because of their own selfish greed for power. Some characters proceed to destroy others in hopes of protecting the greater good, but lose those closest to them. Cassius leads a dark conspiracy and kills Julius Caesar, but later kills himself. Marc Antony and Octavius track down and kill the assassins that killed Caesar, but lose those they care about most along the way. A true hero will rise to adversity and meet a situation head on to conquer the problem or his foes; however, a tragic hero may do just the opposite. A tragic†¦show more content†¦However, Cassius proceeds, realizing Brutus’ underlying conflict is fear for Caesar as a king. Cassius presents a grand speech to Brutus, manipulating him with faulty reasoning. Several times he tries to use examples that will make Caesar look unscrupulous. At one point he says, â€Å"He had a fever when he was in Spain, and when the fit was on him, I did mark how he did shake. ‘Tis true, this god did shake† (893). Cassius jealousy is so blinding that he is unable to realize his reasons are pointless; however, Brutus is also unable to see through Cassius’ reasoning. Instead of realizing that Caesar is human and a fever is a common ailment of all humans, he is overthrown by Cassius’ manipulative words. Brutus claims to put his honor first when he says, â€Å"For let the gods so speed me as I love the name of honor more than I fear death† (892). However, Brutus’ actions do not agree with his words. He allows himself to be easily manipulated into not only bringing down Caesar, but eventually himself. As Brutus makes more and more dreadful decisions, he suffers a greater downfall. Each decision leads to a greater consequence, which will eve ntually bring Brutus down altogether. Brutus’ first bad decision is joining the conspiracy. The conspirators against Caesar are able to manipulate Brutus’ doubtful thoughts and have him step forward as a leader. Brutus’ speaks for the group many times. On one occasion