A sample of writing from Alexandria Writing the Essay Students
Essays on Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar"
David Smith
Anthony Killick
Antony
The world is full of people who make their actions look honourable but have much less then honourable motives. Although Brutus’s act of killing Caesar looked anything but honourable, his motives were not so dishonourable. One of the most interesting characters in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is Marc Antony. Shakespeare does not make it clear whether Antony is honourable or not. As the reader progresses through the play, Antony’s actions speak for themselves. Although he could persuade the public that he cared for Rome, he slowly endangered Rome as his power became greater and greater.
During the first act we see Antony as a young party animal that will do anything for Caesar. He waits on him hand and foot. When Caesar requests that Antony touch Calpurnia in his run of Lupercalia Antony humbly, admiringly, and flatteringly says, “When Caesar says ‘do this,’ it is perform’d.” [P. 43] In act two, when Cassius votes to kill Antony along with Caesar, Brutus objects and Decius says that Antony is as useless as Caesar’s arm and when his head is cut off. Little did they know of their great mistake.
After Caesar’s death Antony’s character seemed to change completely. He changes from his former lowly, submissive, and bootlicking self to a passionate, influential, and power hungry leader. After the death of Caesar Antony makes it look like he consents to the reason for Caesar’s death, acquiring for himself permission to do a funeral speech. Without directly blaming Brutus and company for committing crime, Antony rouses the Roman public to revenge for Caesar’s death. The bloodthirsty, relentless, and merciless mob riots, destroying all that had a part in Caesars death.
They could not, however, take revenge on Brutus and Cassius since they had previously fled the city. After causting all this tumult Antony meets with Octavius and Lepidus as they discuss who is to be killed and how they should go about taking over Rome. Here, Antony begins showing the major flaws in his character. He despises Lepidus, labelling him as a only brainless but “convenient tool” [P.90]. He also tries to find a way to turn the money promised to the citizens in Caesars will to building himself an army to take out Brutus and Cassius. We see here that Antony gave with one hand and took with the other as he promised the money to the citizens and then wanted it for himself. Although he might have seemed honourable, a man with power can become corrupt. Antony does not seem to have the ability to remain humble and just when power is given to him.
Looking at Antony’s behaviour throughout the play some of his actions may have appeared honourable; however when he had obtained the support of the public it seemed to get to his head. Behind the scenes we see how his revenge for Caesar’s death was only a scheme to harness some power for himself. The greediness he shows is not suitable for a man of honour and treacherous in a man of power. Having no respect for fellow humans such as Lepidus, trying to get money from Caesar’s will, and fighting for power, Antony doesn’t seem like one you would call honourable.
Carisa Lualhati
All through history there have been many men and women who have been considered honorable people. Many people have bravely chosen to be upright. As an example, men and women have fought for their country, helped the injured, and stood up for integrity. Those people have been recognized because of their honorable service. Now, the question has surfaced concerning Brutus, one of the main characters in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, was he an honorable man? Many in his time considered Brutus a valiant and noble man, but deep down inside he was the opposite. When one examines Brutus’ character and behavior one will come up to the conclusion that Brutus was not honorable.
Brutus was known as a great principled, intelligent, and noble man among the people of Rome. He truly loved Rome and would do anything in his power to fulfill its needs. People would have considered him honorable, but behind his admirable stature were some very tragic flaws that he had possessed. Though some might have agreed that Brutus was strong and noble, he was weak. His foundation was placed on shaky ground. He was not strong enough to stand on his principles. When confronted with the conspiracy of assassinating Caesar, Brutus was easily persuaded into joining the diabolical plan. An honorable man would not have been swayed away from his integrity and principles. Along with being weak, Brutus was also too trusting. Clearly, he was quick to believe everything Cassius had to say. He was convinced Cassius was correct in his reasoning to murder Caesar. He was blinded to the truth due to his eagerness to trust others. Brutus was fooled, tricked, and betrayed by Cassius and the other conspirators because he of his weakness and gullibility.
Brutus was torn between his loyalties. He loved both Rome and Caesar. Rome was the center of Brutus’ world and he cherished it completely. He also loved Caesar, but was against his future reign over Rome. He honestly felt that Caesar would ruin and destroy Rome and he refused to let that occur. He was tortured by the thought of having Caesar rule over Rome but also haunted by the thought of killing his friend. Every “ since Cassius first did [incite him] against Caesar” Brutus continually agonized over the idea of committing a murder. (Shakespeare 28). He was at war with himself. His conscience would not let him eat, talk, or sleep. Brutus’ wife, Portia recognized that her husband had “some sick offense within [his] mind” which tormented and mentally paralyzed him. Brutus was not a stable man. He appeared to be deeply disturbed within himself. Confused, he battled over whom he should stay loyal to, Rome or Caesar.
Brutus acted on impulse and his on own opinions. He was certain that if Caesar would be crowned king that Rome would be doomed. Yet, he had no proof that Caesar was an unfit king. Also, Brutus had no prediction that Caesar’s reign would cause disaster for Rome. Brutus’ motives were only founded on his own beliefs. He believed that if Caesar “would be crowned . . . that might changed [Caesar’s] nature . . . [and] he may do danger” to Rome (Shakespeare 26). However, there was a blemish in his reasoning. Brutus may have robbed Rome of one of the most spectacular kings Rome would have had. But because of Brutus’ mistake no one will ever know the outcome of Caesar’s reign. In addition to acting on his own reasoning, Brutus along with the conspirators disobeyed on of the most important laws, God’s commandment,” Thou shalt not kill”. Whether killing Caesar was the greatest thing for Rome or not Brutus committed a very dishonorable act. If he was as honorable as some may say, he would have taken it as a duty to do what was right instead of what he thought was right. Obviously, Brutus did not consider every aspect of his situation instead he impulsively performed a tragic crime.
After a closer examination of Brutus one can conjure up that he was not honorable in any aspect. He was weak, torn, and impulsive which are horrible qualities that cost him everything. Brutus lost respect, he lost his wife, and also lost his life at the end. All those incidents could have been avoided if he prided himself on being honorable. One can learn a few good lessons from Brutus’ mistakes. When approached with an extremely evil scheme or event one should remember the consequences that Brutus had to face. One should be honorable not only because it is right, but also because it is pleasing in God’s eyes.
Brutus hero or villain?
by
eric leas
If it is indeed possible for one to be a hero, yet at the same time a villain, then
Brutus is a prime example. Can a person be truly honorable and at the same time be a traitor?
In Julius Caesar , Shakespeare depicts Brutus as a man imalleable in his honor, but tainted by his
involvement in Caesar’s murder. Brutus "love[s] the name of honor more than [he] fear[s]
death"(Shakespeare 6), and he continually attempts to place it first in all that he does.
Throughout this book Brutus’ honor is tested through betrayal, through murder, and through
death it is tried and in the end it doth remain.
Brutus is truly an honorable man, this is recognized by his closest friends as well
as his adversaries. As a general, a statesman, and a senator, Brutus finds himself in a seat of
honor and high prestige. Cassius, brother and long-time friend of Brutus, knows this and he
himself praises Brutus saying "well, Brutus though art noble"(Shakespeare 12). Being on
inimical terms with Brutus, it might appear odd for Marc Antony to state repeatedly "Brutus is an
honorable man"(Shakespeare 46-47), yet indeed he does, and thus cannot deny the reality of
Brutus’ honor. Brutus’ honor is realized by many but it might be his honor that gets the best of
him.
Knowing and understanding Brutus’ honor, Cassius sees how profitable it would
be to have Brutus be part of his conspiracy against Caesar. With Brutus as part of this plot it
would bring a sense of nobleness, a sense of worthiness and a sens of purpose that it did not have
before. However in order to obtain Brutus, Cassius must first be able to trick Brutus into making
it appear as if it were a noble deed to murder Caesar. As Brutus is brought into the conspiracy his
strong sense of honor causes him to play into Cassius’ trick and be blinded into believing that
there was honor in the murder of Caesar. Brutus’ own sense of honor is used against him him and
he would suffer the consequences of his mistake
Having only few to turn to for aid, Brutus and Cassius are banished from Rome.
Brutus’ honor is now put to a new test as he tries to cope with the death of his wife as well as
attempt to circumvent Marc Antony and Octavious in battle. This battle is soon fought and
Brutus fearing that all is lost takes his own life, refusing to let one have the honor of killing him
or to live on as a prisoner. Shortly thereafter Brutus is praised by Antony as "The noblest Roman
of them all"(Shakespeare78).
Through a twisted trail of murder and betrayal, Brutus’ honor is tested to his
limits. Fearing more to live on in disgrace than to die Brutus holds true to his love for honor. To
be a villain one must commit an ineffable act and to be a hero, one must be honorable in ones
ways. Though Brutus can be seen as a villain because of his part in Caesar’s murder, his honor is
stronger than this one act causing him also to be considered a hero.
Josh Shields
Brutus was an important man in the Roman Empire. Not only was he well respected by his peers and those under him, he was also one of Caesars good friends. Brutus’s wife, Portia, was affectionate, loving, and respectful towards her husband. Brutus also has a brother who’s in league with other conspirators to murder Caesar. This brother, Cassius, tried to persuade Brutus to join his band of conspirators, but he was unsuccessful. After hearing Cassius’ intentions toward Caesar, Brutus was very troubled over whether or not to join with the conspirators. Portia notices something is bothering him and says, “It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep.” (Shakespeare 26)
After being confronted by the conspirators Brutus finally gives in. While walking with Caesar in the Capitol Brutus and Co. pulled knives and stabbed him to death. After the murder, Mark Antony, Caesar’s right hand man, approaches the conspirators and with astonishment says “I know not, gentlemen, what you intend”. (Shakespeare 40) At Caesar’s burial Antony gave a condemning speech about Brutus and the other murderers. The crowd of people was instantly on his side and when he had finished they rushed off to find and kill the conspirators.
Up to this point there are a couple different ways to judge Brutus.
Before his brother approached Brutus a second time about joining the conspiracy, he was very troubled over what his decision would be. Brutus really did care for Caesar and didn’t want to kill his friend. But he also cared about Rome and knew that Caesar could abuse his power and cause problems for the people. Brutus loved his wife, gave her respect and treated her with kindness. Throughout the entire conversation between Brutus and the other conspirators toward the beginning of the book, Brutus kept his head, stayed calm, and thought logically. Brutus was opposed to killing more people that absolutely necessary. When the murder of Mark Antony was suggested Brutus replies, “Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, to cut the head off and then hack the limbs, like wrath in death and envy afterwards; for Antony is but a limb of Caesar. (Shakespeare:23) When the people of Rome offered Brutus the throne he turned it down knowing that a democracy was needed.
Brutus also committed murder, and as the Bible says in Numbers 35:30 “If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death. Although Brutus had good intentions when he killed Caesar, It was not right for him to take the law into his own hands. Also the issue of betrayal comes into play here. Caesar and Brutus were close friends. Caesar trusted Brutus and Brutus betrayed that trust and became a backstabber.
The ideal way for Brutus to handle the situation would have been to first, reason with the conspirators and try to change their hearts, and second, to confront Caesar and try to persuade him with loving-kindness. Although Brutus seemed to be trustworthy and reliable, he lost his honor when he joined his brother and the conspirators.
Ketura Meyer
Honor in the Mist of Evil
William Shakespeare is renowned for his plays, stories, and poems. Julius Caesar is one of Shakespeare’s most famous works. Antony held one of the starring roles in this play. In the midst of a terrible tragedy – the conspiracy and murder of Rome's leader, the cloak of patriotism over vile act was torn away by an honorable friend of Caesar. As in all good and true stories, wickedness committed in the dark was revealed in the public square enabling the honorable Antony to fulfill the duties of respect and justice for his leader.
Antony respected and obeyed his ruler Caesar. Being devoted to his leader, Antony described Caesar as “. . . mighty, bold, . . . and loving . . .” (Julius Caesar, 39). Even when danger threatened those who loved Caesar, Antony didn’t capitulate in fear. Noting the admirable qualities of his ruler, Antony described Caesar as a generous man, who “. . . left [the people] all his walks, his private arbors, and new-planted orchards, on this side Tiber. . .” (51). Antony argued that Caesar had brought much wealth and glory to Rome and that Caesar was a humble man, for he turned down offers of the crown three times. Antony also honored “. . . the ruins of the noblest man. . .” —his beloved friend and ruler Caesar, by giving him a proper funeral. Antony not only acted honorably by respecting his ruler, but also kept his word (43).
As an honorable man, Antony fulfilled his promises. When Caesar was fatally stabbed, Antony cried, “Woa to the hand that shed this costly blood! Over they wounds now do I prophesy, which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips to beg the voice and utterance of my tongue, a curse shall light upon the limbs of men” (43). Keeping one’s word is a very honorable aspect as Jesus commanded to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Always true to his word, Antony determined that he would revenge Caesar’s precious blood. First Antony loosed the hordes of Rome by cajoling them into perceiving the act of Brutus as an atrocity instead of an act of patriotism. Then he joined forces with Caesar’s step son, Octavius, and pursued Brutus and Cassius, the lead conspirators. Antony achieved his goal as these men took their own lives in the face of defeat. By fulfilling his oath, Antony not only lived up to his promises, but also brought about justice.
As a just, honorable, and upright man, Antony worked to maintain justice in Rome. After Caesar had been assassinated, Antony strove to punish the conspirators for murder. Securing an opportunity to speak at Caesar’s funeral, Antony first worked to break the murderer’s hold on the will of the populace. Antony was a impeccable politician skilled in rhetoric, yet he didn’t use deceit and duplicity to fulfill his plan. Instead, he tailored his words and actions to highlight that Brutus’ claims were ludicrous. He brought out Caesar’s will and mentioned all the benefits the people would have gained if Caesar was still alive. Antony also insured that he didn’t speak unfavorably about the conspirators. Instead, he used skill, cunning, and determination to give evidence that showed that Caesar didn’t fit Brutus’ description of a power monger. “The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was ambitious: if it were so, it was a grievous fault, and grievously hath Caesar answer'd it. . . I thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; and, sure, he is an honourable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, but here I am to speak what I do know” (46). With the facts squarely before them, the crowd began to have doubts as to whether Brutus was telling the truth. Soon Antony had magnetized the crowd to his side, and the masses shouted, “Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay! Let not a traitor live!” (50).With the crowd on his side, Antony was able to bring just punishment on the murders and uphold justice in the state.
Antony demonstrated his honorable character as he fulfilled his duties of respect for his ruler, kept his word, and pursued justice by not letting the perpetrators of the crime remain at peace. William Shakespeare’s demonstrates many morals in his plays. Evil deeds will be punished and acting justly is honorable, are two of Shakespeare’s morals. The Bible says that we don’t have to fear the sword if we do right. In this case, the sword found out the murderers by way of the more honorable Antony.
Lindsey Leas
Brutus is Julius Caesar’s idealist, instigator, and protagonist who places his own ideas
highly above other people. He focuses all of his life on defending his principles and striving to
serve the good of the state without contempt. Although he commits faulty crimes, Brutus can be
honorable in a sense that from his desire to do good in all things, his outlook and character soften
to a moderate level as the play progresses. He undergoes a great change in the play and avails as
the underwriter of his own subplot. He suffers in agony after realizing that his decision to
murder his supposed good friend Caesar was wittingly a faulty one. Many feel that Brutus is the
most interesting and complex character in this play.
Clearly this man has a sincere yet fatal flaw. He exalts himself with self confidence and
perfection, and as a result even believes that he held part in the assassination as a noble cause.
He is convinced that his friend will turn out as a horrific leader; therefore to apparently save
Rome from a certain dictatorship, he decides that Caesar must be eliminated. Brutus views
Caesar’s murder as a religious sacrificial act to purge Rome and shares his plot with Cassius
saying, "Let’s kill (him) boldly, but not wrathfully, Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, Not
hew him as a carcass fit for hounds." One could determine through his inciting speech, how
brutal, undermining, and vulturous Brutus truly is.
The idealism of Brutus causes him to inflict many miscalculations that eventually prove
to be politically lethal. He spares Antony because he doesn’t see a need to destroy him along
with Caesar; thinking it would make the situation "bloody", but in the end it is Antony who
destroys Brutus. He makes another conflicting decision when he allows Antony to present a
funeral oration on Caesar’s body. Thus Antony brings huge declension Brutus and the other
conspirators, antagonizing with a mob of neophyte plebians to rebel against them. Yet another
fatal decision is made against his better judgement of Cassius thereby resolving, determining, and
not resoluting to move his army to meet the enemy and nonetheless fighting at the final battle of
Philippi. Brutus’ army suffers miserable defeat furthermore because of his wrong choice.
By the end of th play, Bruts has changed, willing to die for honor, "Then let the gods
carry me swiftly to such an enterprise, for I would gladly die in the name of honor." Even though
he was blinded by his terrible mistakes, Brutus emerges with slight sense of honor in doing noble
deeds without selfishness. One could respond that he is half the honorary person than that of
Caesar or Antony for example. Still he refuses to withdraw his selfless pride and exaltation of
himself, even through his death. He kills himself exclaiming: "I killed not thee with half so good
a will", referring to himself as having a heavier, raging force to destroy himself.
The final analysis of Brutus is that he upholds, vindicates, and justifies honor above
everything else. He is entirely motivated on nobility and principles rather than personal
relationships. His immaleable idealism is nevertheless his solid virtue and also his greatest flaw.
Brutus’ misguided senses with his plot and his fate ultimately lead to his downfall. This is a man
deserving himself to be honored, but forthwith not capable of truly being honored. In every
incident he comes across, Brutus fails to seek out or limit the cunning aspects of his actions,
eventually serving noone at all. He is the plays equivalent to a tragic hero.
Abby Trimble
A strong loyalty and love can sometimes lead to deceit. Even though disaster can come from strong loyalty and love, most times, in the end, one will be remembered by that and not for the deceitful act. Although Brutus lets the sly, sneaky and jealous Cassius convince him that Caesar has "become a god" and is too powerful, he proves to have a strong loyalty and love for Caesar all throughout the play. (7) However, his love for Rome is much stronger. His unconditional love and firm loyalty to Rome made him believe Rome would be better off without Caesar for he "was ambitious." (47) He thought Caesar had too much power and would be the ruin of Rome. By the constant persuasion of Cassius, Brutus is led to kill Caesar for the good of Rome. Even though Antony turned the citizens against Brutus at Caesar’s funeral, in the end of the play they all looked up to him as great man. Although killing Caesar was his greatest mistake, his loyalty was sincere, just and right. The people of Rome still redeemed Brutus as honorable. While good can come out of evil, deceitfulness will sometimes be the outcome of such strong love and loyalty.
Honorable men will be the success of a country. People want someone who is honorable and can be looked up to in times of need. The greatest kind of men will always be the ones whom one can honor without having to try to. Although Brutus had an inflexible sense of honor that mafr it easier for his enemies to manipulate him, he was still highly honored by all the citizens of Rome. Even Antony, who was against Brutus, spoke of Brutus as being "wise and honourable." (50) He lived for his country and honestly wanted the best for all the citzens. Even though Antony and Octavious overtook Brutus and Cassius in battle,Brutus was still labeled the most noble and honored man in Rome. In the end of the play, after Brutus killed himself, Antony confessed Brutus to be "the noblest Roman of them all." (78) All of the people of Rome respectfully agreed "This was a man!" and they all went home happy that day, ready to start anew. (78) A successful country will be had if being led by honorable men.
Honesty and sincerity helps one to be honorable. One always prefers a person who can be trusted to a person who is always telling falsehoods. Brutus was always honest in all he said and did. Caesar strongly trusted Brutus for he was "Caesar’s angel" and "how dearly Caesar loved him." (49) Even after Brutus had committed the assassination of Caesar with the other members of the conspiracy, questions remained as to whether the murder was a noble, decidedly, selfless act, proof of a truly evil callousness, or a gross indifference to the ties of friendship and a failure to be moved by the power of a truly great man. However, at the very end of the play Antony stated that Brutus only killed Caesar "in general honest thought and common good to all" so therefore answered those questions. (78) All of the citizens honored his death. By being honest and sincere one will be honored.
Holding strong loyalty, love and honor to Caesar, but more to Rome, Brutus had an honest and sincere heart. So, was Brutus an honorable man? Evidently one can see he was. Although he had his faults, no one is perfect and so therefore overall he was honorable. His firm loyalty to Caesar, and his unconditional love for Rome caused him his life, but for the overall good of the citizens. His excellent reputation and his honorable position set him right in all his struggles. The citizens realized he was living for the good all Rome and not for himself. On and on throughout the play, all the characters at some point stated how honorable and wise Brutus was. Though at some times they doubted Brutus, in the end they all looked up to him with respect. Brutus could be easily trusted for he was always honest and sincere in everything he did and that was what won the citizens in the end.. He had his share of flaws and many times he was looked down on, but overall he was remembered as being honest, loyal and honorable.
Joanna Morehart
Brutus-Honorable?
When a person, is considered honorable,
what is it that makes him so? Is it because he is humble? Is it because he is
forgiving? Is it because he upholds his word? Is it because his life is led by a
love for others? Is it because he is esteemed? Is it because he has a good
reputation? Is it because he is a virtuous and noble man? All these qualities
are traits which form an honorable man. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more
desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” And
it has been said that “Virtue alone is the unerring sign of a noble [and thus
honorable] soul,” (Nicholas Boileau). Honorable men can and do make mistakes,
but to retain their honor they must repent. Brutus in Shakespeare’s Julius
Caesar, in which Brutus, Cassius,
Brutus was a man of many virtues
and esteemed repute. So great was his reputation that the conspirators desired
him to join their party for if Brutus joined their party, “that which would
appear offence in [them] his countenance, like richest alchemy, [would] change
to virtue and worthiness” (Shakespeare 17). Another example of his honorable
reputation lies in the fact that though Ligarius knew not what Brutus was
leading him to do, “…it [sufficed] that Brutus led [him] on” (28). Although he
was so greatly esteemed, Brutus was not conceited about it but possessed
admirable humility. When Cassius lavished praise upon him, he simply replied
that he did not possess the qualities of which Cassius spoke; he also realized
that such flattery was dangerous. In Act 5, after he and Cassius quarreled
violently, and after many harsh words were exchanged, Brutus again showed
his humility by admitting that he was wrong and “ill-tempered” (61). Not only
so, but by forgiving Cassius’ faults he showed that he possessed grace. (5).
Furthermore, Brutus, unlike Cassius, who is motivated by personal envy, hate,
and jealousy, “[knew no] personal cause to spurn at [Caesar], but for the
general good,” (18). Brutus instead of being led by selfish ambition was led by
his noble love for the Roman people. Lastly, Brutus was a man who upheld his
word. After Caesar was killed and
Brutus was not, however, a completely
honorable man because he was wrong in killing Caesar and did not repent.
Certainly events in history point to the truth of the accusation that Caesar was
“ambitious” for power, and certainly Caesar enjoyed the power that he possessed;
however, there is no solid historical proof nor solid proof from the play
that Caesar was going to seize the crown, endanger the Republic, and
threaten the freedom of the people. The case against Caesar was based on
suspicion. Even if Caesar’s goal was to seize the crown, he would not
necessarily have been a tyrant. While in his orchard thinking upon the things
Cassius has brought against Caesar, Brutus observes, “But ’tis common proof that
lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, [and ] when [the climber] once attains the
upmost round, he then unto the ladder turns his back, looks in the clouds,
scorning the base degrees by which he did ascend…” (19). Yes, power, glory,
and success can ruin, and power can be used tyrannically, but this course is
not the only. Brutus’s observation is not universal. Consider King David and
King Solomon; they both had great power and glory, yet they were neither ruined,
nor were they tyrants. Brutus had no proof that Caesar would be a tyrant, and
yet he killed him. One must bring up the point that honorable men can and do
make mistakes-King David again serves as an example. The difference between
David and Brutus is that David repented, and Brutus did not. Nowhere throughout
the play does an observer see any indication of Brutus feeling remorseful or
guilty. Men who murder unjustly and do not repent cannot be considered men of
total honor.
Finally, Brutus was not an honorable
leader. Brutus was a leader in the sense that he had great influence over others
and their actions; this power and influence is shown through the incidents where
Brutus overrules Cassius by, first, not allowing them to kill Antony (Act II
Scene I) and, second, by marching to meet Antony and Octavius instead of waiting
for Antony and Octavius to come to them (Act IV end of Scene III). Brutus
believed that Caesar would turn into a tyrant, but, as stated, there is no
historical proof, nor proof from the play to support the truth of this
accusation. But what if Caesar was ambitious for the crown? One does not see
either in history or the play that Caesar used his power tyrannically. But what
if he did? What then? How then does one evaluate Brutus’s involvement in the
conspiracy and his use of leadership? He, and all the other conspirators, remain
in the wrong. Matthew 18:15 commands that if someone sins against another, in
Caesar’s case this would have been being a tyrant and taking away the peoples’
rights, he who has been offended should go and talk privately with the offender
to try to settle things. Neither Brutus nor any other of the conspirators
did so. Neither he, even though he was a person well-suited to do so, not
only being an aristocrat of high repute with great influence but also being a
close friend of Caesar, nor any of the other conspirators tried to
discuss with Caesar, his wrongs. Neither he nor any of the other conspirators
after talking with Caesar allowed Caesar opportunities to change. Brutus had the
influence to attempt to lead the men to a better path, but he did not do so.
Tyranny is not a subject wholly new to the earth; one only has to look at
history to see that. The American Revolution was spurred by a revolt against it;
unlike, though, the event of Caesar’s murder, the American Revolution was
handled correctly. The American people attempted time and time again to
reason with King George. Time and time again they employed diplomacy
instead of bloodshed. Time and time again they were patient with him. The
case against Caesar was not handled in such a way. Those who are in a position
of power or leadership yet do not use it to do right are not honorable.
Brutus was partly a man of honor for he
was virtuous and esteemed; however, his assistance in murdering Caesar and his
being unrepentant, was not virtuous, and he cannot be considered a man of total
honor. Brutus murdered on the foundation of suspicion, not knowledge. Caesar had
not proven himself to be a tyrant, unlike Hitler in WWII and Saddam in recent
history, and yet Brutus killed him. Furthermore, in his position of influence,
power, and leadership, he did not use it to advance right. Was murder the one
and only, the good and best, the moral and right solution?
Consider the fact that for 500 years the
Most people would say that
being honorable is a key attribute of a leader. Leaders often get scrutinized
severely and their traits stand out in the forefront. It seems as if leaders
lacking honor are a far more abundant species compared to those with honor. The
reason for this may well be that dishonest actions are executed in a variety
of ways, they come easily, and they can aid one's ambitions. Mark Antony in
Julius Caesar acted deceivingly, enviously, and selfishly in his
various dealings during the period after Caesar's death. This being said, it
follows that Mark Anthony is not a man with honor.
People want a leader. They want to have the security of someone looking out for
their good. Trust in a leader is crucial for him to be wanted to be a
leader. Antony is smart; smart with all the deceitful trickeries to go with it.
He intentionally deceives a crowd into thinking he is a simple speaker telling
the facts and only the facts. But apparently that is not Antony's only
intention. After his "plain and blunt" speech, Antony musingly remarks "Now let
it work. Mischief thou art afoot." This is a simple example of how he deceives
people to get them on his side, for it must be known that this speech made the
crowd switch to his side from being on Brutus' side. A leader who deceives to
fulfill his purpose is lacking honor.
Envy is such a powerful force. From it flows all sorts of vileness. It drove
Mark Antony to dishonorable practices, so that the enviable position of head
leader of Rome could be his. Caesar had the position, and while he was alive
Antony tried to befriend him; then Caesar died and Antony tried to have the
people grant him power over Brutus; and then Caesar's son, Octavius, and Lepidus
and Antony had power and Antony tried to take it solely for himself. Antony
was envious of power, which is a terrible reason to pursue it. An honorable man
will pursue power for want of using it for good. Antony had no intentions of
doing good as he envied Caesar's position, his actions in this respect did him
little honor.
Selfishly Mark Antony pursued the power of Rome. A triumvirate was formed
between Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus. Antony openly speaks of his dislike of
Lepidus because "[He] is a slight unmeritable man." He wants sole power for
himself. Honorable men must think of others first. They must put their own wants
aside for the good of everyone else. Here it is plain that Antony is thinking of
himself only. In doing so, Antony is showing dishonor to all the people of Rome
by not thinking of their needs. The people of Rome need a good government, not a
single leader doing whatever he wants. This selfish behavior gives evidence that
Antony is proud, arrogant, and ill-tempered; all traits lacking in honor.
Mark Antony is not a person in which honor is to be found. He was lacking many
characteristics that provide honor, and he also had many dishonorable
characteristics. His lying, arrogance, anger, and envy gave away his true
spirit. If a leader doesn't behave in a manner fitting to his office, his
followers will abandon or dislike him. How could someone benefit following a
leader who says one thing and does another? No proper benefit can come from it.
Antony didn't fit his office for he did not behave honorably.
Joshua Hamrick
Over the years, since the Julius Caesar tragedy was written, the question has many times arose, which was more honorable, Brutus or Anthony? Both obviously were to some extent honorable. The position the writer maintains is Anthony was less honorable based on his deceit in taking advantage of the conspirator’s favor. Brutus, however, was wrong in killing the one who had showered upon him so much favor, prosperity and kindness.
What really stood out about Anthony was his loyalty to Caesar, when almost all others thought wrong of him. Brutus was disloyal and this obviously surprised Caesar. But, Brutus was loyal to Rome, and allowed himself to be turned against Caesar supposedly for the gain of Rome. Whether this is so or not, we do not know for certain. But Anthony obviously had a down point, which Brutus did not – Anthony lied to Brutus when he promised not to cause an uprising at Caesar’s funeral.
Brutus was an honorable man. He loved Caesar, and, indeed, Caesar had given him every reason to love him. He though, let his companions convince him that ambition, the only fault found in Caesar, warranted death. With this in mind he killed Caesar, thinking what he was doing was for the better good of Rome. Brutus’s faults were he was too easily swayed, his loyalty obviously was not very strong, and his reasons were lacking.
Anthony referred to Brutus as honorable, and Brutus, by allowing Anthony to speak at Caesar’s funeral showed a fault and a strong point. Allowing Anthony to speak was obviously a risk, but knowing what it would mean to Anthony and loving Caesar as he himself did, he took the devastating risk. Also, he at least slightly underestimated Anthony’s speaking abilities. At first Anthony showed emotion, reluctance for vengeance, and good sense when speaking to the crowd. This quickly won their hearts and set them all against Brutus.
In conclusion, I think Brutus was wrong in killing Caesar, and Anthony was right in his unfailing loyalty to Caesar. But Anthony lied outright to Brutus and the rest of the conspirators, putting his respectability greatly in question. Brutus was more honorable, though supporting a wrong, disastrous, and unsuccessful cause.
Jay Morehart
Humans are fallible beings—one cannot, therefore, define an ‘honorable man’ as a person who always does every thing perfectly, for that would be infallibility. What then should the definition for an ‘honorable man’ be? An honorable man seeks to do what is right, he is other–centered, he helps those in need, he rescues those in trouble—his actions demonstrate impartiality, compassion, and justness. He acts not from rashness, ignorance, or ambition; rather he deliberates over decisions with an open mind: carefully considering every aspect of a situation, fully contemplating the probable consequences for each path of action, and finally coming to an educated conclusion that takes into account arguments for and against the proposed plan of action. This can only be truly accomplished by obeying the Word of God in the His strength. This, however, does not mean that if a man makes a mistake that he is then incapable of being honorable, for men often stray from the truth but if one who has strayed returns to the truth, he is welcomed, forgiven, and even regarded as honorable for he knows and admits that he is fallible. Was Brutus an honorable man, or was he an intrinsically evil man skilled at disguising even the blackest part of his heart as good, just, even honorable? The best way to answer this question is to compare Brutus’s character to the definition of an ‘honorable man,’ and then analyze his character in light of that comparison by answering these three questions: what was Brutus’s general attitude, how did he make decisions, and what qualities did his actions show.
What was the general attitude of Brutus? Was he self–centered or other–centered, helpful or unhelpful, did he rescue those in trouble or put them there? In the beginning of the book, he seems to be very public–centered. Even Mark Antony praised this of Brutus after Brutus had committed suicide saying that “All the conspirators save only he, Did what they did in envy of great Caesar; He only, in general honest thought And common good to all, made one of them” (78). For Brutus truly did not want to kill Caesar but because he cared for the people’s rights and freedoms—freedoms for which his ancestors fought “when [the Tarquin] was call’d a king”—freedoms that would be lost if Caesar became king. Brutus appears to have had the right attitude about why he did what he did which is one step toward being honorable. As Aquinas once said, “In order for a war to be just . . . it is necessary that the belligerents should have a right intention” (Summa[1]).
Thus far Brutus’s attitude shows him to be honorable; the next step in being honorable is making decisions by considering the aspects, contemplating the consequences, and coming to an educated conclusion. Brutus spends many sleepless hours considering the whether he should kill Caesar. The answer, he decides is yes. This decision, however, is one that he comes to only after much thought, for Caesar is his good friend, and he “. . know[s] no personal cause to spurn at [Caesar]” (18). Brutus made his choice in an honorable way but he seems to have missed one option that was more honorable—the legal system of Rome. It is unfortunate that he missed this option because it is far more honorable to use the judicial system than to take justice in to one’s own hands. According to Aquinas “. . . it is not the business of a private person to declare war, because he can seek redress of his rights from the tribunal of his superior” (Summa[2]).
Were his actions honorable? This is the final
question to be asked in determining the honorability of Brutus. To begin with
killing Caesar is not exactly ‘rescuing him from danger,’ but Brutus does this
because he is protecting the people of Rome. In fact he said that he had ““. . .
no personal cause to spurn him, But for the [public interest]” (18). This would
indicate that he really did not want to kill Caesar, but he put the public good
above his personal good—he was
other–centered. Brutus chose to protect the public by killing Caesar—a choice he
made in a single night. Killing someone is serious and an honorable man would
try every other option until he has no other choice. Note that this does not
necessarily mean that he must wait until he has tried every option. Options can
become non–options even if one has never tried that option. For example, if
someone is being stalked, he can try to lose the stalker. Suppose this does not
work. Next he decides to try to lead him to a police station, but on the way the
stalker jumps the man. Should the man not be allowed to take physical action
because he has not tried the option of leading the stalker to a police station?
By no means! That option is gone because of the stalker’s actions. Similarly if
a person is protecting the other people and he comes to a point where his only
choice is to kill the aggressor, then when he does that he is honorable. This,
however, is not the case with Brutus for he never attempts to explore the
options of diplomacy but he makes his decision without talking to Caesar who is
his friend and without conclusive evidence that Caesar actually posed a threat
to the people of Rome. One more requirement for a just war—in other words, a
justified, or honorable, taking of lethal action—is “. . . that those who are
attacked should be attacked because they deserve it on account of some fault”
(Aquinas Summa[3]).
By his attitude Brutus is honorable, in his decisions he missed a critical option, and through his actions he is dishonorable. Thus Brutus character which seems honorable at a first glance is really dishonorable. This is not to detract from his intentions; his attitude shows that these are honorable. Unfortunately, through his own mistakes and his brother’s envious deceptions, Brutus’s honorable intentions became corrupted. How can one avoid making the same mistake as Brutus? This can be difficult since men often allow themselves to be deceived and to subconsciously be biased toward a certain choice. The way to avoid his mistake is to realize that the only way honorability can be truly accomplished is by obedience to the commands of the Lord by His strength. Furthermore, while honorability can be accomplished just between a person and the Lord, a group of strong godly friends can be invaluable to one’s quest for honorability. This ‘accountability group’ can help a person stay honorable—Christ–like as it were. In any situation, whether seemingly trivial or momentous, they can save one’s honorability.
[1] From Summa Theologica Part II of the Second Part Q. 40. Art. 1
[2] From Summa Theologica Part II of the Second Part Q. 40. Art. 1
[3] From Summa Theologica Part II of the Second Part Q. 40. Art. 1
Conrad Simas
Was Brutus an Honorable Man?
People must make moral decisions all throughout their life and one such decision might be the question of wether a person is honorable or not. You must decide it for yourself via your own value system. That same variable conception stays true for Brutus' character in the play Julius Caesar. Was Brutus honorable?
According to some, Brutus was a honorable man, but to others, he is despicable, he is untrustworthy, and he is deceptive. Some people would find him deceptive due to his pretending to serve and love Caesar, while plotting against him behind his back. Brutus continues living in the house of Ceasar and still hastens to do his bidding, seemingly happily, while his soul is in a turmoil of hate and rebellion which causes him to endeavor the destruction of Ceasar. Therefore, one can deem thinking him mendacious as quite reasonable; as is thinking him untrustworthy for the same reason.
To the contrary, there is also a logical side to finding Brutus honorable, for he plotted against, killed, and dishonored Caesar, not only for himself and for his own profit, but for the good of the people. One may think that the good outweighs the bad here. It all depends on personal opinion and an individual's integrity. Cassius, for instance, would most likely crown Brutus with a halo of honorability since he himself is in the same position, and it profits him the same as Brutus. Artemidorus, on the other hand, would deem him disgraceful for his successful attempt at murder.
Looking at it from a biblical perspective, one will again find Brutus dishonorable. He lied, he prevaricated where his duties layed, and he commited murder. "Thou shalt not kill . . . thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour . . . " (Bible). And as one can very well see, all three directly cross the Bible's teachings and commandments.
Although with possibly honorable intentions, after consulting the Bible and current laws, we have found Brutus guilty of murder, and therefore, dishonorable, condemning his life to deep, humiliating shame. One should also hope that this same conclusion would be reasoned in later times and that our country will not lose it's moral pride, itegrity, and biblicality; its foundation.
Katie Walker
Noble Brutus
“This was the noblest Roman of them all,” exclaimed Antony at the death of Brutus (Shakespeare 209). It seems, upon first glance, that the actions of Brutus are anything but noble, rather, brutal, hostile, and cruel. How, one asks, can a man who mercilessly slays one whom he loves be anything but cruel? However, when looking at Brutus’s real motives for killing the man whom he loved, honored, and called his friend, one can see through his principles, his patriotism, and his courage that he was in truth, of a noble sort. In the end, even his enemy Antony regarded him with respect.
Brutus did not join in the plot to kill Caesar for improvement of his position or wealth; indeed, he knew that he risked his honor, his reputation, and maybe even his life. He followed the principle that the good of the state must be protected and fought for and that what is right must be done regardless of the cost. Believing that Caesar was ambitious and would eventually become a bloody tyrant, Brutus followed his principles and willingly risked all for the good of the Roman people and senators. Antony himself pointed out, “All the conspirators save only he did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He only in a general honest thought and common good to all made one of them,” (Shakespeare 209).
To risk the loss of one’s friends, one’s respectability, and one’s standing in society for the good of the country takes courage. Brutus showed this noble bravery through his actions and intentions. Although it took great courage to kill his friend because of his principles, he didn’t think of himself or what he could gain but totally, whole-heartedly, and completely gave himself up for the good of Rome’s future. Brutus showed himself to have great courage and a noble character by doing what he believed was right even when it was difficult.
“People and senators, be not affrighted. Fly not; stand still. Ambition’s debt is paid”, loudly proclaims Brutus at the death of Caesar (Shakespeare 99). Although he was loathe to kill his friend, Brutus didn’t ignore what he believed would happen if Caesar become king. He was a patriot, a man willing to give up all he had for the good of his own country. He did not wish for Rome to fall, even if he would never live to see it. Putting aside any thought for his honor and reputation, he acted in a patriotic way according to his principles of what was best for the people of Rome. His patriotic actions for the common good saved the Romans from what he believed to be an ambitious tyrant. Brutus’s principles led him to think only of the good of the Roman citizens-not only in the present time, but for the generations to come.
Brutus didn’t think of himself but of the lives of others and of the good of his beloved Rome. As seen through his principles, his courage, and his patriotism he was indeed a dignified man who led a noble and honorable life. Although in the end he lost his life, he was remembered even by his enemies as a noble man. Antony spoke the truth when he said, “His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world ‘This was a man,’” (Shakespeare 209).
Jennifer Aguirre
Was Brutus an Honorable Man?
Undoubtedly, numerous people have numerous different thoughts on what a truly honorable man should be. However, concerning certain individuals, it is relatively simple to decide whether or not they are truly honorable. For example, Brutus, as characterized in Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, was he an honorable man? Most definitely, the answer to that question is no. Amid the many disgraceful deeds Brutus committed, the absolute worst has to be the fact that Brutus plotted the murder of Julius Caesar. Not to mention, he choose the cowards way out of his troubles, and killed himself. These actions are in no way honorable. Not one of them. Brutus performed many evil deeds, which prove that he was definitely not an honorable man.
Despicably, deplorably, and disgracefully, Brutus planned the murder of Caesar. It is incredibly easy for the majority of people to understand that killing is most definitely not an honorable action. Certainly Brutus recognized this as well. While considering whether to assassinate Caesar or not, Brutus “[could] not sleep; between the action of a dreadful thing and the first motion, all the interim [was] like phantasma or a hideous dream.” (act 2 scene 1) Knowing that murder is most definitely wrong, Brutus was obviously struggling with the that fact. He knew murder was wrong, but he chose to ignore it. It’s as simple as that. An honorably man would never ignore such a vital rule.
Brutus’ foremost reason for killing Caesar was because Caesar had too much ambition. “As [Caesar] was ambitious I slew him.” (act 3 scene 2) Every great leader has ambition. One could make a list of ambitious leaders that could go on forever. For example, Winston Churchill or George W. Bush, both of these men are the epitome of ambition. They have both been ambitious because of their great need to rid the world of evil. Had they not been ambitious, they, most likely, would not have attained such important leadership status. And, most importantly, they were ambitious for the right reasons. Brutus, on the other hand, believed ambition was horrid and a threat to free society, which is why he assassinated Caesar. However, isn’t it true that by killing Caesar, Brutus was being ambitious? Yes. Interestingly enough, Brutus was actually contradicting his own statements, which is something a truly honorable man would by no means ever do.
Regrettably, Brutus took his own life in the end. Without a doubt, the taking of ones own life is, horrible, horrific, and horrid. Suicide is not honorable. It’s as simple as that. A truly honorable man would never be the cause of his own end, or anyone else’s for that matter. Brutus should have faced, solved, and resolved his problems, instead he took the cowards way out, and killed himself. Not only that, it is clearly stated in the Bible that it is wrong to take any man’s life, even if it is your own. God created everyone special and has a plan for everyone’s life. Quite plainly, the Bible also says it is never to late too repent and start over. Not even after murdering someone. Certainly Brutus knew this, but, unfortunately, chose to disregard it. Naturally, an honorable man would never ignore such important information.
Was Brutus an honorable man? No. Absolutely not. His countless evil deeds prove he was most definitely not an honorable man. He plotted the death of an innocent man, because he might become a tyrant. He committed one of the worst actions possible by taking his own life. Overall, he was a complete scoundrel. These are all things an honorable man would not even consider doing. Incontestably, undeniably, and obviously, Brutus was not an honorable man.
Luke Walker
Emperor, champion, and
ruler of the Roman people, Julius Caesar shall always hold a special place
in the annals of history. The general who conquered the known world, the
first of a line of rulers that the world shall never see again, and an
unquestioned political mastermind, Julius Caesar was one of the most
gifted men who has ruled over the masses. However, one must stop and consider,
Does greatness imply virtue? I believe that it does not. Therefore, one must
come to the conclusion that even though Caesar blessed the earth with his
presence, he was not honorable.
Firstly, one must consider the fact he was a military man. To be a
successful general, one must be strong, immoveable, and brilliant to
succeed. To quote a famous historian of that period, “he loved his men, and
his men loved him”. However, what General was truly loved by his men? Caesar
picked up the mastery and strength that it would take to rule an empire. Even
though Brutus said Caesar was “an honorable man” does honor mean good
character, or simply military discipline? Though Caesar was a man of military
might, that in itself gives no credit to his morals.
Secondly, one must remember, he defied Rome itself, and came home a conquering ruler. Though Caesar said he lived by “the will of the people”, he never gave power to them. He was loved as a king, and lived like one. The wealth and richness of Caesar was legendary. One must remember, to advance far in life, you must do so on the backs of others. Caesar taxed, robbed, and stole from the people. His “honor” only stretched as far as it would to other ruling class men. Yet it is not his actions that concern me, but his heart.
The motive of a matter is what defines it. One can give a million dollars to a charity, but if it is done to improve a reputation, it is done in vain. Caesar served one thing, and one thing alone, himself. There is no honor is self-service, no regard in selfishness, and no glory in a Narcissistic attitude. A single act in service of God outweighs a thousand done for self. And stubbon was Caesar in his selfish ways, “I am as contast as the northen star….Unsak’d of motion: and that I am he”.
Caesar was just as honorable as any man who seeks to push his power over others. If one must weep for him, weep that so many men lay in subjugation to him for as long as they did. Weep for his greatness, not the man who earned it. Only in service to God is there honor, and only in his distention into the earth did he follow the heavenly call. Caesar lies in a grave still, a fading memory, as shall all who sacrifice for things which they shall never truly hold.
Sarah Gibson
The Life of Brutus
Life today is not as important to people. Many people’s lives are taken by family members, friends, relatives, ex-boyfriends, etc. No one stops to think that life is a gift from God. They just kill whoever and whenever, and don’t even stop to think that that person was made in the image of God. Brutus, in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, killed Caesar unjustly. Brutus’s wife, Portia, noticed that he was disturbed about something, but little did she know that he was planning to assassinate Julius Caesar. Brutus’s actions were not very honorable, because what he mostly did was unrighteous.
Brutus unlawfully killed Caesar. He did not want Caesar to reign. Mark Antony had said in his speech that Brutus, “Was Caesar’s angel” (Shakespeare 49), which meant his dearest friend. Brutus killed a great friend of his, and Caesar was killed by a great friend. When Brutus had said a small speech before Mark Antony went up, he said that he killed Caesar, “not that he loved him less, but that he loved Rome more” (45). He went on to say that if Caesar was alive and reigning, then everyone would die a slave, and not a freeman. While making this speech, Brutus did not tell all the truth.
Brutus lied to the Roman citizens. He said that Caesar was ambitious, which was a lie and not true at all. When Antony went up and said his speech, he reminded the people of how he, “Thrice presented Caesar a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse” (Shakespeare 47). Caesar was not ambitious, but Brutus had said this because he did not want the people angry at him, because he did not wish to die, and because he wanted the people to think Caesar would have been a good ruler. The speech Brutus said was then forgotten after Mark Antony turned the crowd against Brutus with his speech, so that Brutus had to leave, else he would be killed by the citizens. Although Brutus's wrong deed had not been paid; he paid for it with his own life.
Brutus paid for the death of Caesar with his own life. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to live very long, but he still tried to live. After Brutus found out that Cassius was dead, he knew that their army was going to be defeated by Mark Antony and Octavius Caesar’s army. He did not want to be a prisoner to them, and be tortured immensely. Brutus knew his hour had come, because he had seen the ghost of Caesar, “Several times by night; at Sardis once, and the night before in Philippi fields” (Shakespeare 77). Because Brutus knew his hour had come, he asked Strato to, “hold then his sword, while he run upon it” (77). Brutus had killed himself, so Caesar was no longer unrevenged.
Brutus was not an honorable man. He killed his ruler, killed his best friend Caesar, and also killed himself. He was a troubled man. He was troubled about the death of Caesar, troubled about how Caesar would become the ruler, and troubled about his own wife’s death. He had lived a hard life; his wife had died, by killing herself, his friend Cassius had killed himself, and then he himself was going to be defeated by Antony and Octavius Caesar. Brutus killed himself, which was good but not good. He was already being sought by people, who wanted to kill him, and so it was somewhat better for him to be dead before they could make him their prisoner. But it was wrong for him to kill himself, because he committed suicide while doing the act. Brutus had lived his life, although his actions weren’t honorable, he had died a noble death.
Jennifer Walker
“And Brutus is an honorable man” (p121). While this was a phrase Antony sarcastically used repeatedly in his funeral oration after the Caesar’s assassination, it really was the truth. Merriam Webster defines “honorable” as “characterized by integrity: guided by a high sense of honor and duty”. Throughout the play this characteristic of integrity, honor, and duty is demonstrated in Brutus’ actions towards his country, towards his enemies, and in his interaction with others.
This characteristic is first seen as one sees Brutus placing the interests of the state and of the general populous ahead of personal interests and friendships. Although some may claim that Brutus’ role in Caesar’s death was dishonorable, Brutus acted out of a true sense of duty, striving for what he thought an honorable Roman citizen ought to do. Since Caesar was threatening the liberties of the Republic, Brutus sincerely felt the only honorable course was to persistently preserve the Republic by boldly destroying her enemy. In his funeral oration Brutus states, “I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death” (p 119). Brutus placed the welfare of others ahead of personal interests.
Brutus’ desire to act honorably is also seen in his actions towards his enemies, specifically in how he treats Antony. As one of Caesar’s closest friends, Antony was a threat. Despite this fact, Brutus allows Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral in attempt to show that his deed was for the people’s welfare, not because he hated Caesar and all Caesar’s friends. Brutus earnestly desired peace, unity, and the good of the state and consequently, was a little too trusting of crafty Antony. Brutus permits Antony to, “speak all good [he] can devise of Caesar and say [he] does it by [Brutus’] permission” and then requests that all the people “stay with Antony… [entreating] not a man to depart” (p 111, p119). Although this action turns out to be a terrible mistake, Brutus was led to act accordingly out of a desire to honorably accept Antony and promote peace and unity.
Lastly, Brutus’ honorability is seen in his dealings with others. In Act Four when Cassius and Brutus argue, it becomes apparent that all Burtus’ dealings since the Ides of March have been honorable, without contamination by any “base bribes” or actions. Honor is of utmost important to Brutus in all his dealings, “shall we now contaminate our fingers with base bribes and sell the mighty space of our large honors for so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog and bay the moon than such a Roman” (p151).
Brutus was most certainly not a perfect man, he did not always have the right priorities (as in the example of his wife’s death), and he did not always have the right perspective. He did strive, however, in every action, to be a model citizen and do what was best for others and he did always choose the course of action that he believed was the only honorable way. As Antony said following Brutus’ death, “this was the noblest Roman of them all. All the conspirators save only he did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He only in a general honest thought and common good to all made one of them.” Even Antony recognized that Brutus acted out of a sincere desire for honor and the good of the state, not personal gain. So while not a perfect man, Brutus was an honorable Roman.