Brutus in Julius Caesar Brutus -- Hero

Brutus in Julius Caesar

BRUTUS -- HERO OR VILLAIN?

In Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, a conquering hero is assassinated because he is about to be crowned Emperor in Rome, and members of the Senate do not want to see their power reduced. As Caesar dies, he is dismayed to see that his good friend Brutus is one of the assassins. The play leaves the reader wondering whether Brutus and the other conspirators did the right thing. Was Caesar such a threat to Rome that he had to be killed? If the act truly saved the country, the Brutus is a hero. If the action was self-serving, then Brutus is a villain. It can be argued that since Brutus betrayed a friend, manipulated him into being in the place where the assassination would take place, and then rationalized the act afterwards, Brutus is more villain than hero.

Brutus knows he is betraying a friend, but says in Act II that it must be done because if Caesar does not die, he will be crowned. Brutus says,

"It must be by his death: and, for my part,

I know no personal cause to spurn at him,

But for the general. He would be crown'd:

How that might change his nature, there's the question:

It is the bright day that brings forth the adder ... " II.1.9-13

He believes that wearing a crown will change Caesar. However, his does not explain why Brutus must participate in the murder. Several people stab Caesar, and Brutus is the last. They do not need Brutus there to kill the man. However, we know that Cassius, who drew Brutus into the plot, also arranged for Brutus to become a member of the Senate. This gives Brutus the motivation of personal gain for entering into the plot against his friend.

At this point, however, it could be argued that the assassination was necessary and that Brutus' participation would help keep the country stable, because then people both for and against Caesar have participated. However, Brutus goes beyond just being present when the assassination happens. He helps lure Caesar to his death. Caesar has been convinced by his wife, who has noted numerous omens and has dreamed of his murder all night, that he should stay home. However, Brutus comes to his house and argues that he may lose the crown if he does not come, saying,

"And know it now: the senate have concluded

To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.

If you shall send them word you will not come,

Their minds may change." II.ii.98-101

Brutus not only agrees to the conspiracy but makes sure that Caesar will be at the spot chosen for his murder, guaranteeing that Caesar will be killed.

Finally, after Brutus has delivered the final stab wound and Caesar has died, Brutus has the opportunity to grieve for his dead friend. Even though he believes the assassination was necessary, surely a good friend would express grief. If he does not express grief for his friend's death, at least he will express grief that t was so necessary. Instead, Cassius offers the opinion that they have saved Caesar twenty years of worrying about when he would die. Brutus, who knew Caesar well enough to know what the audience knows -- that Caesar does not fear death -- instead joins in the rationalization, saying,