Assassination Of Marcus Brutus In William Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'

Julius Caesar Critical Essay

William Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' is a play that features a variety of different characters who contribute to the final decision of whether or not to commit a great act of betrayal. The character that I will be focusing on in particular is Marcus Brutus who is faced the difficult decision to whether or not to have any involvement in the assassination of Julius Caesar, the greatest and most powerful of the Romans. Brutus is forced to decide if his love for Rome is greater than his love for his friend. Brutus believes that Caesar could potentially become a threat to the Roman Republic; a tyrant if crowned. After finding out that the commoners of Rome are showing great admiration for Caesar, Brutus grows concerned. Cassius talks to Brutus after the feast of Lupercal, he tries to convince Brutus that Caesar is bad for Rome and that for the benefit of Rome's future, Brutus should join the conspirators against Caesar. Brutus does not give a definite answer but strongly considers the notion. “Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war” It is evident that he is torn as to whether or not to carry out the assassination of Caesar along side the band of conspirators to end Caesar's growing power. Antony calls Brutus the
In Act 2, Scene 1, Brutus welcomes all the conspirators, shaking each person's hand. As Cassius suggests they swear an oath, Brutus gives speech about how killing Caesar is the right thing to do. He has now at this point convinced himself and the conspirators that this is the right decision. Shortly after, in Act 3, Scene 1, Brutus participates in the assassination of Caesar. After doing so, Brutus says "let no man abide this deed But we the doers." Meaning, as the perpetrators, they shouldn't let anyone