Brutus Is Julius Caesar Tragic Hero

Julius Caesar By William Shakespeare is certainly a completely tragic work. Perhaps some of the most evil forces, including infidelity, greed, and corruption, are at work throughout the entire play. Each character has a certain role in displaying these harsh realities, but the most tragic figure in the play is Marcus Brutus. This man of nobility follows the darkest path for the best and most heroic reasons. Without a doubt, Brutus is the tragic hero in Julius Caesar.
In the beginning of the play, Brutus has the respect and love of not only Julius Caesar, but all of Rome. This fact is well known throughout the city, which is the true reason that Caius Cassius wishes to have Brutus on the side of the conspirators. According to Cassius:
Oh, he
Brutus was born into this noble and respectable stature. However, this quickly changes, as he decides to join those who are plotting to kill Julius Caesar. He does wish to take part in Caesar’s murder only for the well being of Rome, and was somewhat manipulated toward this decision by Cassius. However, Brutus is responsible for his own actions, as evidenced when he states: “O Rome, I make thee promise, / If the redress will follow, thou receivest / Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus!” (II.I.56-8). Although Brutus is truly a hero to Rome, he has chosen this dark path and he is doomed to never return to his
He states: “Our enemies have beat us to the pit./ It is more worthy to leap in ourselves/ Than tarry till they push us” (V.V.23-5) At this point, he realizes that he must die. However, what makes Brutus a true tragic hero is that he does not blame anyone for his mistakes and shows signs of learning from them. Following this, Brutus meets the inevitable fate that plagues all tragic heroes. “Hold then my sword and turn away thy face/ While I do run upon it.” (V.V.47-8), says Brutus as he asks Strato to assist him in taking his own life. The demise of this immensely noble Roman evokes a huge emotional release from the audience, referred to as catharsis. The feelings most commonly felt at the close of a tragedy are pity and fear. The crowd indefinitely feels both of these emotions after the death of courageous and valiant Brutus. This man undoubtedly did not deserve the extreme punishment that he received. He obviously made the decision that ultimately led him to the grave, but he was deceived to this decision. Thanks to the manipulation, he now must suffer the ultimate price, which brings the ultimate feeling of pity to those who are watching the play. Brutus’s death does not just bring pity and sadness, it also generates a colossal sense of fear. The fact that this lionheart is so much better, more optimistic, and stronger than anyone who will ever witness the play, but was still