Essay on Shakespeare 2006, Julius Caesar on Brutus’ miscalculations and Brutus as the tragic hero
In William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, Brutus is portrayed as a noble and honorable man who is driven by his love for Rome to participate in the assassination of Caesar. Throughout the play, Brutus is depicted as a tragic hero whose fatal flaw leads to his downfall.
One of Brutus’ major miscalculations is his belief that killing Caesar is in the best interest of Rome. He is convinced that Caesar’s ambition and thirst for power pose a threat to the stability of Rome and that by removing him from power, he is protecting the Republic. However, Brutus fails to foresee the chaos and civil war that will ensue as a result of Caesar’s death. His naivety and idealistic view of the world blind him to the consequences of his actions, leading to the downfall of Rome and his own demise.
Furthermore, Brutus’ miscalculation of the people’s reaction to Caesar’s assassination also contributes to his tragic fate. He mistakenly believes that the citizens of Rome will support the conspirators and see them as heroes who have saved the Republic. However, he underestimates the emotional connection that the people have with Caesar and the manipulation of Antony, who turns the tide of public opinion against the conspirators with his stirring funeral oration. Brutus’ failure to understand the motivations and loyalties of the people ultimately leads to his downfall as he is defeated in battle and takes his own life in a moment of despair.
Despite his flaws and errors in judgment, Brutus can still be seen as a tragic hero in the play. He is a man of noble birth and high moral character who is torn between his love for Rome and his loyalty to his friend. He is driven by a sense of duty and honor, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness and wellbeing. His downfall is the result of his own actions and decisions, rather than external forces or fate, making him a tragic figure in the classical sense.
In conclusion, Brutus’ miscalculations in Julius Caesar ultimately lead to his downfall and reinforce his status as a tragic hero. His idealism, naivety, and flawed judgment all contribute to his tragic fate, as he is unable to foresee the consequences of his actions and is ultimately defeated by his own hubris. Despite his flaws, Brutus remains a complex and sympathetic character who is motivated by noble intentions and a sense of duty, making him a tragic hero in Shakespeare’s timeless play.