Julius Caesar Analysis

Julius Caesar Analysis

Aristotle was perhaps the pioneer of modern day dramas, more

specifically dramatic tragedies. He first defined what a

tragedy is: A drama which contained hubris, pathos and/or

bathos, and the most valued element in a tragedy, a tragic

hero. This was usually the main character who is noble in his

deeds, yet has one flaw which causes him to fall. The tragic

works of Shakespeare were no exception. In the drama, Julius

Caesar the reader can clearly see many of the principles of a

tragedy. That is all except for the tragic hero. Ideas as to

who is the tragic hero range from Cassius to Julius Caesar

himself. The trouble is all characters have material to prove

and disprove them. However the hypothesis that Marcus Brutus is

the tragic hero is incorrect. One element to a tragic hero is

the hero has only one tragic flaw, and Brutus clearly has more

than one flaw in his character. The first flaws in Brutus

character is his naivete and the assumptions he makes about

other characters. Through out the entire story these two flaws

are reflected in many of his decisions and actions. A specific

example is his view on the Roman populace. Thinking all Romans

are honorable and noble it is not only incorrect, but it

plagues him until the very end of the play. One instance

occurred as the conspirators were meeting. Brutus stated, Lets

kill him boldly, but not wrathfully...... This shall make our

purpose necessary and not envious.... (Shakespeare, Julius

Caesar, 2.1. 172 & 177-178). He honestly believed that all

involved were going to kill Caesar for honorable reasons. Not

once did he question the motives of everyone, where, in reality

Brutus probably was the only involved for noble reasons. Brutus

undoubtedly convinces the reader of his own naivete when he

states, ... let us bathe our hands in Caesars blood... Lets

all cry ^Peace, freedom, and liberty!! (3.1. 106 & 110) Just

by his enthusiasm, Brutus is not aware of any other motives. He simply

believes that , Peace, freedom, and liberty are the only motives.

Another example was during his speech at Caesars funeral. ... not

that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more (3.2. 18-20).

Addressing the nobility of his actions and his love for Rome, Brutus

surmises that the people understand him because of their equal love

for their country. This assumption is evident because he uses it as

the sole reason for killing Caesar. A reason that Brutus believes the

people agree with, otherwise he would not use it to rationalize such a

crime. Lastly that same lack of insight is seen in when Brutus

declares, ... I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to

Brutus (3.2. 28-29) Paraphrased he says that the people would do the

same to him if he became ambitious, as he did to Caesar for becoming

ambitious. Yet the people hardly understand him. One citizen proves

that! when he states, Caesars better parts Shall be crowned in

Brutus (3.2 39-40). The citizen completely misses the point Brutus is

trying to make, and blurts out a random, ignorant comment. Throughout

all the naive decisions and assumptions Brutus still has another

downfall. A flaw that is closely related, but still different.

The second flaw seen in Brutus is his one sided perception of

many things. His perceptions of attitudes, values, beliefs, and