Julius Caeser

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare depicts the rise and fall of the young ruler in the Roman Empire that ends in the tragic assassination by one of his closest, most trusted friends Brutus. Tragedy is defined as a literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances (Merriam-Webster). It could be argued that Julius Caesar's tragedy comes from his pride and ambition. He believes that he is the greatest soldier as well as ruler and these faults are what lead to his demise.

The first real sign of tragedy we see in Julius Caesar is in the assassination of Caesar himself when he goes to the Senate for his daily business. His Senate members and closest friends have turned their backs on the young ruler and believe that the only way to stop him from becoming too powerful is to kill him. Brutus feels this is necessary only if that is what the citizens of Rome want and is able to spare the life of Anthony by saying that too many deaths would lead to dishonor. Anthony and the Senate shake hands after Caesar has been assassinated, thus approving of the murder by concealing it, although they are all at fault. Later on, Anthony begins to question loyalty of Brutus saying that Caesar brought many things to Rome and reads the will, which leaves equal amounts of money to every citizen. The citizens then become enraged and call Brutus and Cassius traitors. The Senate turned on Caesar and the citizens turned their backs on the Senate.

It is not just backstabbing that leads to the tragedy. Although there are numerous warnings from his wife Calpurnia and a citizen, Artemidorus, Caesar's pride gets in the way and he still wants to continue to live his life normally. He even mentions that his personal concerns are his last priority. It is his cocky, arrogant attitude that prevents him from seeing his death as a reality. He has betrayed his wife and the people that matter the most-the citizens he rules over by letting his power go to his head. Nevertheless, there are people that care for his well being, but then there are those that want him gone. The betrayal goes both ways as Caesar loses the best interest for himself and his citizens and as his own friends kill him, stab by stab. This leads to a lack of trust in the throne and between the Senate and the people. Brutus claims that he loves Caesar, but loves Rome more. When Brutus commits suicide, Anthony calls him the noblest Roman of all because he thought that he was doing everything for the good of Rome. Brutus feels the most guilt because he knows what