Comparing Brutus And Cassius In The Tragedy Of Julius Caesar

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The nobility in death In the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, characters such as Brutus and Cassius have many developed character traits. Some of which they share are nobel others are self centered and envious of others. In the following, Brutus and Cassius motives, ambitions, bravery, and heroic actions will be evaluated. What defines a hero or a villain? In regard to respect both were noble and respected in the beginning. The people of Rome under Caesar thought highly especially of Brutus. Brutus is truly heroic based on his personal motives and reasoning, Cassius is self centered and has no ambition for the good of all, for these reasons and more Brutus is a tragic hero and Cassius is a villain. Throughout all five acts in, The Tragedy of Julius …show more content…

Cassius totally self-centered was only worried about himself and his quest to ascend to power. He needed Caesar gone to make way for himself. His plan was off Caesar, play the conspirators and ascend to power. “I cannot tell what you and other men, Think of this life, but, for my single self, I had as lief not be as live to be, In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar. So were you” (Act I, Scene II, Lines 93-97). This quote from Cassius to Brutus is the seed. Cassius uses little bits of doubt in Caesar to get Brutus questioning Caesar. This plan was one of cowardice, he told the other conspirators that it needed to be done for the betterment of Rome. His reasoning was because Caesar was preparing to become the dictator of Rome. A totally tyrant of the kingdom. For these self-indulgent reasons Cassius is a villain. Trying to take something good and spin it into his own benefit. Brutus on the other hand was only half bought in, he didn't really want to take the life of a friend even if it is for the betterment of Rome. He finally agree with Cassius’s persuasion. “It must be by his death, and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crowned” (Act II, Scene I, Lines 10-12). He uses the betterment of Rome idea to self justify his actions. Brutus always sees the good in other and for this reason he doesn't see Cassius motives this leads him to be

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