Brutus essays

Brutus essays Power is a thing that is easily abused. Often, even good rulers can be corrupted by their power. They start out as good people, but too much power turns them bad. Brutus fears that his friend Caesar will abuse his power if he becomes emperor of Rome. In the play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus starts out wanting what is best for Rome, but in the end, he starts a civil war that tears Rome apart. In the beginning of the play, Brutus is a very honorable Roman. For example, Brutus himself says, Let the gods speed me, as I love/The name of honor more than I fear death (I, ii, 88-89). Brutus would rather die than be dishonorable. Brutus believes doing the right thing is the only thing that really matters. Even Cassius knows Brutus to be honorable, for he says, I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus/As well as I do know your outward favor (I, ii, 90-91). Cassius knows Brutus well and he knows exactly what Brutus stands for. To flatter Brutus, Cassius knows that Brutus wants to be honorable, and he can use it to his advantage. Thus Brutus is known in Rome for being honorable. However, after Brutus is sucked into the conspiracy, he starts doing what is not the best for Rome. Antony points this out when he says, You all did see that on the feast of Lupercal/I thrice presented him with a kingly crown/which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?/Yet Brutus says he was ambitious/And Brutus is an honorable man. (III, ii, 96-100). Antony mocks Brutus and calls to attention that Brutus is not honorable. He reminds the crowd that Brutus has done the wrong thing for Rome, because he has made false accusations against Caesar. Also, a messenger warns that, The enemy comes on in gallant show/Their bloody sign of battle is hung out (V,i, 13-14). Brutus has summoned an entire army to fight on the side of the conspirators. It has become a Roman civil war instead of just kill ...