Argumentative Essay On Julius Caesar

Would an honorable man murder his best friend? In William Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Caesar started as an innocent citizen of Rome, but soon made his way to the throne. Caesar started bettering Rome, but certain men accused him of becoming too ambitious. The conspirators, the men against Caesar, brutally murdered him because of his “ambition”. Marcus Brutus was Caesar’s supposed best friend but led the revolt against him. Brutus is characterized in the play as being gullible, noble, and naïve.

Brutus’s flaw to be persuaded easily allowed him to become gullible. Cassius longed for him to become a conspirator so their devious plan of killing Caesar would fall into place. Brutus was known for being a loyal person, which meant everyone would fall to his feet

so he would be vital for the Conspiracy group. Cassius then begun to sway Brutus by reminding him how extravagant he really was. Cassius stated, “And it is very much lamented, Brutus, that you have no such mirrors as will turn your hidden worthiness into your eye, that you might see your shadow” (Shakespeare, 5). Cassius’s goal was for Brutus to feel royal and worthy. This was the beginning of Brutus being brainwashed into the murder of Caesar. Another way Cassius influenced Brutus, was by pointing out Caesar’s faults. Cassius’s tactic was to uset three examples to label Caesar as weak and fragile. He spoke about the accident between them which resulted in Cassius saving Caesar from drowning and also mentioned Caesar’s seizures, labeling them as flaws. Cassius protested, “What is so special about Caesar? Why should that name be proclaimed more than yours” (Shakespeare, 7)? Cassius used his claims to push Brutus into being jealous of Caesar. Cassius’s persuasive words caused Brutus to follow along with the plan.
Brutus’s love for Rome which is what made him noble. The love he had for his country was bigger than an acquaintanceship. He wanted what was best for Rome and killing Caesar was his solution. He was a famous warrior and leader that was loved by the citizens. Brutus became the leader of the Conspirators since he felt entitled to take pride in his actions. Brutus was last to stab Julius in the commotion as a symbol that he would be the one to end it all. Caesar pleaded, “Et tu Brute” (Shakespeare, 40)? Caesar realizes there must have been a noble reason for his murder. Caesar trusted Brutus with everything but Brutus had his focus on the well-being of Rome. Once the assassination was over, all of the criminals bathed in Caesar’s blood. Decius, one of the conspirators, questioned where they should continue next when Cassius praised, “Brutus shall lead the way, and he will grace his heels with the boldest and best hearts of Rome” (Shakespeare, 41). The residents of Rome admired Brutus and since he was credible, they all trusted his word.
Brutus allowed the power to get the best of him.

Each ruler of Rome seemed to have made poor decisions, and this is exactly what occurred with Brutus. Brutus became very naïve. All of the conspirators confronted Brutus with the idea of killing Mark Antony. They believed he would continue Caesar’s legacy but Brutus thought differently. Brutus added, “And for Mark Antony, think not of him, for he can do no more than Caesar’s arm” (Shakespeare, 24). He proposed that Antony was too weak for them to worry about while this was actually what brought about his fall. When the murder of Caesar had concluded, Antony wished to speak in honor of Caesar. Brutus agreed with the idea but Cassius was hesitant. Cassius insulted, “You know not what you do. Do not consent that Antony speak in his funeral. Know you how much the people may be moved by that which he will utter” (Shakespeare, 44). Cassius feared that Antony’s persuasive speech would turn the citizens against the conspirators. Brutus continued to ignore Cassius’s warning, but was proven wrong immediately. The locals were influenced by Antony and led an angered march to end the conspirators. Brutus caused their arrangement to fail by lack of

judgement.
In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Marcus Brutus’s character was portrayed as being gullible, noble, and naïve. Brutus was easily persuaded by Cassius which resulted in the murder of Caesar. Brutus’s credibility and judgement labeled him as one of the most noble Romans. With having so much power, Brutus’s character became naïve and resulted in poor decisions which resulted their demise. Brutus was Caesar’s closest acquaintance, but he cared more about the safety of his country. Is this an ideal “best friend?”