Honor In Julius Caesar Research Paper

One of the major topics in the play Julius Caesar, written by William Shakespeare, is nobility and honor. Brutus loves his country very much so he joined the conspiracy because he thought Caesar was becoming a tyrant. Honor was necessary for a man to be respected according to “most noble Brutus” (JC 5.1.). The character who defines honor the most is Brutus. Brutus values honor so much so that he says, “I love the name of honor more than I fear death” (JC 1.2.). He would rather die than have life without honor. In contrast of the honor Brutus expresses, Cassius is a dishonorable man. Cassius’ actions throughout the play are very similar to those of Brutus, but Cassius’ intention is worse. He is very manipulative and envious. Cassius writes letters to Brutus saying they are from the people of Rome. The letters say they are concerned about the power Julius Caesar has, so that Brutus will join the conspiracy. Brutus is necessary for the conspiracy because of how honorable he is.

Brutus felt he was responsible for bringing Rome to ruin and thought he should be punished. He thought it was the right thing to join the conspiracy and help Cassius kill Caesar, but he later realized that Cassius was manipulating him the whole time. So when he asks Strato to stab him, he took it like a man with honor and integrity. On the contrary, Cassius decided that if the they lose the battle he would refuse to become prisoner to Rome. Pindarus told Cassius that Titinius had been captured by Antony’s army, and Cassius was just so overcome with grief that he needed to commit suicide. As the coward that Cassius knows he is, he couldn't even watch Pindarus stab him, “And, when my face is cover'd, as 'tis now, guide thou the sword.” (JC