Julius Caesar Tragic Hero Essay

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A brutal assassination followed by an unexpected betrayal and a disastrous decision led to the suicide of three honorable men and the downfall of Rome. Throughout centuries, people have considered William Shakespeare’s reenactment of Julius Caesar’s assassination a unique historical tragedy. Shakespeare’s incorporation of two tragic heroes is the most unique aspect. Julius Caesar and Marcus Brutus display the characteristics of a tragic hero defined by Augustine: "Tragedy requires that the hero or heroine make choices that lead to a situation from which there is no escape” (478). The Tragedy of Julius Caesar shows the actions of two tragic heroes and the fatal flaw of hubris. Shakespeare effectively uses the presence of two tragic heroes to …show more content…

You all do know this mantle. I remember the first time ever Caesar put it on; [...] Look, in this place ran Cassius’s dagger through. See what a rent the envious Casca made. Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabbed; / And as he plucked his cursed steel away, / look at how Caesar’s blood poured after it -- (III ii 175-7, 180-4) However, this speech is not the end of Brutus. He makes two more fatal decisions in Act 5. Going against Cassius’ advice for the third time, Brutus decides to march to Philippi to meet Antony and Octavius’ army. While in Philippi, Brutus attacks too early, and Antony's army defeats Brutus' army. Brutus’ choices not only led to his suicide, but also the suicide of Cassius and Trebonius. Shakespeare’s use of multiple tragic heroes and their undoing through a series of choices created a unique historical tragedy. Through Caesar’s choices, we learn that ambition is necessary, but dangerous when consumed by it. Through Brutus’ choices, we learn that believing in oneself is vital, but not to the extent of refusing to listen to others. Finally, through Shakespeare’s choice of having two tragic heroes, we learn that both sides can believe they are taking the correct

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