Romeo And Brutus Tragic Hero Essay

Shakespeare was a brilliant writer, known for his histories and tragedies. His tragic heroes all come to similar ends, whether it be death by sword or suicide. In some of his most famous works Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar, the main characters, Romeo and Brutus could be considered tragic heroes according to Aristotle's beliefs. Romeo and Brutus both show characteristics of Aristotle's basis for being a tragic hero. Both come to a tragic end, Brutus is highly respected in his society, and Romeo and Brutus have a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.

According to Aristotle, in order to be considered a tragic hero, you must come to a miserable end. Brutus and Romeo both end up committing suicide, due to their grief. When Romeo find out that his love Juliet is dead, he rushes to her grave and kills himself because he cannot bear to be without her. Right before he ends his life, he says "here's to my love! / O true apothecary! / Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die!" (Romeo and Juliet). When he says this, it proves how he comes to a tragic ending, dying

Brutus only kills Caesar because Marc Antony, Cassius and Casca are able to convince him that it is for the "betterment of Rome" and that the "citizens will appreciate him doing so." Brutus believes this and says "If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more." (Julius Caesar). Later on in Act 3, he is the first person to stab Caesar. Once the deed is done, the guilt and grief creeps up on him, and he decides he wants to die. His fatal flaw of desire for honor and faith to Rome ends up in his death. The plot lines of Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar are completely unrelated, but both tragic heroes end up in the same place. They are overcome with grief and guilt and decide to take their own lives, which makes the ending of both works so