The Guilty Of Brutus In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Summary Opinion: Brutus is guilty with the collaboration of assassinating Julius Caesar. When Caesar is crowned the new Emperor of Rome, Brutus was very envious of the power he possessed. Due to this jealousy and ambition for power, Brutus betrayed his closest friend. Although Caesar intended to better the conditions of Rome both economically and politically, Brutus believed them to be lies. He is guilty of killing Caesar since there was no reason to, and it also directly violates the law.

Facts: Brutus never saw the actions or characteristics of the powerful Caesar, positively. Throughout his reign, Caesar completed good deeds such as caring for the captured citizens of Rome; “he hath brought many captives home to Rome, whose ransoms the general coeffers [filled],” and he established new beginnings for each of them, too (Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 241-242).
Aside from caring for the captives, in his will, Caesar “[gave], to every several man, seventy-five drachmas,” and “hath left [them] all his walks, his private arbors… common pleasures, to walk abroad and recreate [themselves]”(Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 241- 242

and Lines 248-251). He willingly gave up all he owned just for his Roman citizens, out of the love and intentions to support them in being financially stable. Aside from material objects, “when [ever] the poor [had] cried, Caesar hath wept,” alongside with them, because of his concern and connection with his citizens (Act 3, Scene 2, Line 92). He tried to understand and better their problems.
Until the morning of the Ides of March, Brutus contemplated on the actions about to occur. He believed, “Lowliness is young ambition's ladder, whereto the climber upward turns his face; but when he once attains the upmost round, he then unto the ladder turns his back” (Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 21-25). He analogizes Caesars power to a ladder, gradually increasing but never coming back down.
However, as one final evidential piece that proves Brutus was involved, was Caesar’s dying words, “Et tu, Brute,” (Act 3, Scene 1, Line 77). This presents evidence that the last figure who had stabbed Caesar as he was conscious, was Brutus, as his final words translated into, “You too, Brutus?”. In his last moments, he is disappointed that his close friend had turned out to be one of his conspirators, participating in the assassination.

Opinion: A majority of the facts presented do not play in favor of the “Noble Brutus,” yet some actions might seem to support him. Bringing back captives in order to help them start new lives seems like a positive thing to do, however this will rapidly increase the population of Rome. By cutting down on resources and other necessities, Rome wouldn’t function as exceptionally. The fact that Caesar is so openhearted and caring by giving his citizen money, can lead to negative results such as bankruptcy or misinterpretations. Once you think in depth about these facts, some may believe it to be foolish and wrong, when the intentions are actually the opposite; pure. However, some facts such as Caesar leaving his citizens his belongings in the will, portrays him as a generous person. One major fact that can help defend Caesar and eventually cause the death of Brutus, is his last words. They translate into, “You too, Brutus?” which is the key factor in proving that Brutus was included in the assassination, leaving his dying “friend” in disappointment and betrayal.

Conclusion: By going to trial and pressing charges against Brutus, there is a very high successful rate of winning this case.

Rather than the death penalty or paying a fine, Brutus should be punished with life in prison, alone. Brutus had always been envious and jealous regarding Caesars’ power and control. His actions always consisted of virtuous intentions, never wanting to hurt his city or citizens of Rome. All Brutus did, is to see the negative in every positive Caesar conducted. He involved himself in the murder of Caesar, taking away the one person who was very adamant in improving the conditions of Rome. It isn’t fair how Rome lost a great hero, because of a desirous, disloyal citizen. A trial should be led, and charges should definitely be pressed, because with all the facts and evidence against Brutus, this trial is destined for triumphant

results.