Maddi Alexander

Mrs. Violette
6/29/12

Opinion of Brutus
When choosing between a love for your country and a love for your friend, opinions can
get confusing. In Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus chooses his loyalty to the Roman
Republic over his loyalty to his friend Caesar. This decision shows his patriotic personality
through an unjust action.
Brutus's decision to hurt Caesar is not an easy one. In his eyes he's merely protecting his
friend from a tyrant status. When Brutus finds out about Caesar's newly found fame he begins
to worry for Rome. He asks what, "means this shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for
their king. CASSIUS 'Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so.' BRUTUS 'I
would not, Cassius, yet I love him well'" (1.2.19). Brutus wants someone politically worthy as
their ruler. Even though Brutus loves Caesar "well" he greatly fears that his friend will rise to
power, which goes against the ideals of the Roman Republic by turning the Rome into a
monarchy under his rule. Caesar also was not compliant with these ideals because he wasn't
composed from a noble or wealthy family, which Brutus thought was important for a leader.
He'll stop at nothing to make sure Rome receives exactly that.
Brutus soon realizes that for Rome to become better he must end Caesar's popularity. In
Act 3 scene 1, after stabbing Caesar in the back, Brutus explains to Antony why this deed was
necessary. He tells him that their hearts, "you see not. They are pitiful. And pity to the general
wrong of Rome As fire drives out fire, so pity pity Hath done this deed on Caesar" (3.1.107).

Antony could not see through the members of the conspiracy's hearts, because of the cruel act
they'd just accomplished. Their hearts were truly full of pity, yet that did not stop them from
making Rome a better place. Their love for Romes success was far too much greater, than a
single persons life.
Once Brutus committed the act against Caesar, he expects a better council. In Act 3
scene 2, Brutus gathers a crowd to explain that Caesar must be killed. Once following through
with his demands, he washes his hands in Caesars blood and defends his actions to the
plebians. He announces that if, "there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to
him I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why
Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: --Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I love
Rome more" (3.2.117). Nothing will stand between Brutus and his devotional love for Rome.
This announcement was merely a way of demonstrating his love for Rome, so that the Plebians
can trust him to take over Caesars duties, which was his plan all along.
In the end there was no person, object, or thing for that matter that could stop Brutus's
want for success in Rome. He would never give up on creating a perfect living atmosphere, even
though other citizens thought of his accomplishments as imperfect, and unjust.