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Anthony Negrete
Ms. Moore
CP English 2 Period 02
26 April 2013
Marcus Brutus
A coward, fiend, traitor, good-hearted, and noble man, all of these characteristics can be
found in Marcus Brutus. Is Marcus Brutus a backstabbing liar, the most just man Rome has ever
seen, or perhaps even both? In the tragedy, Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, the character
of Brutus is one that is divided. Honor, which was of extreme importance in Roman times, is
something that this senator tries to achieve. In the beginning, it is clear that Brutus is an
honorable man. As the play progresses however, Brutus struggles to maintain his noble
reputation in the final days of the Republic. Brutus shows that he is noble and well meaning,
commits appalling actions, and therefore creates the dilemma to figure out if Brutus is indeed
honorable.
Marcus Brutus is an honorable man who is selfless, and deeply cares for the Roman
Republic. For example, when addressing the plebeians, the senator Brutus concluded his speech
by proclaiming, With this I depart, that as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the
same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death (Act 3 Scene 2 4243). Brutus clearly explains to the people that he cares for the republic and the peoples freedom
so much, that he was willing to kill his best friend in order to save it. He also states that if they
are ever displeased with him or his actions, he gives them the right to kill him; this shows the
righteous Brutus complete devotion to the people of the Roman Republic. Another occasion
where Brutus shows his chivalrous nature is when Mark Antonys servant shrewdly comes to him

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asking for a safe parley after the murder of Julius Caesar; Brutus replies graciously, Thy master
is a wise and valiant Roman; I never thought him worse. Tell him, so please him come unto this
place, he shall be satisfied; and, by my honour, depart untouchd. (Act 3 Scene 1 Lines 137142) The noble Brutus is clearly a man of his word. Unlike the other conspirators, the merciful
Brutus did not want to kill Mark Antony, and this action elevated him further as a respectable
being. Evidently, Brutus, a man of both action and words, is indeed magnanimous and is
genuinely fond of the people, the republic, and freedom.
The miscreant Marcus Brutus is barbaric and a delirious creature. Brutus exposes his vile
side when he exclaims to his fellow Conspirators, after they have viciously stabbed Caesar, And
let us bathe our hands in Caesars blood up to the elbows, and besmear our swords: then walk we
forth even to the market-place, and waving our red weapons oer our heads, lets all cry Peace,
Freedom, and Liberty (Act 3, Scene 1 106-110). The bathing of the hands in a dead mans blood
is abominable; however, one can expect such a thing from the wicked Marcus Brutus. To further
show his undignified character, he wants to run around Rome like a lunatic, waving blood
drenched swords and screaming peace and liberty. As he plans the murder of Julius Caesar with
his comrades, he comes up with a repulsive scheme, Lets carve him as a dish fit for the gods.
(Act 2, Scene 1 173). Again, the senator displays his savage nature and apparent lack of
humanity and decency. Brutus claims to be honorable and noble, yet he acts like an uncivilized
caveman whose sick mind comes up with evil thoughts. Beyond a doubt, Brutus is not the
esteemed man he claims to be, instead he is a psycho who commits atrocious actions.
The senator Marcus Brutus is both just and devious. When Brutus is summoned to see the
corpse of his recently departed comrade Cassius, he acknowledges the death of his best friend
and says he will find a time to mourn, but for now he tells his friends, Tis three a clock ; and

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Romans, yet ere night we shall try fortune in a second fight (Act 5, Scene 3 109-110) Brutus is
sincere because he respects his dear friend and sends him to have a proper burial. At the same
time, he knows more important matters are at hand and he valiantly decides to attack Octavius
army one more time in a bid to save the republic. Brutus is a coward; evidence of this can be
found when he tells Strato, Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face, while I do run upon it
will thou Strato (Act 5, Scene 5 42-48). The senator is a hypocrite because earlier in the act he
said suicide was for cowards and that he, the noble Brutus, would never commit such an act, yet
he clearly committed suicide. The righteousness of Brutus is put into question because a noble
man like Brutus would never go back on his word, yet he goes against his ideals to avoid, in his
mind, humiliation by capture or defeat. It is undeniable that Marcus Brutus is not quite a glorious
honorable man; therefore he, like any other human, has faults which prevent him from reaching
the perfect vision he has of himself.
Through his words and actions, Brutus constantly contradicts himself throughout the play.
Marcus Brutus often shows a part of himself that is good-hearted, valiant, and just, as he cares
for his friends and the people of Rome. However time and time again, Brutus reveals a part of
him that is cowardly and fiendish, often going back on his word and committing villainous
actions. Therefore, because there is such a clash of personality, it can be concluded that Brutus is
neither noble nor evil, he is simply in between. Even in modern times, people show their noble
and not so noble side every day. People strive for the best, but they often fall short because
human nature is full of faults. On the other hand, there are rare exceptions and some are truly
incorruptible; therefore reaching for his/her goals while remaining virtuous is quite remarkable.
Sadly, Marcus Brutus is not one of those exceptional few, as his character is not flawless and
perfect.

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Works Cited
Shakespeare, William, and Alan Durband. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar: Modern
English Version Side-by-side with Full Original Text. Woodbury, NY: Barron's, 1985.
Print.