Essay Julius Caesar and the Tragic Hero - 717 Words

Sakespears The Tragedy of Julius Caesar holds two possible candidates for a tragic hero, however Brutus fits the persona best. The true definition of a tragic hero, as found by Aristotle, is a character who falls from a high standing to a low standing. They suffer enourmous loss, but are eventually enlightened of their own flaw or flaws. Initially the play begins with Caesar returning to Rome from defeating Pompey. Meanwhile, the first seeds of conspiracy are begining to take root. Although Brutus ignores Cassiuss chiding to join the conspirators his tragic flaw of being easily molded and persuaded lead him to fall prey and join. As time progresses Brutus makes many grievous errors, and his flawed logic leads him to become bereft†¦show more content†¦Antony uses this instance to illuminate the fact that perhaps there was no serpent in the egg. Throughout the play Brutus continously falls until he reaches rock bottom. Brutus is portrayed to be a loving and altruistic h usband who values his wife deeply. You are my true and honorable wife, As dear to me as the ruddy drops that visit my sad heart. (921). However, after the fall of Caesar he loses her to her own suicide; thus begining his hapless fall. As Brutus and his companion Cassius wage war against the Roman army, Cassius and Titinius both meet their ends. This leaves Brutus even moreabandoned. Although all these things leave Brutus scarred and marred the loss of his valued name causes him the most grief; he dies willingly knowing he has caused his loss, and that he has nothing left. I shall have glory by losing this day. (996) He feels such great a loss that he even proclaims to Caesar that he can more easily kill himself then he could kill Caesar. Caesar now be still; I killed thee with not half so good a will. (997). Brutus portrays the tragic hero of this play, and we are meant to feel sympathy towards him. Though he often holds the best intentions, he is often remiss in his judgeme nts. For Antony is but a limb of Caesar. (916). This is just an example of Brutuss flawed judgement; after Caesars death Antony is left to make a speech and is able to turn the crowdShow MoreRelatedJulius Caesar : A Tragic Hero934 Words   |  4 PagesJulius Caesar is a work of art by William Shakespeare in 1599. Within this play Julius Caesar is portrayed as a tragic hero. A tragic hero is defined as â€Å"the main character of a tragedy [who is] usually dignified, courageous, and high ranking† (novel study guide). Also vital to defining a tragic hero is that, â€Å"the hero’s downfall is caused by a tragic flaw† ( novel study guide). It is very evident that Julius Caesar in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is a tragic hero given that he is of nobleRead MoreJulius Caesar : A Tragic Hero863 Words   |  4 PagesJulius Caesar is a well known piece of literature written by William Shakespeare in 1599. 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There have been countless tragic heroes in the works of William ShakespeareRead MoreJulius Caesar: The Quintessence of a Tragic Hero1156 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is the illustration of the demise of many respectable men. Typical of a tragedy, one character of high social standing experiences numerous downfalls brought on by a character flaw. This character is eventually brought to his or her knees by the misery and sorrow brought upon by these mistakes. It is at this point that the character realizes their flaws and changes their outlook. In Shakespeare’s tragedy, the tragic hero is Julius Caesar. In the play, Shakespeare