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Brutus Flaws

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In classical literature, the concept of the tragic hero embodies a character who holds noble qualities but inevitably meets a downfall due to their tragic flaws. These characters often evoke a sense of sympathy and catharsis among the audience as they navigate their sad journey. William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar offers a moving portrayal of a tragic hero in the character of Brutus. Through his actions and inner turmoil, Brutus exemplifies the essential characteristics of a tragic hero, ultimately leading to his tragic demise. Brutus epitomizes the traits of a tragic hero through his noble intentions, fatal flaws, and eventual downfall. Despite his noble birth and esteemed reputation among his peers, Brutus is ultimately driven by his ideological …show more content…

Oh, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit and not dismember Caesar! But, alas, Caesar must bleed for it.” (2.1.174-178). In these lines, Brutus claims he does not want to kill Caesar but must die to see the greater for Rome. One of Brutus's tragic flaws is his inability to perceive the true intentions of those around him. Despite warnings from Cassius and others, Brutus remains devoted to his belief that all men are noble and honorable. This naivety is evident when he dismisses Cassius's warnings about Antony's ambitions, leading to Antony's manipulation of the Roman people against the conspirators. Shakespeare portrays this flaw when Brutus claims, "For let the gods so speed me as I love / The name of honor more than I fear death" (I.2.90-91). This line summarizes Brutus's prioritization of honor over common sense, ultimately contributing to his downfall. Furthermore, Brutus's excessive trust in his judgment and moral righteousness serves as another tragic flaw. He believes that his actions are justified by his noble intentions, refusing to acknowledge the possibility of

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