Wednesday, January 27, 2016

In what ways is Marcus Brutus a villain in Julius Caesar?I would like some points that prove that Brutus is a villain and if you could some...

Julius Caesar is a unique play
because the line between good and evil is jagged and unclear.  When I teach this play to
my class, it is usually about a 50-50 split between those who think Antony is the good
guy and those who think Brutus is the honorable one.


Those
who see Brutus as the villain tend to fault Brutus for being gullible and so easily
manipulated.  He falls for Cassius' ploy to kill Caesar unable to see the personal
vendetta attached to Cassius' efforts.


Others fault Brutus
for his lack of loyalty.  Caesar had been one of his closest friends for a long time. 
Some people can't jusify stabbing one's friend in the back, no matter what the reason. 
They are further repulsed by the way Brutus bathes his hands in Caesar's blood almost
immediately after the slaying.  They find it a gory act, void of any loyalty or
honor.

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