“Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more,” (Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 20~21). Brutus explained that he assassinated Caesar, because he believed that Rome would benefit from his death. Filled with honor and patriotism, Brutus joined the conspiracy, supporting the assassination of his beloved Caesar for the good of Rome.
Honor was what Brutus always wanted, and he wanted Rome to love him and respect him. Honor changed made Brutus assassinate his beloved Caesar. In Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 84~88, Brutus explains how much he loves honor, “Set honor in one eye, and death i’ th’ other, And I will look on both differently; For let the gods so speed me as I love the name of honor more than I fear death.” Brutus told Cassius that he would do anything for honor, even if it might kill him. In Act 3 Scene 2 lines 20~21, after Caesar’s assassination, Brutus explained the reason why he chose to kill Caesar. “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” This shows how Brutus is willing to do anything for Rome, to be honored, even if the task is brutal and malicious. Brutus’ motivation of honor shaped him into a man who will do anything to be honored by his country.
Understanding that he is honorable, Brutus was also patriotic and thought he could control any situation. The conspirators discussed the assassination of Caesar, and every time Brutus spoke, every one agreed to him. “Cassius: What about Cicero? Brutus: O, name him not; Cassius: leave him out; Casca: Indeed he is not fit” (Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 141~154). The leadership shifted from Cassius to Brutus, and Brutus controlled all the plans for the conspiracy. The people of Rome were terrified when they found out Caesar was assassinated, and Brutus tried to convince a crowd to stay on the conspirator’s side. “Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that you may believe me.” (Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 14~15) Brutus showed the crowd that he knows he is honorable, and he expects Rome to listen to him, and to believe him. After Brutus became motivated by patriotism, he became arrogant.
Brutus changed since he started to be motivated by honor and patriotism; he became arrogant and stubborn. It made him join the conspiracy, to kill his friend who was a tyrant. Brutus didn’t achieve his goal of being honored and receiving support from Rome. Antony’s funeral speech convinced Rome to rise against the conspirators, instead of thanking them. Brutus’ goal was not worthy or noble, it is good to love honor, but not so much that he will kill someone.
No comments:
Post a Comment