IndexIntroductionBody paragraphsNoble intentionsInternal moral struggleFall and endConclusionIntroductionWilliam Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is a quintessential study of power, loyalty and betrayal, with Marcus Junius Brutus positioned to its tragic core. While the narrative focuses on the assassination of Julius Caesar, it is Brutus who stands out as the tragic hero of the play. A tragic hero, as defined by Aristotle, is a character of noble stature whose downfall is hastened by a tragic flaw, or hamartia. This essay argues that Brutus embodies the essence of a tragic hero through his noble intentions, his internal moral struggle, and his ultimate death. His journey from revered senator to suicidal conspirator encapsulates the tragic hero's narrative arc, making it a compelling study in Shakespearean tragedy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body Paragraphs Noble Intentions Brutus enters the narrative as a man of high moral standing and noble intentions. His commitment to the Roman Republic and its democratic ideals is unwavering. When Cassius approaches him to join the conspiracy against Caesar, Brutus is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his perceived duty to Rome. His nobility is evident in his soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1, where he rationalizes his decision to join the conspiracy not out of envy or hatred, but out of fear that Caesar's rise to power might corrupt him and endanger the Republic . “It must be for his death,” Brutus muses, convinced that Caesar's potential tyranny outweighs their friendship. This commitment to the greater good, although misguided, highlights Brutus' noble intentions, aligning him with the Aristotelian tragic hero who errs in judgment. Internal Moral Struggle One of the defining characteristics of a tragic hero is his internal moral struggle, and Brutus exemplifies this more than anything else. any other Julius Caesar character. His soliloquies and dialogues reveal a man grappling with profound ethical dilemmas. Unlike Cassius, who is driven by envy and personal revenge, Brutus is motivated by what he believes to be Rome's best interests. The internal conflict reaches its peak during the assassination scene. Brutus' participation in Caesar's stabbing is fraught with emotional turmoil, culminating in his poignant "Et tu, Brute?" moment. This phrase not only indicates Caesar's sense of betrayal, but also highlights Brutus' awareness of the severity and personal cost of his actions. Fall and End The final aspect of Brutus's tragic heroism is his fall and end. The story of a tragic hero is incomplete without a catastrophic end that evokes pity and fear in the audience. Brutus' downfall is orchestrated through a series of misjudgments and unfortunate decisions. His decision to allow Mark Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral is a fundamental mistake that turns public opinion against the conspirators. Antony's manipulative oration incites the crowd into a frenzy, leading to civil unrest and the final defeat of Brutus' forces at the Battle of Philippi. Brutus's tragic end comes in the form of suicide, a common element in tragic narratives, symbolizing the final recognition of his irreversible mistakes. His last words, "Caesar, now stand still; I did not kill you with half a good will", encapsulate his remorse and acknowledgment of his imperfect judgment. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In..