Brutus is considered a tragic hero in the play “Julius Caesar” because he possesses a fatal flaw, makes a judgment error that leads to his own destruction, and experiences peripeteia, or a reversal of fortune. These elements contribute to the audience’s sympathy and admiration for Brutus, despite his ultimate downfall.
One of Brutus’ fatal flaws is his susceptibility to manipulation and trickery. He is easily swayed by others’ opinions and is overly trusting of their intentions. This flaw is evident when Brutus is convinced by Cassius and the other conspirators to join their plot to assassinate Caesar. Despite his initial reluctance, Brutus is convinced that he is acting in the best interest of Rome and its citizens. However, this blind trust in others ultimately leads to his downfall, as he underestimates the consequences of his actions.
Furthermore, Brutus makes a grave judgment error by underestimating Antony’s influence and rhetoric skills. After the assassination of Caesar, Brutus allows Antony to deliver a funeral speech, assuming that he will not incite the crowd against the conspirators. However, Antony’s powerful oration turns the citizens against Brutus and the other conspirators, leading to a civil war and their eventual defeat. This error in judgment highlights Brutus’ tragic flaw of naivety and his failure to foresee the consequences of his actions.
In addition to possessing a fatal flaw and making a judgment error, Brutus experiences peripeteia, a reversal of fortune. Initially, Brutus believes that by eliminating Caesar, he is safeguarding the Roman Republic and preserving its democratic values. He genuinely believes that his actions will benefit the people of Rome. However, as events unfold, Brutus realizes that his noble intentions have been overshadowed by the chaos and bloodshed that ensues. This realization, coupled with the loss of his wife Portia and the defeat of his cause, leads to his tragic downfall. The audience witnesses Brutus’ transformation from a well-intentioned and honorable man to a broken and defeated figure, evoking sympathy and admiration for his internal struggles.
Personally, I can relate to the character of Brutus in some ways. Like Brutus, I have made judgment errors in the past, underestimating the consequences of my actions. This flaw has taught me the importance of critically analyzing situations and seeking advice from trusted individuals before making important decisions. Additionally, I have experienced peripeteia in my own life, where a series of events led to a complete reversal of fortune. These personal experiences allow me to empathize with Brutus’ tragic journey and understand the complexity of his character.
Brutus is considered a tragic hero in “Julius Caesar” because he possesses a fatal flaw, makes a judgment error that leads to his own destruction, and experiences peripeteia. His susceptibility to manipulation, underestimation of Antony’s influence, and the reversal of his fortune contribute to the audience’s sympathy and admiration for his character. Through the portrayal of Brutus, Shakespeare explores the complexities of human nature and the tragic consequences of flawed decision-making.