Brutus Justified or Not

In the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar was a very powerful leader in Rome. He was an ambitious man that was looking for more power. But his ambition led to his murder by Brutus. Brutus only did this for the good of Rome. Brutus is justified in killing Caesar because he did it to help save Rome, and because Caesar was not a good leader.

Brutus is justified in killing Caesar because he did it to help save Rome. Brutus believed, "Think him as a serpent's egg, which, hatched, would, as his kind, grow mischievous, and kill him in the shell" (II.i.33-36). Brutus believed that even though Caesar hasn't done anything wrong yet, he will in the future, so they must kill him as soon as possible. The fact that Brutus killed Caesar for the good of Rome, justifies him. A lot of people think Brutus' motives were wrong, but to Brutus, he was doing the right thing. Brutus said to the plebeians, "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more" (III.ii.19-24). Brutus really did care for Caesar, but he knew that it had to be done. This showed his true love for Rome and that he really cares about his people.

Brutus is justified in killing Caesar because Caesar was not a good leader. In the beginning of the play, Flavius tells Murellus, "These growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wing will make him fly an ordinary pitch, who else would soar above the view of men and keep us all in servile fearfulness" (I.i.72-75). In this quote, Flavius is saying that if they don't get rid of Caesar quickly, then they won't be able to stop him. He feels that they will all soon become his servants. When Calpurnia is begging Caesar not to leave, he gives in and says, "Mark Antony shall say I am not well, and for thy humor I will stay at home" (II.ii.55-56). This quote shows that Caesar was weak and afraid. Those are poor qualities a leader should not have. Caesar's confidence usually got the better of him.

Caesar was not only a horrible leader, but a negative impact upon Rome that Brutus needed to kill him. Brutus truly believed that killing Caesar was for the good of Rome. Brutus was always thinking of what is best for Rome. Brutus had a kind heart, and because of this, he had to kill a good friend. Although he was not successful in protecting the Roman Republic, his intentions were good and justified.