The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, is a story of betrayal and mistrust between powerful men. The four main characters show potential to be incredible leaders, however they each have major flaws which would eventually lead to their downfall. Readers often wonder which of these men would have been the “best” leader, but when one analyzes this question, it becomes clear that it is Brutus. Brutus, like the other men, has both positive and negative traits; but he is the only character in the story whose actions are genuinely selfless, Brutus believes that his actions will eventually benefit his country. Shakespeare portrays Julius Caesar as constantly feeding his ego by acquiring more power, Antony, another potential leader, was
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Brutus’ followers can always rely on the decisions he makes because they know his decision are made in favor of the people, rather than for personal gain. He exhibits selflessness frequently during the play, but he most clearly displays this trait during his speeches. One of his most memorable speeches was followed by Caesar’s death and he explains that Caesar's death was necessary by stating, “If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (3.2.20-22). In this statement, Brutus informs the audience of his motives. He explains that he did indeed love Caesar, but his profound love for Rome was a greater calling. For the love of his country he sacrificed one of his closest friends. Later, in the same speech, Brutus yet again shows his selfless attitude when he proclaimed, “I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country.” (3.2.42-44). Here, he tells the people of Rome that he killed a very dear friend so that Rome would be better off. He follows by stating that if there should come a time where he himself is causing Rome pain, that, he too, will be ready to face death. Brutus’ willingness to give up everything, including his own life, to make his country great demonstrates a level of selflessness beyond any other leader in the
Brutus’ followers can always rely on the decisions he makes because they know his decision are made in favor of the people, rather than for personal gain. He exhibits selflessness frequently during the play, but he most clearly displays this trait during his speeches. One of his most memorable speeches was followed by Caesar’s death and he explains that Caesar's death was necessary by stating, “If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (3.2.20-22). In this statement, Brutus informs the audience of his motives. He explains that he did indeed love Caesar, but his profound love for Rome was a greater calling. For the love of his country he sacrificed one of his closest friends. Later, in the same speech, Brutus yet again shows his selfless attitude when he proclaimed, “I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country.” (3.2.42-44). Here, he tells the people of Rome that he killed a very dear friend so that Rome would be better off. He follows by stating that if there should come a time where he himself is causing Rome pain, that, he too, will be ready to face death. Brutus’ willingness to give up everything, including his own life, to make his country great demonstrates a level of selflessness beyond any other leader in the