Introduction
Brutus was regarded as noble in certain definitely Roman ways. Much of his nobility is established on aspects that do not happen and are not specified within the context of the play, Julia Caesar. As a nobleman, Brutus take risks and face challenges and costs to fight for what is right. He surely loved Rome and only agrees with Cassius to be part of the conspiracy because he knew that Caesar’s demise would make Rome a better place. Even though Brutus undoubtedly did some evil things, he represented what many Romans of that era would consider as “nobility.”
Claim Support #1
Perhaps, Brutus is considered noble because out of all the conspirators he had the interests of the Roman people at heart, and he did not act for self-interests. Marcus Antonius remarks that “This was the noblest Roman of them all.” (Act 5, Scene 5, 68-72). This means that Brutus was the noblest of all the conspirators because unlike others, Brutus did not act out of self-interest but for the overall good of Rome. Antonius assessment shows that Brutus acted selflessly for the good of the Roman republic, and not out of ‘envy of great Caesar.’ Brutus justified his reason for killing Caesar by pointing out that “not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” (Act III, Scene 2). The sentiment indicates that Brutus was really noble and justifies that he committed the act for all the right reasons.
Claim Support #2
Long before the play’s events unfold, Brutus was regarded as ‘noble’ because he emblematized the many of the old ideals of the Roman Republic. This was as a result of his firm aversion for luxury and demonstration, a commitment to the privileges of the Senate as well as a dedication of the antiquated idea of First Among Equals in the leadership of the Senate. Brutus pointed out that “For let the gods so speed as I love the name of honor more than I fear death” (Act 1, scene 2). This means that he was prepared to sacrifice anything for the superior good. Perhaps, this was the fundamental idea of the entire machinery of the Roman regime.
Brutus was a kind of conservative hero mainly due to his firm stand on the old order that was changing rapidly. Another reason why Brutus was the noblest man in the Roman book is that he came from a very noble family that comprised of great generals and senators in his family tree. Cassius says “Which every noble Roman bear of you” (Act II, scene 1). He was personally a very noble man and was considered a man of integrity. This is because Brutus could not be bribed, was indifferent in self-ambitions and detested the petty political backbiting in the Senate and managed to place himself above it.
Counter-Claim with Rebuttal
Brutus may not be considered a noble person due to his act of betrayal and murder. Brutal turned his back against his friend Caesar and was easily convinced by Cassius to the extent of committing a murder. Even though he had good intentions for Rome, he was generally disloyal and committed a grievous sin in the process. Brutus loved Caesar, but he was persuaded by Cassius who obviously disliked Caesar. This is evident when Cassius said, “Yes I see thy honorable mettle may be wrought from that it is disposed of.” Clearly, Brutus actions show that he was not noble, he not only betrayed his friend but also joined in stabbing him showing that he had no shame.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although Brutus actions of betraying and killing Caesar was considered as ignoble, his intentions of saving Rome represented what many Romans at that time would consider as nobility. In many ways, Brutus can be considered as a nobleman given that the evidence shows that he loved Rome more and wanted to save it from destruction. Perhaps, the vast gap between Brutus actions and his principles is where the problem lies.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Vol. 5. Methuen, 1902.