14
CHAPTER III
BRUTUS'CHARACTER TRAITS
It is really tragic that Julius Caesar is killed by his beloved friend, Marcus Brutus. As a friend, Brutus has no personal reason to kill Caesar, but as a citizen, he has the responsibility to kill Caesar to prevent Caesar's tyranny to his people. He wants Rome to always be a repub- lic. Brutus has noble motivation as he is supported by several Senators and Aristocratic families yet he fails in his attempt to save Rome. The 'writer wants to diecuss Bru- tus'characters to find the reasons that cause him fail in his conspiracy against Caesar.
Brutus' character traits.
Brutus is one of the important citizens in Rome. He comes from an old Aristocratic family, and he is also married to a woman of the same Aristocratic class. As a man of noble rank, Brutus has noble characters. He has great mind and soul and he really scorns dishonourable deeds. It is because of his noble characters that Brutus is willing to conspire against Caesar, but it is also because of his noble characters that he fails in his goal to keep Rome as a Republic. 15
I. Brutus'positive traits.
I.I. Brutus' honourable trait.
Brutus places a lot of emphasis on honour and integri- ty. When Cassius starts to approach Brutus with the inten- tion to have Brutus in his conspiracy against Caesar,
Brutus thinks that it is important to consider it. Brutus thinks that the reason is honorable as it is for the general good of his country. That makes Brutus interested to talk about how honour is very important for a man and he himself regards honour very highly.
Brutus: If it aught toward the general good ,
Set honour in one eye, and death i'th
'other,
And I will look on both indifferently;
For let gods so speed me as I love
The name of honour more than I fear
death.
(I, ii, 85-9)
Brutus loves honour more than everything even his death:
It is better to die than to do something dishonourable. In this case, Brutus is a real gentleman as he has an honora- 16
ble attention for his country. About Brutus' honourable intention is also admitted by Cinna, Casca, and Ligarius.
Cinna: O.Cassius, if you could
But win the noble Brutus to our
party . . .
(I, iii, 137-8)
Casca: 0, he sits high in all the people's
hearts;
And that which would appear offence in us
His countenance, like richest alchemy,
Will change to virtue and to worthiness
(Act I,scene iii, 157-60)
Ligarius: I arn not sick if Brutus have in. hand
Any exploit worthy the name of honour.
(II, i, 316-7)
When Cassius plans the conspiracy against Caesar, Cinna,
Casca, and Ligarius directly states that Brutus should be
included in the conspiracy because he is a noble man. He
is very respected because he is well known for his honour.
Brutus is highly respected and loved by the people. There-
fore, he is worthy for the conspiracy. He is considered as
the most honoured man. If Brutus is in the conspiracy,
people will regard it a noble conspiracy. Nobody will 17 accuse Brutus as an ambitious man, so people will not blame Brutus or the other conspirators for killing Caesar. Ligarius also believes that Brutus's involvement in the conspiracy is important for the plot against Caesar is be- cause of his honourable trait. So he is not worried if Brutus leads the conspiracy. Because Ligarius has a very high regard on Brutus, that he is willing to be with Brutus in whatever condition he is.
Next, the writer finds that Brutus'action to kill
Caesar is also for an honourable reason. He seriously con- siders Cassius' plan to conspire against Caesar as he thinks that Caesar's intention to be a king is something that is dishonourable . As an honourable person, Brutus has the duty to think about his people and country.
Brutus'honourable thought is reflected at the time he hears people choose Caesar for their king.
Brutus: What mean this shouting? I do fear the
people choose Caesar for their king.
Cassius:Then must I think you would not have it
so
Brutus: 1 would not, Cassius; yet I love him
well.
(I, ii, 78-82) 18
Brutus states his inner conflict between his duty to the Republic and his personal love for Caesar. He has admitted that he loves honour more than anything and because he thinks that Caesar is dishonourable in his ambition to be a king, Caesar should be killed. Yet he likes CaeBar and Caesar also likes him, if he kills Caesar, it will mean that he has betrayed Caesar's friendship. Because of this problem, Brutus has to really think about the right thing to do, to kill Caesar or not.
Brutus: It must be by his death; and for my part,
I know no personal cause to spurn at him,
But for the general. -He would be
crowned.
How that might change hi3 nature, there
is the question.
(II, i, 10-13)
Brutus does not bear a personal grudge against Caesar. It
is his belief that Caesar would be a tyrant when he is crowned and because of that he must get rid of Caesar before Caesar's tyranny can harm the Roman. He has a
strong sense of honour and deep feeling of responsibility
to protect the freedom of his country. Caesar must die for
the general good. Although he kills his friend, the gener-
al good for his country is his main concern and in this 19 case, Brutus' loves honour more than everything, even his
friendship. His reason to kill Caecar is for an honourable reason.
He is a man who cares more about principles than peo-
ple. He uses principles to justify the murder of a.friend.
He is so blinded by ideals that he cannot see into his own
heart or recognize the needs of the world. (Spring, 16).
Brutus is willing to conspire against Caesar although he
has to betray his friendship with Caesar. His principle to
save his country from the tyranny of Caesar Is greater
than his friendship with Caesar.
Antony also says that Brutus thinks the good of people
in his mind in his conspiracy against Caesar. He has no
personal reason or envy to Caesar. His motive is different
from the other conspirators.
Antony: This was the noblest Roman of them all
All the. conspirators save only he
Did that they did in envy of great Cae
sar;
(V, v, 68--70)
It is clear that Brutus kills Caesar for the good of his
people. He has no personal envy. He kills Caesar only be-
cause Caesar is ambitious. And it is really respected by
Antony that Brutus is an honourable person. 20
Antony: His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, 'This was a man'!.
(V, v, 73-5).
Brutus is simply too noble for the world he lives in. He kills Caesar only to do what is best for his country. He remains faithful to his principles to the end. Everyone admires him and seeks his friendship as he is honorable in his intention. He tries to be better than he can (Spring,
17).
The play's theme is a single one, liberty versus tyranny. Brutus is the one who struggles for liberty and
Caesar is the one who acts as a tyrant in Brutus"mind. So
in this case, Brutus is really noble in his action in committing assassination against Caesar.(Rosen, 199)
Furthermore, the writer can look at Brutus' honourable
trait when he reftises to kill Antony at the same time when he kills Caesar. Actually, what Cassius suggests that Mark
Antony be killed with Caesar is a sensible view in the
political strategy. Mark Antony, an experienced general who is popular with hie troops, will have the ability to
revenge and will strike back if he is allowed to live, 22 his country while killing Antony is not true as he finds no mistake in Antony. In this case, the writer finds ho- nourable motive in Brutus as his motive to kill Caesar is pure for his country. He only kills the person who is proved to be dangerous for his country and he will not kill an innocent man like Antony.
1.2. Brutus' trustworthy trait.
Brutus belongs to the men who are thinkers, philoso- phers and idealists. (Coles,27). He believes that others are influenced by the same ideals as what he has. He never suspects others. He also thinks that everyone can be trusted like himself, as what he says is always the same as what is in his mind. He never pretends or manipulates others as he is a trustworthy man.
When Brutus is worried of Caesar's growing power,
Brutus talks about it honestly to Cassius.
Brutus: What means this shouting ? I do fear-
people
choose Caesar for their king.
Cassius: Ay, do you fear it ?
Then I must think you would not have it
so.
(1, ii,78-81) 22 his country while killing Antony is not true as he finds no mistake in Antony. In this case, the writer finds ho- nourable motive in Brutus as his motive to kill Caesar is pure for his country. He only kills the person who is proved to be dangerous for his country and he will not kill an innocent man like Antony.
1.2. Brutus' trustworthy trait.
Brutus belongs to the men who are thinkers, philoso- phers and idealists. (Coles,27). He believes that others are influenced by the same ideals as what he has. He never suspects others. He also thinlis that everyone can be trusted like himself, as what he says is always the same as what is in his mind. He never pretends or manipulates others as he is a trustworthy man.
When Brutus is worried of Caesar's growing power,
Brutus talks about it honestly to Cassius.
Brutus: What means this shouting ? I do fear
people
choose Caesar for their king.
Cassius: Ay, do you tear it ?
Then I must think you would not have it
so.
(1, ii,78-81) 23
Brutus is afraid if people choose Caesar for their king, as he is very sure Caesar will be a tyrant. He cannot hide his worry that he conveys this to Cassius. Brutus has no other hidden motivation. What he says is the same as what is in his mind . In his soliloquy, he says that this problem really bothers him.
Brutus: Crown him !-that
And then, I grant, we put a sting in him
That at his will he may do danger with.
Th' abuse of greatness is when it dis
joins
Remorse from power; and, to speak truth
of Caesar, I have not known when his
affections swayed
More than his reason. But 'tis a common
proof,
That lowliness is young ambition's lad
der,
Whereto the climber— upward turns his
face;
But when he. once attains the upmost
round,
He then unto the ladder turns his back,
Looks in the clouds, scorning the base
degrees. 24
By which he did ascend: so Caesar may;
Then, lest he may, prevent. And since the
quarrel
Will bear no color for the thing he is,
Fashion it thus: that what he is, aug
mented,
Would run to these and these extremities;
And therefore think him as serpent's egg
Which, hatched, would, as his kind, grow
mischievous, And kill htm in the shell.
(II, i, 15-34).
Brutus disagrees that Caesar should be crowned. If Caesar- is crowned, it will mean that people have given Caesar the power to harm them, and it is dangerous for the country.
Therefore, before something bad happens in the future, it will be better to prevent Caesar from being crowned.
Although Brutus'suspicion is not based on Caesar's actual behaviour, Brutus is afraid that the crown might change
Caesar's nature. Brutus is worried that Caesar will soon grow from a serpent's egg to become the dangerous serpent itself. Because of that, it is better to kill him early so that he cannot possibly do any harm. In this case Bruttis is really concerned for the good of the Romans. He does not have another personal reason like Cassius. He is really trustworthy. 25
Another event that proves Brutus'trustworthy trait is that when he refuses to have an oath among the conspir- ators. Brutus portrays the assassination as a virtous act. Taking an oath will put a stain on a noble enterprise. He thinks that every man is as honest as he is and he feels that to take an oath appears not to trust each other. He is sure that a real conspiracy needs no formal oath. He really believes in the others.
Brutus: No, not an oath. If not the face of man
(II, i, 114)
what we need any spur but our own cause
To prick us to redress ? What other bend
than secret Romans, that have spoke the
word.
And will not palter? and what other oath?
Than honesty to honesty engaged
That this shall be or we will for it ?
(II, i, 123-8)
He certainly disagrees when Cassius suggests th&t all the conspirators should take an oath for their resolution. In this case, Brutus is a very trustworthy person. He is not aware that other people might not have the same trait as he does. He does not realize that another person might not as trustworthy as he is. He does not think that the other 26 conpirators can betray the conspiracy. He is eo trustful to other people, while in reality some of the conspira- tors cannot, be trusted. He never suspects others as he thinks that what someone says is also the same as his thought.
Antony also says that Brutus has the good of the Roman people in mind when he joins the conspiracy. His motive is pure and he is trustworthy in his principle. He is a patriot who fights for the freedom of the Roman.
Anthony: He only, in a general honest thought
And common good to all, made one of
them.
(V, v, 71-2) •
What Antony says in the last of Brutus"hours is clear that he has fought courageously and laced death with the resig- nation of becoming a great man. It is proved that what
Brutus says is the same with what he does. He is really trustworthy in his principle to free the Roman.
II. Brutus'negative traits.
II.I. Brutus' excessive sense of honour.
Although Brutus is honourable and trustworthy, he has
many careless mistakes. His decisions which show justice 27 and wisdom, turn out to be the wrong ones in situations following the death of Caesar. Brutus has a positive trait that he always sticks to his principle, and for some people who realize about this trait can easily manipulate him. The unfortunate thing that happens to Brutus is that he does not realize his weaknesses that he is easy to be manipulated by others.
The honorable intention that Brutus has for his coun- try is used by Cassius to flatter him in the conspiracy against Caesar. Brutus has an idealistic principle for his country. He is willing to kill Caesar for the general good of his people because he loves honour more than everything else. And this is what Cassius uses to influence him to conspire against Caesar.
Cassius: I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favour
Well, honour is the subject of my story
(I, ii, 90-93).
In this case, Cassius manipulates Brutus by using the word
"honour" which is Brutus' real concern . Hie standard of life is high and upon this character Cassius works.
Cassius influences Brutus by giving the reasons that their motivation to conspire against Caesar is honour-able.
Cassius whets Brutus'love of honor against Caesar by 28
insinuating that Caesar has robbed the Roman of their freedom. Roman under Caesar's tyranny will lead insignifi- cant lives and die without, honour.
Cassius: Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world, Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about
To find ourselves dishonourable graves men at some time are masters of their
fates;
(I, ii, 134-8)
Brutus: What you have said
I will consider; What you have to say
I will with patience hear, and find a
time
Both meet to hear and answer such high
things
(I, ii, 166-9)
Cassius's words have made an impact on Brutus and wheted
Brutus' enthusiasm to be concern about the freedom of his country- Brutus does not realize that Casesius is motivated only by the desire for personal power and envy of Caesar.
Brutus is half persuaded by Cassius' flattery and he prom-
ises that he will consider what Cassius says seriously.
Later , Brutus believes in Cassius' opinion that Caesar is 29 dangerous for his country. He also has the same idea with Cassius that Caesar must die before his tyranny harms Roman. In Br\itus'soliloquy, it is reflected on how C&3- sius'words have influenced Brutus.
Brutus: How that might change his nature, there
is the question
It is the bright day that brings forth
the adder,
And that craves wary walking.
(II, i, 13-5)
Brutus has a strong sense of honor and deep feeling of responsibility to project the freedom of his country. The writer finds the fallacy in Brutus'reason, that Caesar is killed not for what he has done but for what he may do. He just bases his reasoning on possibility. The possibility is that if Caesar may become a king, Caesar may ruin the
Republic. So Brutus, as an idealist, confuses Cassius'- treachery with his honor. And this happens because of
Cassius' cleverness to flatter Brutus. Brutus who has honourable intention to conspire against Caesar is manipu- lated by Cassius to kill Caesar.
Besides the reason that Caesar is ambitious and dan- gerous for his country, Brutus kills Caesar also because many people expect him to free them from the tyranny of 30
Caesar. As a responsible citizen, Brutus haB the duty to save his country, but actually, it is also Cassius's manipulation that Brutus does not realize.
Cassius: Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have
heard where many of the best respect
in Rome, expect in immortal Caesar,
speaking of Brutus and groaning under
neath this age"s yoke,
have wish"d that noble Brutus had his
eyes.
(I, ii,59-62)
Brutus: What is it that you would impart to roe ?
If it be aught toward the general good,
Set honour in one eye, and death i'th
'other,
And I will look on both indifferently;
(I, ii, 84-7).
Brutus shows his interest to talk further about Cassius'
view. He believes what Cassius tells him that there are
many people who wish Brutus to take the action. The people
need Brutus'patriotism to free them. Now the people are
suffering from Caesar's tyranny. They really need Brutus
to perceive the situation with regard to Caesar'tyranny. 31
Brutus is ready to sacrifice his life if it is for the general good. He is not afraid to die as he loves honour more than death and he believes in whatever Cassius tells him that many people expect him to save them.
It is obvious that in his soliloquy, Cassius is satis-
fied because he has influenced Brutus and will be able to win him over. He promises to forge messages in various
styles of hand writing to the effect that Brutus 1B ex- pected by many eminent citizens to take a lead against
Caesar. He will ask Cinna to throw these messages to
Brutus'house to convince Brutus that the people really want him to save them.
Cassius: Well, Brutxis, thou art noble; yet I see
Thy honourable mettle may be wrought
From that it is disposed: therefore it
is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their
likes; For who so firm that cannot be
seduced ?. . . .
(I, ii, 305-9)
In several hands, in at his windows
throw, As if they came from several
citizens, Writing, all tending to the
great opinion •That Rome holds of his 32
name, where in obscurely Caesar's arnbi tion shall be glanced at. (I, ii, 313-7)
Cassius knows exactly that the nobility of Brutus can be corrupted, so he is sure that the letters he makes will influence Brutus in his decision to take action againBt
Caesar.
Cassius: Be content. Good Cinna, take this paper,
And look you lay it in the praetor's
chair,
Where Brutus may but find it; and throw
this
In at his v;indcv.'; set this up with
wax ....
(I, iii, 142-5)
Cinna: . . . Well, I will hie,
And so bestrow these papers as you bade me
(I, iii, 150-51)
Casca: His countenance, like richest alchemy,
Will change to virtue and to worthiness.
(I, iii, 159-60).
Brutus does not realize that he has also been manipulated by the other conspirators. He thinks many people expect 33
him to save his country from the tyranny of Caesar, but actually they have personal ambition by using the noble Brutus to achieve their purpose. Brutus never suspects other conspirators'motivations. He is an idealistic man. Cassius*letters have been successful in manipulating Brutus.
The letter: Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake, and see
thyself.
Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress.
'Brutus, thou sleep'st : awake".
Brutus: To speak and strike ? 0 rome, Imake thee
promise
If the redress will follow,thou receivest
Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus.
(II, i, 56-6)
Brutus'patriotism is unquestionable. Because of the let-
ters that are supposedly written by the common people, He
pledges that he will do anything for Rome and he convi-
ences himself that they can trust him. Brutus is sure that
killing Caesar is the best solution to save his country as
many people also want that. What Brutus does not realize
is that Cassius and the other conspirators have manipulat-
ed him on his patriotism.
Brutus is high minded, but his principles do not seem
to prepare him very well for dealing with a corrupt world. 34
He cannot recognize motives that are less noble than his own and therefore he is preyed upon by unscrupulous poli- ticians. (Spring, 15).
II.2- Brutus'overconfidence.
Brutus realizes that many people have high regards for him. He also knows all the conspirators want him to con- spire against Caesar because of his trustworthiness and honour. Yet, Brutus'positive trait that is trustworthy causes him to have so much of self-confidence that he cannot make good and proper judgement in his decision. He is so confident in his ability to judge characters that he sees people only from their outside appearance. He does not realise that what is good outside will not surely be good inside. He has failed in judging Cassius'characters and he does not realise that he has been manipulated. And
later he also fails to judge a situation.
His trustworthiness has given him such confidence in himself that he refuses Cassius'advice. Brutus' overconfi- dent trait can be seen when he refuses to have an oath among the conspirators. He trusts them fully. He never
thinks that the conspirators will reveal their plan later.
Artemidorus:Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed
of Cassius; come not near Casca; have an 35
eye to Cinna; trust not Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber; Decius loves thee not; thou hast wronged Caitis Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou beestnot immortal, look about you, secu rity gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee !. (II, iii, 1-9).
Something bad happens because of Brutus'overconfident decision not to take an oath among the conspirators.
Artemiddorus, a teacher of rhetoric, has found out the names of all eight conspirators and he lists them all.
Apparently, he gets this information from one of the eight. But fortunately when Artemidorus reads the notes,
Caesar does not take it as a serious warning. Caesar just let it go.
Brutus'decision not to kill Antony at the same time with killing Caesar as Cassius has suggested to him shows
Brutus'over-confidence trait. In this case, he does not only look down upon Cassius'opinion but also looks down on
Antony's ability to take revenge. Brutus really believes that what he thinks and what he does for Antony is right and none can influence his decision. 36
Cassius: ... I think it ie not meet
Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar
Should outlive Caesar. We shall find of
him
A shrewd contriver; and you know his
means,
If he improve them, may stretch so far
As to annoy us all; which to prevent,
Let Antony and Caesar- fall together.
(II, i, 155-161)
Brutus: To cut the head off and then hack the
limbs, like wrath in death and envy
afterwards,
For Antony is but a limb of Caesar
(II, i, 163-5)
And for Mark antony, think not of him;
For he can do no more than Caesar's arm
When Caesar's head is off.
(II, i, 177-83).
Brutus does not agree with Cassius that Mark Antony will become a source of potential danger to the security of the
conspirators. He believes that Antony cannot do anything without Caesar. Antony has no ability to fight alone if
the leader has been killed and Antony will be helpless. He 37
is sure that Antony will not endanger the safety of the conspirators. Brutus is really overconfident that Antony
is nothing compared to Caesar. Brutus has over-confidence's opinion to neglect Antony's ability.
But it is a decision that grleviously wrong as later,
all of Cassius worries come into real. Antony really
revenges against Caesar's death. In this soliloquy over
the body of dead Caesar, Antony vows that he will punish
all the conspirators.
Antony: All pity choked with custom of fell
deeds; And Caesar's spirit, ranging for
revenge,
With Ate by his side, come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's
voice
Cry havoc and let e.Jip the dogs of war.
That, this fou] deed tfhall smell above the
earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
(Ill, i, 269-75).
Antony believes that Caesar's spirit in him is greater
than Caesar's live to take revenge. Antony is sure that
his revenge over Caeaar's death will be successful. Antony
believes that the conspirators have been unscrupulous and 38 vindictive in their murder of Caesar. It is proved then that Cassius'decision to kill Antony at the same time when they kill Caesar proves to be right. Brutxis'wrong decision
not to kill Antony is based on his over-confidence in his
judgement that Antony is weak and he will understand
Brutus'reason for killing Caesar, Brutus never thinks that
Antony has the wit, strength, and power to take a revenge.
Furthermore, another of Brutus'decision that shows his
overconfidence is that when he refuses Cassius'suggestion
not to let Antony speak in Caesar's funeral. Brutus really
believes that Antony will not be able to influence the
crowd as he is the one who gives Antony's permission to
speak. Brutus has ignored Cassius'suggestion and underes-
timate Antony's power. This wrong judgement has really
brought Brutus' and the other conspirators' lifes in the
hand of Antony.
Cassius: Brutus, a word with you,
You know not what you do; do not consent
That Antony speak in his funeral
Know you how much the people may be
moved
By that which he will utter ?.
(Ill, i, 232-4)
Brutus: By your pardon:
I will myself into the pulpit first, 39
And show the reason of our Caesar's
death. What Antony shall speak, I will
protest He speaks by leave and by permission; And that we are contented Caesar shall Have all true rites and lawful ceremo nies,
It shall advantage more than do us
wrong.
(Ill', i, 235-42)
Brutus is overconfident that once he explains the reasons for killing Caesar, the crowd would believe him. He is sure that the justice of his crime can be accepted by the people. Moreover, he explains to the crowd that Antony speaks with Brutus'permission. Brutus feels that he will give Caesar the rites and lawful ceremonies befitted with
Caesar's position and this will show that Brutus'reason to commit the assasination is noble. The crowd will under- stand that all what Brutus has done is for the good of his people. But unfortunately, what Brutus thinks -is not always right. Brutus has too much over-confidence so he makes many mistakes that he does not realize.
Brutus'speech that is expected to influence the crowd in his side turn to be .a fatal judgement. Brutus cannot understand the emotion of the crowd and the situation 40 around him. It is different from Antony'e speech that influences the crowd's emotion. Antony is clever to under- stand the nature of the crowd and the condition around him.
Brutus'speech appeals to the intellect instead of to the passions as in Antony's. It is a formal rhetorical speech. Bruttis does not realise that the men in a crowd do not think but react emotionally.
Brutus: . . . Believe me for mine honour, and
have respect to mine honour, that you may
believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and
awake your senses, that you may better
judge.
(Ill, ii, 14-7).
Brutus attracts the crowd'sympathy by saying that he is
really honourable. Then he asks the crowd cleverness to
judge him by their own. It is clear that he obviously does
not know how to handle a crowd. Brutus'speech is formal
and balanced in structure. Brutus'speech is more suited as
an address to the educated elite of society. He does not
realise that the crowd are uneducated and they react
emotionally (Lau Guan Ho, 176). 41
Brutus: ... Not that I loved CaeBar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather
Caesar were
living, and die all slaves, than that
Caesar were dead, to live all free men ?
As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he
was fortune, I rejoice at it; as he was
valiant, I honour him; but as he was
ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for
his love; joy for his fortune; honour for
his valour; and death for his ambition=
Who is here so base that would be a bond
man ? If any, speak; for him have I of
fended. Who is here so rude that would
not be a Roman ? If any, speak; for him
have I offended. Who is here so vile that
will not love his country ? If any,
speak; for him have I offended. I pause
for a reply.
All : None, Brutus, none.
(Ill, ii, 21-34)
Brutus'speech is typical of his own fallacious reasoning.
He believes that by claiming honor to his name, his deed will be accepted as honorable. He feels that by claiming
Caesar's ambition, he has given clear reason for Caese:-.-'s 42 death. He believes that the crowd will be won over by the simple explanation of his motives. But actually, the crowd is not won by any reasoning they have heard. They are awed by Brutus'speech which appeals to reason. They do not really understand Brutus'speech. The language Brutus uses in his speech is too high for the crowd and this is what Brutus does not realize (Coles,31).
Brutus: . . . as I slew.my best lover for the
good of Rome, I have the same dagger for
myself, when it shall please my country
to need my death.
All: Live, Brutus ilive! live!
Third Plebeian: Let him be Caesar.
Fourth Plebeian: Caesar's better parts
Shall be crowned in Brutus.
(Ill, ii, 44-51)
Although Brutus has moved the crowd logical thinking by
promising to kill himself if it should please the country,
they still cannot fully understand what Brutus really
wants. They just learn that Brutus kills Caesar because
Caesar is ambitious. So they want Brutus to replace
Caesar as a person they can worship. The better qualities
of Caesar can be found in Brutus (Lau Guan Ho, 178). In
this case, it is obvious that the portrait of Caesar's 43 greatness is still in his people's mind. Brutus cannot fully influences the crowd's mind as his speech is based on logical reason which the crowd cannot completely under- stand. Antony turns out to be a much better orator than Bru- tus. Cassius'fear that Antony's speech will infuence the crowd becomes the reality. Antony is really a good orator. He understands the crowd. He does not want to tell directly what he wants to prove, but he uses the strategy to follow the emotion of the crowd.
Antony: For Brutus'sake, lam beholding to you.
Third Plebeian: 'Twere best he speak no harm of
Brutus here i
First Plebeian:This Caesar was a tyrant.
(Ill, ii, 65-9)
Antony knows that the condition of the crowd after Bru- tus 'speech cannot be changed directly to his side. He fol- lows the crowd's emotion as if he also understood Bru- tus'reason to kill Caesar. But then later, he arouses the crowd's emotion by leading them into passionate acceptance of his views. He begins by acknowledging the nobility and honour Of Brutus. Then, playing on the word "honourable" until it becomes a mockery and on "ambition" as not being applicable to Caesar (Lau Guan Ho, 182). He proves that 44 what Caesar has done is for the state and for the people . He overcomes his emotion to win the mob's sympathy until the mob is sure that Caesar is not ambitious.
Antony: Friends, Romans, countrymen, led me your
ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to
praise him. The evil that men do lives
after them,The good is oft interred with
their bones; so let it be with Caesar.
The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was
ambitious.If it were so, it was a griev-
ous fault, And grievously hath Caesar an
swered it. Here, under leave of Brutus
and the rest- For Brutus is an honourable
man; So are they all, all honourable men,
Corn* I to speak in Caesar's funeral.
(Ill, ii, 74-84)
First Antony just says that the wrong deed is committed by men, but the good deed is often buried and forgotten. He does not say directly that the people has forgotten Cae- sar's goodness as he knows that the crowd is still on
Brutus' side. 45
Antony: He was rny friend, faithful and just to me; But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general cof fers fill: Did this in Caesar seem ambi tious ?
When that poor have cried, Caesar hath
wept; Ambition should be made of sterner-
stuff: Yet Brutus says he was ambitous,
And Brutus is an honourable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was it ambi
tious ?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And sure he is an honourable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus
spoke, But here I am to speak what I do
know.
(Ill, ii, 86-102)
Antony vouches for Caesar's fidelity as a personal friend.
This shows that his personal relationship with Caesar can be appreciated by the crowd who knows how it is to have a good friend (Lau Guan Ho, 182). Then, the tone becomes 46 sarcastic as Antony disproves what Brutus has said that
Caesar is ambitious. Antony enumerates Caesar's victories in war and how he brought glory to Rome. It is for the public treasury and not for Caesar's personal benefit.
Then, Antony offers concrete evidence to prove the con- trary state of affairs. Caesar is actually a compassionate man and he always cries looking at the suffering of his people. Furthermore, Antony reminds the mob how the arnbi- tous man can refuse the crown until three times. All what
Antony says to the crowd not to disprove what Brutus has claimed, but asks the crowd to know the truth. In this case, we can see how clever and skillfull Antony's ability to speak. He is successful to move the crowd's emotion and turn them to his side. Now it is clear that Antony's oratory brings many effects to the crowd. The mob is seriously angry with the conspirators as they have killed
Caesar with no real reason.
Second Plebeian: Room for Antony, most noble
Antony !
{Ill, ii 167)
All: Revenge ! About ! Seek i Bum ! Fire ! KU1
! Slay ! Let not a traitor live.
(Ill, ii, 204-5) 47
Antony's speech has influnced the crowd,. aroused their emotion their love for Caesar and hated the conspirators. It is clear now that Brutus'decision that seerns noble and fair turns tc be the wrong one. Brutus'over-confidence brings.nothing but failure of the conspirators.
Cassius 'word 'Men are sometimes master of their fates' is suitable for Brutus. That word means that men's destiny lies on the way he reacts to himself and his sur- roundings. In other words, the cause of a man to suceed or fail in his life depends on whether or not he is able to understand his weakness and strength. If he loses his self-control and let himself to his idealised actions, it will lead him to his downfall as seen in Brutus (Lau Guan
Ho: 34).