A tragic hero often has three important characteristics; his superiority which makes his destruction seem more tragic, his goodness which arouses pity, and his tragic flaws. In the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Brutus is an excellent example of a hero with tragic flaws. Brutus is superior because of his close friendship with powerful Caesar and because of his popularity with the people. The conspirators need Brutus to join the conspiracy because of his friendship with Caesar and his popularity among the people. Brutus’ idealism and goodness are evident throughout the play; he sees only the goodness in people and naively believes others are as honorable as he. Even his enemy, Mark Antony, comments on these traits at the end of the play: “This was the noblest Roman of them all.” Brutus’ tragic flaws are idealism, honor, and poor judgment which are taken advantage of at first by Cassius and later by Mark Antony.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
A tragic hero often has three important characteristics; his superiority which makes his destruction seem more tragic, his goodness which arouses pity, and his tragic flaws. In the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Brutus is an excellent example of a hero with tragic flaws. Brutus is superior because of his close friendship with powerful Caesar and because of his popularity with the people. The conspirators need Brutus to join the conspiracy because of his friendship with Caesar and his popularity among the people. Brutus’ idealism and goodness are evident throughout the play; he sees only the goodness in people and naively believes others are as honorable as he. Even his enemy, Mark Antony, comments on these traits at the end of the play: “This was the noblest Roman of them all.” Brutus’ tragic flaws are idealism, honor, and poor judgment which are taken advantage of at first by Cassius and later by Mark Antony.