Brutus' Main Purpose in The Conspiracy: a Reflection on Motivation

Table of Contents

• Brutus' Internal Conflicts
• Concern for the Roman Republic
• Belief in the Greater Good
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" dives into all that power and betrayal stuff. And right in the middle of it is Brutus, a guy who's really torn about what to do. He's caught between sticking by his pal Caesar and doing what's best for Rome. This essay takes a look at why Brutus even thinks about joining this conspiracy against Caesar. We're gonna dig into what makes him tick, his worries about Rome, and his belief in doing what's best for everyone.

'Brutus' Main Purpose in The Conspiracy: a Reflection on Motivation'

Brutus' Internal Conflicts

So let's get straight into it. Brutus has some serious internal conflicts going on. He's got this reputation as a noble dude who believes in republican ideals. But then again, he's good buds with Caesar, which makes things super complicated. In Act 2, Scene 1, he says, "It must be by his death, and for my part, / I know no personal cause to spurn at him" (2.1.10-11). He’s basically saying he’s not out to get Caesar just because of some personal beef but because he's worried about Rome's future.

And then there's that soliloquy where he compares Caesar to a serpent's egg (Act 2, Scene 1). He thinks if they let Caesar rise to power, Rome might go down the drain. So yeah, he sees taking down Caesar as something that's gotta happen for the greater good.

Cassius is another big influence here—he talks Brutus into seeing things his way. Cassius goes all philosophical on him with lines like "Men at some time are masters of their fates..." (1.2.135-137), convincing Brutus that stepping up against Caesar is necessary to save the Republic.

Concern for the Roman Republic

The thing that really gets Brutus on board with the conspiracy? It's his real concern for what happens to Rome. He cares deeply about keeping Rome democratic and free from tyranny. Remember when he talks to the plebeians after they take out Caesar? He says something like "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more" (3.2.22). That sums up where he's coming from pretty well.

Also, it's worth noting how Brutus decides not to kill Antony along with Caesar—despite what Cassius says! He doesn’t want their actions to seem overly brutal or unfair (Act 2, Scene 1). Even in conspiracy mode, he's trying to keep things honorable.

Belief in the Greater Good

A huge driver for Brutus is this idea of working toward the greater good. He figures that offing Caesar might just save Rome from falling into tyranny. It's all about making tough choices for the state's sake—stuff you'd expect from someone as idealistic as Brutus.

You can see how serious he is when he reflects on whether crowning Caesar would put them all at risk (Act 2, Scene 1). It’s clear he believes getting rid of this threat could actually lead to a better future.

The most telling thing? His willingness to act against his own interests! Despite being close friends with Caesar, he's ready to sacrifice personal ties if it means saving Rome.

Conclusion

In short? Brutus jumps into this whole conspiracy mess mostly because he genuinely cares about Rome and its future—and he's wrestling with some heavy internal conflicts too! He's got these deep fears about where Caesar's ambition could lead them all but stays committed overall; virtue and honor guide every step forward despite tragic consequences following soon thereafter...

Bibliography

• Daniell David (Ed.). Julius Caesar: The Arden Shakespeare Edition (1998).
• Bloom Harold (Ed.). William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations (2009).
• Mowat Barbara A., Werstine Paul (Eds.). Julius Caesar: Folger Shakespeare Library Edition (2004).
• Kastan David Scott (Ed.). Julius Caesar: The Riverside Shakespeare Edition (1997).
• Sisler Marcia S., Volz Jim (Eds.). CliffsComplete Julius Caesar: Complete Play Plus Study Guide Features By M.S.S & J.V.(2000).