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Marcus Brutus Brutus tragic flaw was the conflict between his emotions and actions pitted against his Stoic philosophy. The killing of Caesar conflicted with his stoic values. In result of Brutus flaw, it led to his tragic death. Brutus was a stoic, a person who remains calm and self-controlled and appears to be indifferent to pleasure and pain. A Stoic believed in separation of emotions from actions and from the passage from his speech, As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at him; as he was valiant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There was a separation of Brutus emotions to his actions.
He felt love for Caesar, as a noblemen, a friend and a ruler but put the future of Rome into his and the conspirators hands. Brutus was considered noble. From the quote, Cassius stated, No man here but honors you; and everyone doth wish/ you had but that opinion of yourself/ which every noble Roman bears of you. Cassius believed that Brutus would have provided an honorable front for his own selfish deeds. As a Stoic, violent actions could be justified if done without emotion and in the service of a higher purpose. These violent actions were used as a tool for Rome.
Secondly, the killing of Caesar conflicted with Stoic values. Brutus admitted that he killed Caesar for the wrong reason, therefore, the killing was unjustified. On page 418 of the play, the spirit of Caesar confronted Brutus, Why, I will see thee at Philippi then. Here, Brutus realized his selfish act was the wrong method. Flattery pushed Brutus to support the murder of Caesar. Flattery corrupts the receiver and the giver and led to the death of Caesar and eventually, Brutus.
On page 384, Brutus replies, I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar, Desiring thee that Publius Climber may have an immediate freedom of repeal. Here, Brutus contradicted his stoic values for he used flattery on Caesar times past. Lastly, the consequence of failing Stoic philosophy was the death of Brutus. In Act IV, Scene II, Caesars ghost haunts Brutus. Thy evil spirit Brutus. Caesars ghost was a representation of Brutus guilt.
He realized that he must die for atonement. Again, Caesar tells Brutus, I come to tell you shall see me in Philippi. This was a warning and a realization for Brutus that his ambition and stoic values got the best of him and he can no longer live with the guilt of betraying a friend by murder. Guilt overwhelmed Brutus that led to his fall on the plains of Philippi What we know is true and right, we have to keep as our first priority. Brutus was considered a noble man but tragically fell because he betrayed his friendship and did not live up to his Stoic principles.
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Research essay sample on Caesars Ghost Stoic Philosophy
