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The play presents different vies of heroism primarily through two central characters, Caesar and Brutus. Caesar is represents a view characterised by courage and defiance. He sees himself as superior and resolute. Brutus by contrast, is admired for inner qualities. His heroism is defined by integrity, honour, dignity, stoicism and altruism. Shakespeare values these qualities over Caesars version of heroism.
Normal ideas of heroism, nobility, honour and courage appear in the text but also there are references to shame and cowardice. Caesar the hero is presented as a passionate, confident and egocentric man with a fearless defiance of death and danger. He compares himself to two lions which stresses his courage and strength. He is defiant and dismissive of the dangers that are thought to threaten him. The things that threatened me neer looked but on my back, when they shall Caesar, they are vanished. Caesar he continues, is more dangerous.
This remark from Caesar generates a sense of courage that is oddly both courageous and egocentric. There is an element of magnificence and brilliance to this idea of heroism we see in Caesar. To him are given some of the most inspiring and heroic lines in the play. Cowards die many time before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but one, this shows a romantic view of heroism. This embrace, or acceptance of death, is an integral part of his heroic image. Caesar sees himself in a particular way, and it is this vision of him which tells us much about how he values heroism.
Caesar compares himself to the northern star. This comparison aggrandizes his egocentric view of his divinity which is also closely related to this heroic image. He is a hero that is superior to the men around him. This impression of Caesars idea of superiority and divinity shines as one man above all others. He exclaims his changeless quality is unmatched in the heavens.
This remark boasts that he cannot be moved from the position that he is now and that he also believes that he has no equal. Caesar refers to himself as Caesar which tragically exposes his overwhelming arrogance. Despite his heroic qualities, the negative way that Caesar is presented undermines his heroic image, as though Shakespeare questions this model of a hero. Shakespeare portrays this image somewhat problematically however.
Caesars confidence and fearless defiance of death and danger is portrayed well with the expression of immortality. Caesar refers to himself as Caesar which tragically exposes his overwhelming arrogance. He also proclaims though, that the valiant never taste death but once which establishes a proud, conventional form of heroism. This attraction declaration is qualified somewhat by an excessive arrogance which detracts from his heroic image and his wisdom.
Caesar sees himself in a particular way, and it is this vision of him which tells us much about how he values heroism. Brutus, a man of integrity and commitment to principle. Brutus heroism is exhibited as quiet and humbly enduring great sacrifice and suffering without complaint, therefore suggesting stoicism. This is apparent when he hears of Portia's death and still maintains his reason and dignity thus he manner exciting his peers. Brutus is celebrated for his inner qualities, strength honour and integrity.
Shakespeare values his denial for self, rather than Caesars superlative egoism. Brutus is a noble, moral and honourable man whose intention for murdering Caesar was fear of Caesars growing power and potential tyrannical behaviour. He would be crowned how that might change his nature. Brutus idealism is his greatest virtue and his most deadly flaw. It is in his commitment to his principles which lead directly to his own death and the defeat of his purpose.
The statement I love the name of honour more than I fear death suggests his commitment to his principles and the path of honour which inevitably lead to his downfall. Brutus takes towards good not evil. Brutus is determined to pursue the cause of right. The high minded hero tries to do right even by assassination. Brutus is concerned about the healing of Rome. If it aught to be toward the general good, so be it This idea indicates heroism because it shows us that Brutus is honourable and not envious like the other conspirators.
The other conspirators needed the qualities of Brutus because he was a noble and loyal man and his loyalty and pride was for Rome not for his own name. Brutus is the first tragic hero in English drama to combine noble grandeur and fatal imperfection. Brutus is the first hero that is noble to fail due to a fatal flaw. This was the single most important development from the Greek tragedy. Brutus is eventually recognized by his allies and enemies with his reputation of honour. Cassius states noble Brutus.
Antony gives higher praise to Brutus as he appeals to Brutus tragedy. Not a heros life and death but, the heroic way he lived and died. He reveals that Brutus was the only attacker who did not attack out of envy thus declaring Brutus as the noblest of all. The real tragedy of the play is not the death of Caesar but of Brutus. It is tragic in spite of its lack of heroism because of Brutus feeling towards Rome, which made him an Idol of Rome all the while keeping his respect for others and himself. Brutus tragic death changes our understanding of the tragic hero because we find to define our heroes to die a heros death, but Brutus death is honourable and he dies with composure and integrity and we still define Brutus death as a tragic death.
The heroic image also values dignity and a stoic capacity to endure failure and suffering. Brutus dignity contrasts to others. In the first act Caesar has a tantrum when denied the crown but Brutus maintains his composure. Brutus was a reserved and cautious man, devoted to his wife.
When he hears of his wife death he displays a dignified and stoic response. I have the patience to endure it now. Message is impressed with Brutus and explains Even great men great losses should endure. Even at the end Brutus dies quietly and with composure, his dignity intact unlike Cassius whose death is desperate and emotional. Although Caesar, conventionally, seems to posses those qualities we associate with heroism, his majesty is qualified by his arrogance, pride and ambition. Shakespeare presents Brutus heroism with few qualifications.
The chorus of admiration for Brutus, which follows his death, serve to assure us of his heroic stature. This was a man! exclaims Antony, and the play ends, marking, by conclusion, the death of what Shakespeare considers the plays true hero. His heroism lacks any of Caesars glamour or popular appeal, but his self-denial asserts more subtle heroism and one undeniably more profound.
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