Julius Caesar by Shakespeare

I Have to write an essay paper about "is Brutus a villain or a hero?" from Julius Caesar by Shakespeare.
If it won't be much, I would like Quotes and supportive answers.
Thanks!

 

"Is Brutus a villain or a hero?"

Depicted by Shakespeare, I'd say he was a tragic hero. Marcus Brutus is easily the most complex character to analyze in the play, and that question could go both ways. Should he be considered a hero for helping end the reign of twisted tyrant or a villain for betraying and manipulating a friend? To Caesar he is a villan, to Rome he is a tragic hero.

"Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more." Act III, Sc. II. This explains Brutus' reasons for killing Caesar, it was "for the greater good".

Also an important quote that should be in your essay is Caesars last words, "Et tu, Brute?". A fabulous mix of emotion are packed in those words. He is shocked by Brutus actions, confused by the manipulation, saddened by the slow betrayal, etc,. "Et tu, Brute." is latin and can be roughly translated as "You too, Brutus?" or "Even you, Brutus?".

Also, be sure to bring Brutus character into your essay. He isn't a villain because he honorable and good-hearted, which was later taken advantage of at Caesars funeral when he let Marcus Anthony speak. Definitely use a few lines from Anthony's speech in your essay, it has arguably some of the most quoted lines of Shakespeare in it.

Hope this helps,
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