Julius Caesar

Brutus is a sacrificer or butcher?

Brutus states that in the assassination, he wants to be a "sacrificer" not a "butcher". Considering that the conspirators first praised Caesar and then stabbed him in the back, and then immediately afterward bathed their hands and swords in his blood, do you believe Brutus got his wish? Was the murder indeed a sacrifice, or do you think it was butchery?
Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours
Best Answer

I think this really depends on your interpretation of character and events. Brutus wishes for an ideal world. He is happily married, lives in a beautiful home, and is successful according to all measures of Roman living. However, Brutus wishes for perfection in his life, and although he loves Caesar, Brutus fears Caesar is too power hungry, and might possibly destroy the Republic. Cassius understands Brutus' idealism and takes advantage of it in order to manipulate Brutus into joining the conspiracy against Caesar. At heart, it is Brutus' idealism that causes his ultimate downfall. Antony recognizes this fact when addressing Brutus' dead body at the conclusion of the play, saying "This was the noblest Roman of them all".

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays
GradeSaver will pay $25 for your college application essays
GradeSaver will pay $50 for your graduate school essays – Law, Business, or Medical
GradeSaver will pay $10 for your Community Note contributions
GradeSaver will pay $500 for your Textbook Answer contributions