The Triplicate of Tragic Mistakes That Lead to a Fatal Fall

The Triplicate of Tragic Mistakes That Lead To A Fatal Fall

                 The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a tragedy as – “ An event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress such as a serious accident, crime or natural catastrophe.” In William Shakespeare’ s Julius Caesar, Brutus the protagonist, former friend of Caesar, and leader of the conspiracy, makes several mistakes that eventually lead to his tragic downfall. His fatal flaws can be put to blame as well. Noticed throughout the play; some characteristics are more crucial than others.

                 Although the first characteristic could be due to the Romans love for Brutus as a senator, he has a tendency to be too trustful. This flaw leads him to make his first mistake. Other flaws contribute to this as well, considering he brushed off Cassius’s warning by saying “. . . For Antony is but a limb of Caesar.”. Instead of killing Caesar’s most devoted follower, Mark Antony, Brutus trusts him enough to let him live. This of course backfires when Antony fools Brutus by acting okay with it all, even shaking the conspirator’s blood covered hands to convince them all. Later, fake façade broken,  he vows to avenge Caesar’s death in a war against Cassius and Brutus.

                 All along in the play, if Brutus had only listened to Cassius’s warnings before attempting to be arrogant. If only he had been quick to question, rather than quick to trust. If only He had agreed instead of arguing with Cassius.

               Before Antony’s façade is broken he calmly asks Brutus if he can speak at Caesar’s funeral. Upon his request Cassius quickly pulls Brutus aside to discuss the situation. During this conversation Cassius warns him about the affect Antony could have on the crowd. However once again Brutus ignores his brother-in-law and decides to let Antony speak after him. If anything, it would be a better decision to allow Mark Antony to speak first. This way Brutus could clear up any misunderstandings among the crowd, but he doesn't. This second flaw can barely be recognized as arrogance when Brutus refuses advice as if he knows exactly what he's doing. This decision backfires as well, even more so than the first.  Mark Antony manages to sway the crowd even after Brutus had gained their trust and respect before Antony’s speech. Now angered by their late ruler’s murder, the Romans destroy everything in their path as they hunt for the conspirators.

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