Brutus

By RhiannonCreighton
  • 44 BCE

    Brutus is introduced (Pg. 28-39)

    We first meet Brutus in Act 1, Scene 2. Cassius expands on his distaste for Caesar, expressing that he believes he's going to be a bad ruler. It is in this scene that Cassius first introduces the idea of killing Caesar. Brutus goes on to say he loves Caesar (Line 81)
    Brutus comes off as passive in this scene, as well as naive and easily manipulated. However, he also shows morality as he asks Cassius to not persuade him further
  • 44 BCE

    Brutus and Casca

    Pg.40-46
    Brutus takes the plunge with Cassius by speaking with Casca about Caesar.
  • 44 BCE

    Convincing Himself

    In Act 2 Scene 1
    Line 10-34
    Brutus has a soliloquy here that is used to convince himself that even if Caesar isn't bad yet, he will grow into a bad ruler later. This marks the growth of his narcissism. He distracts himself from the fact that he is planning a murder by covering it with the idea that he would be saving the people from Caesar.
  • 44 BCE

    The Plan

    Page 70-76
    In this scene, Brutus and Cassius begin to plan the murder.
    This scene is surprising to read, because we as readers were led to believe that Cassius was the mastermind behind the plot. However, it is Brutus that does the job of convincing.
    However, he also redeems himself by insisting they do not kill Antony. One example of Narcissism: "He loves me well, and I have given him reasons..."
  • 44 BCE

    The Death of Portia

    Lines 152-156
    Perhaps the most shocking development of Brutus' narcissism is the complete disregard for his wife's demise. While Cassius seems to be prepared to comfort his friend, Brutus is not at all emotional stating his wife's death.
  • 44 BCE

    Brutus and the People

    Act Three Scene Two
    At the beginning of Caesar's funeral, Brutus is almost completely running the event. He is a confident speaker here, swaying the crowd completely. (Lines 15-30)
    The monologue here is very regal, and the crowd responds accordingly. He speaks well of Caesar in order to properly manipulate them. This is a huge contrast to the character we were introduced to a few scenes earlier.
  • 44 BCE

    A Lovers Quarrel

    Act Four Scene Three
    This scene is the largest contrast we have seen since the original Brutus and the Narcissistic version. Brutus and Cassius, who was once his closest friend, share a incredibly dramatic verbal altercation.
    Cassius here is on an emotional high, while Brutus is coldly responding. Although the two make up at the end, it becomes clear to Cassius here that Brutus is a changed man.
  • 44 BCE

    Brutus and Portia

    Pg. 80-84
    In this scene Portia expresses her concern for Brutus' health. This leads us to believe that they are equals in their marriage.
    However, when she claims that he is not his usual, wise self, he becomes embarrassed and asks her to leave. (Line 260) This is a common example of a man being insecure in his masculinity.
    This comes off as strange to Portia, and she luckily talks him down. This is another example of Brutus being easily swayed.
  • 44 BCE

    The 'Execution' of The Plan (pun intended.)

    "I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar..."
    Brutus embraces his full narcissism in this scene, starting with this line. He boldly asks Caesar to step down as King.
    Once the 23 stabs have been planted into the back of Caesar, Brutus completely loses himself in the movement and bathes his hands in his blood. Once the crowd is appropriately screaming in fear, he takes on the role of the 'Voice of Reason' telling them to calm down, in a manner that could be seen as condescending.
  • 44 BCE

    Brutus and Antony

    Once Antony was assured that he wouldn't be killed, he spoke with Cassius and Brutus. With Brutus' narcissism in full swing, his mistakes began to take form. He is so self-assured that he allows Antony to take Caesar's body and even gives him permission to speak at the funeral. Cassius is apprehensive about this, because it gives Antony the opportunity to sway the people. However, Brutus is too confident, and ignores him. (Pg 122)
  • 44 BCE

    The Death of Brutus

    Pg. 216 Lines 50-52 Perhaps it is out of pride, fear, or both, but Brutus decides to end his life before Octavius can have the chance. He might have been motivated by fear after seeing the ghost of Caesar, but the suicide can also be connected to his new found narcissism. The honorable choice would to be to fight in the battle he caused. He murdered Julius Caesar. However, he takes Octavius' right to avenge his father's death.