William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” describes the relationship between two good friends and what success and jealousy can do to it. When Julius Caesar, the main character, is given the opportunity to rule Rome, Brutus, a good friend of his, allows his fear to get the best of him and considers harming him “for the sake of Rome.” Because Julius Caesar is a dear friend of Brutus, Brutus finds it difficult to assassinate Caesar, even for the best interest of the people of Rome.
Brutus discusses to himself the thought process he is undergoing to decide his ultimate decision about Caesar. For instance, before Caesar is crowned, he assumes, “Crown him that. / And then I grant we put a sting in him / That at his will he may do danger with.” (line 6-8) Brutus claims that once Caesar is given power, he will also be given the opportunity to do damage in the city. He uses this as a reason to support his choice of killing Caesar to rather save Rome from danger or destruction than take any chances because Caesar is his friend. In addition, when he claims that killing Caesar is nothing but beneficial, he tries to defend himself, saying, “It must be by his death, and for my part / I know no personal cause to spurn at him / But for the general.” (line 1-3) He attempts to humble himself, explaining that he has no hatred against Caesar but that it is meant to be done for the citizens of Rome. To clarify the reason for his brutal thoughts, he considers the public in need of help from Caesar, for he is capable of dangerous actions. Brutus seems aware that what he is attempting to do is morally wrong, but he convinces himself that the people living in Rome cannot have Caesar as the king of Rome because of what he can do with all the power he is to receive.
Brutus admits his friendship with Caesar has taught him that Caesar hasn’t shown any sign of ignorance, but argues that he may change once he is crowned, for the worse. Furthermore, when Brutus discusses about Caesar’s credibility, he admits “And, to speak truth of Caesar, / I have not known when his affections swayed / More than his reason. “ (line 10-12) Brutus, as a close friend, knows Caesar’s characteristics and points out his excelling capability to always use his reasoning regardless of his emotions. Brutus cannot lie that Caesar isn’t a decent person because he actually knows him more than he realizes. However, after considering Caesar’s identity, he then argues, “But ‘tis is a common proof / That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder. / Whereto the climber upward turns his face. / But when he once attains the upmost round. / He then unto the ladder turns his back, / Looks in the clouds, scorning the base dogs degrees / By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. (line 12-18) He predicts through multiple incidents that once Caesar reaches the top successfully as king, he may turn his back on his supporters and ignore the people who helped him find his success. To prevent this from happening, Brutus urges himself to kill him before it is too late; once he is crowned, no one can stop him from doing evil things. Brutus has inner conflict about his plan to eliminate Caesar due to their history as friends, but for the welfare of the citizens of Rome, he struggles to decide which one he needs to prioritize.
Ultimately, Brutus recognizes the importance of Rome and, due to his honor, chooses to protect his city by killing his own friend. He is aware of the dangers that Caesar might bring to the city using his newfound powers, so he concludes that he must “kill him in the shell” before he is capable of doing any harm. Although it is hard for him as a friend, he overlooks the situation and thinks of this decision as the duty of Rome.