Throughout William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, the character Brutus faces a moral dilemma. As Caesar's trusted friend, Brutus is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his belief in the common good of Rome. Ultimately, he decides to join the plot to assassinate Caesar, convinced that it is in the interests of the Roman Republic. However, as the play progresses, Brutus begins to question the consequences of his actions and experiences moments of regret. This essay will explore Brutus' reasoning behind his decision to kill Caesar and the instances in which he expresses regret, thereby demonstrating the complexity of his character and the moral dilemmas he faces. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayOne of the main reasons behind Brutus's decision to kill Caesar is his belief in preserving the Roman Republic. Brutus firmly believes in the principles of a republic, where power is held by the people and not by a single individual. He fears that Caesar's accession to power would lead to the fall of the republic and the establishment of a monarchy, which would go against his ideals. This is evident in his Act II soliloquy, where he states: “It must be by his death; and for my part I know of no personal reason to despise him except for the general” (Shakespeare II.i.10-11). ). Here, Brutus reveals that his motivation for killing Caesar is not personal, but rather a sacrifice for the greater good of Rome. Furthermore, Brutus is influenced by the persuasive arguments put forward by Cassius, one of the main conspirators. Cassius plays on Brutus's sense of honor and duty, making him believe that killing Caesar is a noble act. He appeals to Brutus' ego, suggesting that he is the only one capable of saving Rome from Caesar's tyranny. This manipulation is evident in Act I, where Cassius states: "Brutus and Caesar: what should be in this 'Caesar'?" Why should this name be more pronounced than yours? (Shakespeare I.ii.140-141). Cassius' words tap into Brutus' pride and desire for recognition, making him more likely to join the conspiracy. However, despite his initial conviction, Brutus begins to question his decision and experiences moments of regret. One of the key moments that reflect his regrets occurs in Act V, after the Battle of Philippi. Brutus realizes that the plot has failed and that he is about to be captured by Antony and Octavian. In this moment of despair, he reflects on the consequences of his actions and admits: “O Julius Caesar, you are still powerful! Your spirit walks abroad and turns our swords in our own bowels” (Shakespeare Vv18-20). Here, Brutus recognizes that killing Caesar did not bring the peace and stability he hoped for, but instead led to more chaos and bloodshed. Another example of Brutus expressing regret is found in Act IV, when he visits Caesar's ghost in his tent. . The ghost appears to him as a manifestation of his guilty conscience, haunting him for his betrayal. Brutus admits, “You will see me at Philippi” (Shakespeare IV.iii.285), recognizing that he will face the consequences of his actions in the coming battle. This encounter with the ghost reminds him of the weight of his decision and the remorse he feels for having killed his friend. These moments of regret highlight the internal conflict within Brutus' character. Despite his belief in the common good and his conviction that killing Caesar was necessary, Brutus cannot escape the guilt and remorse that accompany his actions. He is struggling with.