Yesenia Cardenas

                                                                 Iffy Brutus

            Let’s admit it. Brutus isn’t the most reliable guy out there. I mean, this guys logic is way off it doesn’t even make sense in a parallel universe. And, he isn’t even his own person half the time, but a reflection of Cassius. Because of that, Brutus isn’t qualified to be the next leader of Rome.

            In the political cartoon, Brutus is seen remembering what Cassius told him about the reason for their objective. Then, it is seen Brutus reiterating that to the public. It shows how Brutus can’t really think for himself although he presumes he does. In Julius Caesar, there is an example of this happening. In the play, Brutus receives a letter from Cassius stating the following,

            Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself!

            Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress! (II, I, 48-49)

Later on, Brutus uses Cassius’ words to explain his “own” ideas.

            …What need we any spur but our own cause

            To prick us to redress? What other bond… (II, i, 134-135)

Brutus isn’t doing anything but expanding on the ideas Cassius initially planted in Brutus’ mind. Also, after Caesar’s death, Brutus tries to explain to the people why he and the others did what they did and killed Caesar. First he said,

            Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,

            As by our hands and this our present act

            You see we do, yet see you but our hands

            And this the bleeding business they have done.

            Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;

            … Hath done this deed on Caesar. (III, I, 181-185, 188)

In this, Brutus tries to explain that they did it to rid Caesar of the fear of impending death. Sort of like, “We killed you because we love you. You’re welcome. ” Then, during his funeral oration the Caesar, he says he (and the others) did it for the people and for Rome.

            …If then that friend

            Demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my

            Answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved

            Rome more. (III, ii, 21-24)

Even if he thinks that he’s convincing the audience, it sounds as if he’s trying to justify to himself the act of crime he just committed. That’s why in the audience in the cartoon you see people labeled as “Brutus” because it’s as if Brutus was talking to himself. Brutus is the type of guy that can’t even hold himself together. If that’s true, why should he rule Rome?