Question

'Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more.'

Brutus says this as he justifies to the Romans why Caesar was assassinated by them. Do you agree with Brutus? Justify your answer in 120‒150 words by giving examples from the play.

Why values does Brutus display as he says this line to the Romans ?

Answer 1

Yes, I agree with Brutus when he says the given statement to justify his reasons for assassinating Caesar. Brutus was a patriotic man. To him, the safety of the Romans was more important than anything else. His sole reason for joining the conspiracy was that he thought Rome would be ruined if Caesar was crowned. He had no personal grudges against Caesar; rather, he loved him dearly. But he sacrificed his love for Caesar to save his countrymen. The following lines spoken by Brutus prove this – “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.”

Brutus also says at the end of his speech, “— as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death.”

When Brutus says, "Not that I love Caesar less, but I loved Rome more.", he displays idealism and nobility.