"Do the ends ever justify the means?" By definition, this phrase means that a good result excuses any mistakes made to obtain it ("Idioms and Phrases"). Not only is this question hotly debated in everyday conversations, but it played a substantial role in the work of Julius Caesar. Differing opinions on this issue lead to the deaths of various characters within the story. In the play of Julius Caesar one of the main characters, Brutus, was torn between his love for Rome and his loyalty to Caesar. He fears the power that Caesar is about to acquire and that he will abuse this power to become king of Rome. When asked to join a conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, he joins. This happened after the unjust persuasion of his long-time friend Cassius. Unlike the other conspirators, Brutus joins the plot out of his devotion to Rome, while the other conspirators join out of envy and hatred of Caesar. The conspirators eventually carry out their plot and publicly assassinate Caesar. After the assassination, Brutus makes a speech to the plebs trying to justify the conspirators' actions. He states: “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; since he was lucky, I am happy about it; since he was valiant, I honor him; but because he was ambitious, I killed him ("Shakespeare, 2")." By stating this, he tries to persuade the plebeians of his belief that Caesar posed a danger to Rome because of his great ambition and the power he would soon possess. When Brutus finishes his monologue, the plebeians seem persuaded and agree with his motives. Therefore, we can see that Brutus would agree in this situation that the ends actually justify the means. He believed that saving Rome from every possible danger could be achieved through...... middle of paper ......ony. Both characters had different opinions on the matter, which were shown through their actions. I think Brutus was more justified in his actions because they were done with altruism for the good of Rome. "Ethics - "A photojournalist must obtain the image. "Idioms and phrases" . Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com and Web. 12 May 2014. .Shakespeare, William. "Act 3 scene 2." Julius Caesar. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1935. Page 4-5. Print.Shakespeare, William. "Act 3 scene 2." Julius Caesar. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1935. Page 2. Print.