A person's action can be interpreted in more than one way. People attempt to understand a person's action before they understand the person's intent, thus, giving them a flase understanding of the person's action. William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is an example of how a character's actions, Brutus's, can be interpreted in a number of ways based upon a reader's idea of his intent.
Shakespeare consistently shows Brutus as being noble and true to Rome. Through the dialogue of the characters, Shakespeare is able to express his feelings about Brutus. For example, Antony describes Brutus as being, "the noblest Roman of them all"(V.v.68). Antony shows appreciation towards Brutus despite being his enemy. Brutus was a noble man and received well-deserved respect from everyone. He shows his heart for Rome as he is willing to "spurn" Julius "for the general" (II.i.11-2). Brutus would kill a close advocate if it was in the best interest of Rome. He cared for Caesar, but he cared for Rome even more. His heart was truly in caring for Rome. Brutus shows his loyalty toward Caesar by allowing, "Antony to speak in his funeral" (III.i.235). He recognizes how dignified of a man Caesar was and belives Caesar deserves a proper ceremony. A way of showing his admiration towards Caesar is by allowing Antony, Caesar's best friend, to speak at Caesar's funeral. This generous act shows Brutus's compassion and shows his everlasting affection towards Caesar. .
Another way of viewing Brutus's character is by perceiving him as someone who betrayed a friend. Brutus did "not love Caesar less, but. . . loved Rome more" (III.ii.20). Brutus was quick to think everyone else cared for Rome as much as he did. This is clear because he uses his love as his only reason for killing Caesar. Brutus is still able to sway the crowd convincing them killing Caesar was necessary. Brutus states, "kill him bodly/ this shall make our purpose necessary"(II.
