Tutor profile: Niranjan P.

Is Brutus a tragic hero? If so, why?

Brutus fits the role of a tragic hero due to a number of reasons. Likewise, Brutus's overwhelming hubris clouds most of his judgement when Cassis manipulates him into believing that Julius Caesar is a tyrant and would doom Rome. The pride that Brutus possesses tricks him into believing that the death of Caesar is the only solution to save Rome from tyranny. As Caesar is Brutus is Caesar's friend and confidant, Brutus faces an intense conflict between loyalty to country vs loyalty to a friend. Brutus's self-righteous attitude drives him to form a conspiracy with Cassius (who has personal feuds with Caesar) and onto Caesar's eventual murder at the Senate. However, the conspirators are defeated by the triumvirate rulers wherein Brutus commits suicide. This leads to the downfall of a character who has made consequential mistake making Brutus a tragic hero.

What are the differences between the Production Designer and the Art director in film?

The Production Designer designs the complete look and feel of the film while collaborating with the costume designer and other departments. The Art director facilitates communication between departments while doing most of the administrative work which includes directing carpenters, purchasing props, checking the budget etc.

What is a Buddhist Stupa and what does it symbolize? What purpose does it serve?

Stupas started out as burial mounds that housed the relics of the Buddha (like ashes). The stupa first took shape during Emperor Ashoka's reign in Northern India. Later on, the stupa became more symbolic as to signify the presence and teachings of the Buddha while devoid of relics. Monks circumambulate in a clockwise direction around the stupa while contemplating the teachings and the presence of the Buddha.