BRUTUS: Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him, How does this line, which defends Brutus’ actions, relate to the rest of the play? Brutus’ dislike for Caesar combined with Caesar’s quest for power is the reason for Caesar’s assassination, which Brutus stated in act 2. Brutus’ love for Caesar could not override the necessity of Caesar’s death, which Brutus has stated since act 2. Brutus loved Caesar, but he killed him anyway and for no real reason. Brutus was jealous of Caesar and killed him in order to take over as leader of Rome.