Final answer:
Caesar's ghost appearing to Brutus serves to foreshadow his defeat, symbolizes Brutus's guilt, and reflects Elizabethan beliefs about justice-seeking spirits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary purpose of Caesar's ghost visiting Brutus in Shakespeare's play is multifaceted. First, it serves as a dramatic device to foreshadow Brutus's eventual defeat. The ghost symbolizes Brutus's guilt and the consequences of his betrayal, emphasizing the theme of retribution.
Additionally, the visitation adds a supernatural element to the play that heightens the tension and stokes the fears of the audience. It underscores the fact that the assassination of Caesar is not merely a political act but one with massive personal and spiritual repercussions for those involved, particularly Brutus. The appearance of the ghost also reflects the Elizabethan belief that the murdered could return as spirits seeking justice, thus enhancing the historical context and cultural relevance of the play.