Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar Ð'- Expository Character Sketch

Julius Caesar was portrayed in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar as a man of contradictions. He wanted to be seen and worshiped as an immortal god, but was, in reality, weak in both body and mind. Caesar frequently allowed his superstitious side to take hold and rule his actions, but his lust for power was indeed the most powerful force in his life. He was egomaniacal and thought that his immortal presence or personality would protect his mortal body. It was that kind of thinking that ultimately led to his demise.

One of the most blatant character traits Caesar has is his pride. He thinks of himself as a god, therefore he presents himself as a god. And the public loves him for it. They do not see his flaws that he so eloquently masks in public. He is in fact quite sickly and weak. He is deaf in one ear, succumbs to seizures, and can't even swim himself across a river. As best described by Cassius "Ð'...With lusty sinews, throwing it aside and stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried, "Help me, Cassius, or I sink!"Ð'..." (Act 1, Scene ii lines 110-114). His pride also lead him to the senate on the day of his assassination. Decius cleverly played on his vanity and encouraged him to go "I have, when you have heard what I can say. And know it now: the senate have concluded to give this day a crown to mighty Caesar." (Act 2, scene ii, lines 92-93). Decius also goes on to mock his superstitious beliefs "Ð'..."Break up the senate till another time When Caesar's wife shall meet with better dreams."Ð'..." (Act 2, Scene ii lines 98-99).

Another important aspect of Caesar's personality is his superstitious beliefs. He requested that during the Feast of Lupercal, Antony "touch" Calpurnia with his whip to remove her sterility. "Ð'...Forget not in your speed, Antonius, to touch Calpurnia, for our elders say the barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse." (Act 1, Scene ii lines 8-11). But it is interesting to note that his superstitious beliefs do not rank as high on his list of priorities as the want to be crowned king. This is the fatal flaw in Caesar's personality that would eventually lead to his demise. If Caesar had not been so wrapped up in himself he may have been able to live. If he had heeded Calpurnia's warning he would not have gone to the senate. "Ð'...Because I love you, I will let you know. Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home. She dreamt tonight she saw my statue, which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts, did run pure blood. Ð'..." (Act