Julius Caesar Character Analysis Essay, Research Paper

Julius Caesar

In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the title character’s three prominent characteristics, that he displays for the short time while in the novel, are his egotistical attitude, his intelligence, and foolish courage. During the second scene of the first act, we get an idea of what kind of man Caesar believes himself to be when Anthony declares “When Caesar says ‘Do this’, it is perform’d.” This lets us known that Caesar believes his word to be higher than any other persons, this was probably caused by the inflation of his ego. Although he does displays a contemptuous behavior, his is a very intelligent man. Again in the second scene of the first act Caesar’s personality is brought to light. “Let me have men that are fat,” Caesar states “Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; he thinks too much: such men are dangerous.” This is a very wise statement by Julius Caesar as he knows that to have sly men around while he is in power would be dangerous as they might get ideas to overthrow the him; thus, he would prefer fat and useless men around him. Surprisingly with this type of mentality, Caesar can be a fool when the subject of courage comes to hand. In the second scene of the second act, his wife Calphurnia pleads with him. “Alas! my Lord, Your wisdom is consumed in confidence. Do not go forth today,” referring to his planned trip to the capitol, “call it fear that keeps you in the house and not your own.” Nevertheless choosing bravery over common sense, Caesar voyages to the Capitol where he meets his demise. If Caesar could have been in such a high position of power without letting it go to his head and for once chosen intelligence over courage, would there have been a tragedy of Julius Caesar?