preview

Fear In Julius Caesar Research Paper

Decent Essays

Julius Caesar’s conduct throughout the play is heavily influenced by his personal motives as well as misconceptions about how he is viewed which leads his life to a tragic end in the play. Caesar is lulled into a false sense of security by false friends and overconfidence that eventually leads to his own downfall. Caesar’s folley begins with his first warning from the soothsayer to beware the Ides of March. However, Caesar shrugs of this warning by claiming that the soothsayer “is a dreamer.” (15) With context, Caesar is currently in the middle of a parade in his honor surrounded by those who supposedly show steadfast loyalty. This forms a veil to the truth on Caesar’s eyes. His victories and admirers inflate his own ego and lead him down a path of overconfidence and a dangerous false sense of security. …show more content…

Furthermore, Caesar is conversing with Marc Antony pertaining to Cassius and he states his overconfidence with the phrase, “if my name were liable to fear.” (25) Caesar is claiming that because of his lack of fear, his name will be remembered as one who was fearless and brave. However, it is this lack of fear which causes a lack of action to protect himself from any conspiracies. He is complacent with his power and position which leaves himself wide open to the conspiracy that brings him down. Thus, the veil grows ever stronger and prevents Caesar from taking precautionary steps against his own death. In addition, Calphurnia, Caesar’s wife, recognizes Caesar’s overconfidence as a folley. “Your wisdom is consumed in confidence,” she claims. (77) Calphurnia begs Caesar to remain at home due to the omens and the prophecy from the soothsayer. On the other hand, Caesar wishes to prove his courage and lack of fear of both the Gods and mortal

Get Access