Examples Of Arrogance In Julius Caesar

Arrogance is the assumption that ones self-worth is far superior to others. It is often referred to as hubris in Ancient Greek literature and is perhaps the worst of tragic flaws to posses as seen in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. While the conspirators claim that it was Caesar’s ambition that lead to his undoing, it is Caesar’s arrogance that ultimately leads to his demise, betrayal by those closest to him. When the Tragedy of Julius Caesar begins, Julius Caesar is undoubtably the most powerful man in Rome. In the very first scene of the play, the Roman people are taking a holiday and neglecting their duties to celebrate Caesar's triumphant return. Caesar is likened to a god by friends and foes alike. Cassius expresses his bitterness towards Caesar saying, “And this man/Is now become a god” (I.ii.122-123), yet refers to him as “immortal Caesar”(I.ii.66). Caesar has reached a pinnacle of power in Rome, and the adoration he receives from the Roman people only serves to fuel his ego. Caesar arrogantly sees himself as integral to Rome, and has subsequently developed a false sense of security in his own permanence. He believes he truly is an immortal, one that will remain in
Because he believes himself to be superior to all men and therefore unable to be defeated, he does not listen to the warnings about the ides of March. The soothsayer is the first to warn Caesar as he attends the feast of Lupercal,“Beware the Ides of March” (I. ii. 28). Caesar replies, “He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass” (I.ii.29). In dismissing the soothsayer’s warning, Caesar shows himself to be arrogant because he finds the mere idea of being physically harmed preposterous. In Caesar’s mind he is as untouchable as the gods themselves, which the conspirators exploit and ultimately causes them to betray