The Derogatory Effects Of Pride On Human Life - 1047 Words

The derogatory effects of pride on human life is an idea that runs through William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar. Caesar himself is consumed by pride, and the way that others treat him only reinforces his idea that his is the strongest man in the world, and certainly the only man fit to lead Rome. Caesar’s ambition, which was caused by his pride, convinces Brutus that, despite his love for Caesar, Caesar would only hurt Rome, and therefore must die. More than that, however, Caesar’s pride directly causes his downfall. Throughout Julius Caesar, Shakespeare shows the audience how Caesar’s pride blinds him to signs and omens that would otherwise cause him worry. Soothsayers in Ancient Rome were very well respected. The words of a†¦show more content†¦The audience can assume that his pride is the main reason that he ignored the soothsayer’s words. Caesar, as evident by his prompt dismissal of a man warning him of his own demise, sees himself as above the common folk, and above the influence of the fates. This trait, which he exhibits on several occasions, eventually leads to his end. Similar to how soothsayers had a very significant role in Roman society, dreams also played a large part in the daily lives of Roman citizens. On the eve of the ides of March, Calphurnia has a nightmare foreshadowing Caesar’s inevitable assassination. According to Caesar, â€Å"Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight/Thrice hath Calphurnia in her sleep cried out/â€Å"Help, ho! They murder Caesar!†Ã¢â‚¬  (JC 2.2.1-3). He recognizes the strangeness of the events that are going on, but he seems to not accept them. Despite this, he still has a servant contact priests to decide his course for the day. In saying this he is showing apprehension about the strange omens, and is attempting to take precautionary measures against bad luck. However, despite this seeming change of heart, a few lines later Caesar has already made up his mind to approach the day as if these omens had never happened. In his mind, nothing can harm him. He makes this clear by saying â€Å"The things that threatened me/Ne er looked but on my back. When they shall see/The face of Caesar, they are vanished.† (JC 2.2.10-12). He, despite these bad omens,