Bruke's English Journal

Shakespeare’s tragic characters are all fundamentally flawed. It is this weakness that leads to their downfall. Caesar’s ego is presented through the majority of  play, therefore his fall is greater.

Shakespeare uses metaphorical rhetorical question to present the assassination of Caesar. Caesar’s hubris is also presented before the assassination. After explaining why he will not change his decision to banish Cimber, Caesar asks to Cinna ‘ Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus? ‘. Caesar asked a rhetorical question because no one can lift up the home of the Gods, even Caesar. He is trying to tell the senate that he has to sacrifice a lot and work hard to be Caesar. Another interpretation is that mount Olympus is figuratively speaking Rome, and lifting it is being Caesar. Shakespeare used dramatic irony to make the audience aware that Caesar will die in this scene and Caesar asking if anyone will be able to take the reins and ride the horse that is Rome is basically a double confirmation that this is the end for Caesar.

Caesar’s hubris is used against him, there is evidence of this in act 2 scene 2.

‘ ‘Break up the senate till another time, When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.’ ‘

Decius Brutus is questioning Caesar’s sense of identity, which is linked to his pride. Caesar’s wife has persuaded him to stay home tonight because she had bad dreams. Caesar’s pride is used against him because Decius wants him to  come to the senate so the conspirators can kill him. Decius wants to make Caesar feel like his wife is in control which questions his ego and of course Caesar’s ego and masculinity comes before his wife’s concerns.