Examples Of Arrogance In Julius Caesar

An American proverb teaches, “Arrogance is a kingdom without a crown.” Those whose demeanor shows arrogance come with an attitude of superiority and an air of haughtiness. They are overbearing and filled with pride. In their own eyes, they believe their actions display no wrong. In Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the titular character is assassinated in large part due to such arrogance. With all the modern conveniences and troubles, one might be tempted to think the lessons portrayed in this play have little to do with present day times and concerns; however, this is one mistake society too often makes. Arrogance impacted Rome 44 B.C in the same way it impacts Nations in 2018.

Brutus’s ,a man of high social standing and good reputation in Rome, emotions display a

feeling of distress about his political prestige. While his actions never directly advertise arrogance, like Caesar’s often do, he too presents a considerable measure of pride.

This becomes clear in his early conversation with Cassius, where the dialogue of conspiracies begins. Cassius has been arguing for Caesar's removal; Planting seeds in Brutus’s head who promises to think about it. Then, significantly adds,” Brutus had rather be a villager/ Than to repute himself a son of Rome/ Under these hard conditions as this time/ Is like to lay upon us. (1.2.172-175). One might immediately note that Brutus speaks of himself in the third person here, in a most noble manner (something that Caesar often executes). This shows Brutus's sense of self-pride and self-worth. He would rather become of the lowest class, he says, a mere villager rather than a dominant Roman figure, if he is unable to prevent Rome from falling under the dictatorship of a single man. Brutus's pride derives largely from his sense of family prominence. In a later scene he recalls his distinguished ancestors who eliminated the early kings of Rome, leading to the establishment of the Roman republic: ”Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What, Rome?/ My ancestors did from the streets of Rome/ The Tarquin drive,

when he was call'd a king.”(2.1.52-54). Brutus feels he must mimic his renowned ancestors and do everything in his power for the good of Rome; he feels he has to act to stop the possibility of Caesar establishing a dictatorship and thereby ending the republic. This leads to his tragic inner conflict; Brutus feels compelled to murder Caesar, a personal friend, because he feels it is his duty to do so. However, some scholars argue it wasn’t Brutus’s self worth that led to his downfall ,but in fact the trickery of Cassius. Cassius took advantage of the morals that Brutus held so high, freedom, honor, and self-control, by doing so; He was able to convince Brutus into joining the conspiracy. Cassius exploited Brutus by convincing him that Rome would not be able to function with such a rule as Julius Caesar, Brutus’s need to uphold his moral values forced him into the trap of joining the conspiracy. The self-righteousness of Brutus aided in leading himself down the path to his failure. Although Brutus was loyal to his country, he was corrupted by arrogance and self-importance. Contrary to Shakespeare’s portrayal of Brutus being the noblest Roman, Brutus as shallow and harsh. Brutus was not as noble as Shakespeare played him to be, he may have had Rome in mind but was too stubborn and arrogant to ask for help or let others do the work; even if they were better suited. In addition, Brutus was tainted severely by his self-importance. Brutus let his own self-importance cloud his views and judgment, ignorant to the wrong choices and harm caused by said bad choices.