Julius Caesar Flaws

In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, numerous characters interact with omens, prophets, and natural phenomena. From the Soothsayer's warning of the ides of March to crows hovering over the battlefield. However, due to the character’s distinctive traits, the omens are disregarded. Julius Caesar is the leader of Rome, hence feels pressure to appear fearless. Similarly, Marcus Brutus is widely admired for being noble, thus must constantly have high moral standards. Cassius is recognized as a manipulative and dishonest individual, hence has to act submissive towards Brutus in order to gain recognition for the conspiracy. Ultimately, Shakespeare suggests that the protagonist's respective traits lead them towards their tragic fate.

Julius Caesar, an

eminent leader, has to uphold his fearless reputation and thus refuses to acknowledge danger, eventually leading to his downfall. Caesar's first interaction with his fate was during the Feast of Lupercal when the soothsayer marked his death on the “ides of March” (1.2.23). Caesar dismisses the warning and ridicules the Soothsayer, labeling him as a “dreamer.” Even though Caesar fate has been revealed to him, he undermines the soothsayer suggestion which indicates that his arrogance and position as a leader prevents him from taking the advice into consideration. Caesar’s overweening haughtiness takes an immense toll on him once again, when he fails to listen to his wife’s plea. Calpurnia informs her husband that she envisioned Romans rinsing their hands in Caesar’s blood in a dream. However, Decius Brutus sways Caesar, interpreting the dream as “a vision of fair and fortune” (2.2.95). Furthermore, aware that Caesar prizes his reputation, Decius Brutus toys with his pride, stating that if Caesar decides to not show up, the senate will whisper “Lo, Caesar is afraid?” (2.2.101). Caesar eventually succumbs to Decius Brutus’ persuasion and opts to neglect his wife’s advice. Caesar changes his mind because he does not want to be viewed as weak nor have people assume that he is a man who is easily swayed by a woman’s “foolish” fears. Therefore Caesar is hastening his own death, as he would rather defend his image than save his own life. His duty as a leader and his prideful character constrains him from choosing another course of action, resulting in his demise.
Brutus is indisputably the most noble character throughout the play, however, his strict adherence to honor causes him to make poor judgments. When discussing Caesar’s assassination, Cassius suggests the conspirators also kill Antony in order to eliminate any obstacles that would thwart their success. However, Brutus decides to spare Antony’s life as he views the men as “sacrificers” not “butchers” and “purgers, not murderers” (2.1.189-203). Brutus is unwilling to eliminate a strong force like Antony because of his unimpeachable sense of morality. His commitment to nobility leads to the collapse of the plan as they ultimately capitulate to Octavius’s troops. Moreover, Brutus’s nobility leaves him oblivious to the ulterior motives of individuals. Brutus ignores Cassius worries and states that allowing Antony to speak “shall advantage more than do us wrong” (3.1.274). This is a fatal mistake as Cassius predictions that Antony will sway the Roman citizens' opinion against the conspirators, became a reality. Brutus’s nobility causes him to be naive. He is unable to comprehend that others may not act as righteously as he does, thus willingly restores trust into Antony. Brutus took Antony and Caesar’s relationship in account, yet failed to consider Antony’s desire to avenge, although Cassius voiced his disapproval multiple times. Therefore, Brutus's honor impedes him from making righteous decisions, as a consequence he had an undignified death.
Flawed like the other characters, Cassius excessive dependence on Brutus steers him towards defeat.

In the beginning, Cassius claims: “Men at some time are masters of their fates: \ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, \ But in ourselves, that we are underlings” (1.2.150-152). Cassius believes that men have control over their fate, however this is ironic because out of all the characters, he is the least in control. Cassius encounters numerous opportunities which allowed him to alter his fate, nevertheless he choose to respond to these events based on Brutus’s opinions instead of his own. In addition, Cassius is aware that he does not possess positive qualities, therefore decides to manipulate Brutus in joining the conspiracy to bring legitimacy to his actions. Cassius is cautious not to provoke Brutus regardless of that fact that he engenders unfavorable outcomes. Soon after Caesar’s death, Brutus permits Antony to deliver a farewell address even though Cassius objects. Cassius voices his disapproval to Brutus’s decision once more: “Do not consent/ That Antony speak in his funeral/ Know you how much the people may be moved/ By that which he will utter?” (3.1.245-248). Cassius is suspicious of Antony’s sudden reconciliation, yet remains silent when Brutus reasserts that he is adamant about his decision. His compliance undermines the conspirators plan, ultimately costing them their lives. Furthermore, Cassius’ readiness to abandon his beliefs harms the success of the conspirators in battle. When discussing military tactics, Cassius urges for the army to remain in Sardis, but Brutus disagrees and argues that the army should march towards Philippi. Cassius establishes his credibility by mentioning that he is “older in practice” (4.3.37), and believes that his strategy will drain Antony’s soldiers tenacity to fight, allowing Cassius’s troops to be victorious. Nonetheless, Cassius eventually yields to Brutus’s requests even though he recognizes that Brutus’

plan plays accordingly to Antony's and Octavius's hopes. Cassius falls towards his hapless fate because he prioritizes Brutus participation, disallowing himself from being able to strongly advocating for his own ideas.
In conclusion, the death of the three main characters are self-inflicted due to their respective personalities. Julius Caesar’s arrogance, Marcus Brutus’s decency, and Gaius Cassius compliance hinders their ability to make wise decisions, resulting in inescapable ends.