Julius Caesar Pride Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Riverside edition.

Quote #1

CAESAR
Such men as he be never at heart's ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,
And therefore are they very dangerous.
I rather tell thee what is to be feared
Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar. (1.2.218-222)

Caesar is unashamed of his arrogance.  He doesn't see his condescension as arrogance; instead it's a quality he has earned by proving himself a powerful man.

Quote #2

CASCA
But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens?
It is the part of men to fear and tremble
When the most mighty gods by tokens send
Such dreadful heralds to astonish us. (1.3.56-59)

Casca has fear before the gods, while Cassius interprets heavenly interference as a sign that his traitorous enterprise will go well.  Cassius is arrogant in his interpretation that the gods are on his side, while Casca displays humility.

Quote #3

CAESAR
Caesar should be a beast without a heart,
If he should stay at home today for fear.
No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well
That Caesar is more dangerous than he. (2.2.45-48)

Ever notice the way Julius Caesar likes to talk about Julius Caesar in the third person?  He sounds a lot like Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson, don't you think?  Grrr.