– 18/9/15

‘But I am constant as the northern star, of whose true fix’d and resting quality there is no fellow in the of firmament.

In the above quotation, Shakespeare uses a simile to create a comparison of Caesar to the northern star, as Caesar claims that his influence is as permanent as any star in the heavens. The Northern Star is the only star that remains in a fixed position in the night’s sky, so for Caesar to claim that his influence is more lasting than the Northern Star, is a statement that displays his character’s ego. This quote comes from the build-up to the assassination of Caesar, so it is a hugely important hint to Caesar’s impending death. In the speech, we see Caesar’s hubris reach new heights, which is an indication of his approaching murder, or in other terms, his fall from grace.