Quote 1
CAESAR
Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous. (1.2.202-205)
Caesar makes light of his desire to be surrounded by fat and complacent yes-men, yet he realizes this is necessary to the safety of his power. What does this suggest about his leadership style and ideas about how Rome should be governed?
Quote 2
CAESAR
I could be well moved, if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
But I am constant as the Northern Star,
Of whose true fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks;
They are all fire and every one doth shine.
But there's but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world: 'tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive.
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion; and that I am he
Let me a little show it, even in this:
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so. (3.1.64-79)
During Caesar's famous "I'm the brightest star" speech, he claims to be the most "constant" (steady) guy in the universe. This is an attempt to elevate himself above all others and make it look like he's the only guy fit to rule Rome. The irony here is that just as Caesar declares how "unshak[able]" and immovable he is, the conspirators surround him and stab him to death, unseating him from power.
Quote 3
CAESAR
Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight.
Thrice hath Calphurnia in her sleep cried out
"Help, ho, they murder Caesar!" (2.2.1-3)
Calphurnia experiences an ominous dream that foreshadows Caesar's death just before the Ides of March. But will Caesar pay attention? Keep reading...