# Julius Caesar — Essays character guide

> Julius Caesar in Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Caesar

**First appearance:** 0001-self-reliance

## Who they are

Roman general and statesman, cited as an example of ambition and power.

## In the story

### [History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/history)

Mentioned as 'Caesar’s hand,' an historical fact owned by the soul; his experiences are an illustration of the mind's powers.

### [Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/love)

Referenced hypothetically to illustrate that even a figure of supreme worldly power has no inherent 'right' to personal beauty, which belongs to a higher, unattainable sphere.

### [Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/prudence)

Referenced in a contrast to highlight the fall of the imprudent scholar: 'Yesterday, Caesar was not so great; today, the felon at the gallows’ foot is not more miserable.'

### [Manners](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/manners)

Cited as an example of the 'lordliest personages' and the strong, Caesarian pattern of the true gentleman who possesses great range of affinity.

### [Nominalist and Realist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/nominalist-and-realist)

Named alongside Jesus and Pericles as a figure we have mythologized beyond his actual, foible-ridden humanity.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters/julius_caesar
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters