But I am constant as the northern star, of whose true - fixed and resting quality there is no fellow in the firmament

But I am constant as the northern star, of whose true - fixed and resting quality there is no fellow in the firmament

In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, the character of Julius Caesar utters the famous line, "But I am constant as the northern star, of whose true-fixed and resting quality there is no fellow in the firmament." This line is spoken by Caesar as he asserts his unwavering resolve and steadfastness in the face of his enemies and detractors.

The comparison to the northern star is significant because the northern star, also known as Polaris, is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor and has been used for centuries as a navigational aid due to its fixed position in the sky. Just as sailors have relied on the northern star to guide them on their journeys, Caesar sees himself as a guiding light for Rome, unwavering in his commitment to the city and its people.

The use of celestial imagery in this line is characteristic of Shakespeare's writing, as he often drew on the natural world to convey deeper meanings and themes in his plays. In this case, the comparison to the northern star emphasizes Caesar's belief in his own constancy and reliability, qualities that he believes set him apart from his rivals and enemies.

However, the irony of this statement is not lost on the audience, as Caesar's fate is ultimately sealed by his own hubris and overconfidence. Despite his claims of constancy, Caesar's downfall is brought about by his own actions and the betrayal of those closest to him. The line serves as a reminder of the fragility of power and the consequences of arrogance and pride.

Overall, Shakespeare's use of the northern star in Julius Caesar highlights the themes of power, ambition, and fate that run throughout the play. The image of the fixed and resting quality of the northern star serves as a powerful metaphor for Caesar's own sense of self-assuredness and determination, even as his world begins to crumble around him.