Final answer:
In Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar,' Caesar puts off reading Artemidorus's letter warning of the assassination because he is preoccupied with the public matters of Rome, illustrating his tragic flaw.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the character of Julius Caesar in Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar. In the play, Caesar decides to put off reading his letter from Artemidorus because he is surrounded by flattery and urgency on his way to the Senate. Artemidorus attempts to warn him of the impending assassination through a letter. However, Caesar deems it unimportant at the moment, considering it personal and thus less urgent than the matters of Rome which he believes are presented in the petitions given by the crowd. This decision illustrates Caesar's tragic flaw, as he is caught up in the public perception of his persona and disregards the private warning that could have saved his life. It is an important element in the building tension and dramatic irony of the play, as the audience is aware of the assassination plot that Caesar ignores.