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Julius Caesar Commentary provides a comprehensive description of Study Guides
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Act III. Scene I.- Rome. Before the Capitol; the Senate sitting above.
Caesar arrogantly tells the Soothsayer that today is the "ides of March [the 15th of March]" but
the Soothsayer tells him the day is not over yet... Artemidorus nearly warns Caesar but Decius
Brutus prevents this. Popilius wishes the conspirators good luck, terrifying them that Caesar
knows their plans. Metellus Cimber petitions Caesar to lift his brother's banishment order. Caesar
refuses and the conspirators kill Caesar. Mark Antony flees. Mark Antony pretends to treat
Caesar's murderers as friends. He asks to speak at Caesar's funeral. Cassius thinks this is
dangerous, Brutus, disagreeing, lets Mark Antony speak at the funeral. Mark Antony reveals his
true hatred for the conspirators. Octavius, Mark Antony's ally is to stay safe outside of Rome a
little longer...
We see a crowd of people, numbering amongst them, Artemidorus, The Soothsayer, Caesar and
several of his would-be murderers. These would-be murders are Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius
Brutus, Metellus, Trebonius and Cinna. Mark Antony, Lepidus Popilius, Publius and others are
also present.
Caesar opens the scene by remarking to the Soothsayer that "The ides of March are come" to
which the Soothsayer replies they the day is not over yet: "Ay, Caesar; but not yet gone" (Lines
1-2).
Artemidorus hails Caesar, asking him to read his schedule, which of course is his warning letter
(Line 3).
Decius tries to distract Caesar, telling him to read it when he has the time, but Artemidorus
demands that his schedule (his warning letter) be read immediately (Line 9).
Caesar now ignores it, telling him to instead come to the Capitol rather than petition him in the
street (Lines 11-12).
With Caesar entering the Senate house, Popilius wishes Cassius that his enterprise will "thrive
[be successful]" (Line 13). This worries Brutus and Cassius no end, but Casca tells them to keep
going, they cannot turn back now.
Popilius Lena now speaks with Caesar but Brutus warns them not to worry since Caesar's
expression has not changed (Line 24). This would mean Caesar would have been told their plan.
Trebonius now draws Mark Antony away and Metellus Cimber addresses Caesar (Lines 24-33).
Metellus asks that the banishment of his brother be repealed, Cassius joining this petition for
Publius Cimber (Lines 36-55).
Caesar refuses, famously saying "I am constant as the northern star," (Line 60) and so refuses
this request (Lines 57-73).
Cinna, Decius Brutus and Casca now all move in closer, seemingly begging Caesar to change his
mind; instead they stab Caesar (Line 76).
Caesar falls, saying "Et tu, Brute? (and you Brutus, why?) and then dies, exclaiming "Then fall,
Caesar!" (Line 77).
Cinna now pronounces "Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!" (Line 78) and Brutus tells the
remaining senators to be calm, "ambitions debt [Caesar] is paid" (Line 82).
Brutus now tells a shocked Publius that neither he nor any other Roman has anything to fear
from Brutus and the conspirators (Lines 84-92).
Trebonius tells us that Mark Antony has fled to his house amazed and Brutus tells the other
conspirators to "Stoop," adding "And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood" adding that
"waving our red weapons o'er [over] our heads, / Let's all cry, 'Peace, freedom, and liberty!'"
(Lines 105 -110).
A servant of Mark Antony's arrives and securing Brutus' assurance that Mark Antony will not be
harmed, Mark Antony arrives to speak with Brutus. Mark Antony, overwhelmed by the sight of
his dead friend, begs to join him but Brutus tells Mark Antony not to, explaining that their hearts
are pitiful; they killed Caesar for Rome (Lines 146-176).
Brutus now asks Mark Antony to be patient; once the multitudes (crowds) have calmed down, he
will explain "Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him, / Have thus proceeded [killed him]"
(I, that loved Caesar chose to join the assassination), (Line 182).
Mark Antony, wishing to stay alive, diplomatically explains that "I doubt not of your wisdom"
(Line 183), asking each man to render (offer) him his bloody hand which he then shakes. First he
shakes Marcus Brutus' hand, then the hands of Caius Cassius, Decius Brutus, Metellus Cimber,
Cinna, Casca and finally Trebonius.
Now Mark Antony announces that "My credit now stands on such slippery ground, / That one of
two bad ways you must conceit me, / Either a coward or a flatterer" (Line 191).
He explains that he loved Caesar dearly and that it should grieve Caesar's spirit more than death
to see Mark Antony now make peace with his enemies but he explains that Caesar must forgive
him. Cassius interrupts, but Mark Antony says the enemies of Caesar will see him this way for
forgetting Caesar's name so quickly (Lines 192-213).
Cassius now asks Mark Antony whether they can consider him a friend or someone they cannot
depend on...
Antony explains that he shook the conspirator's hands because though he was swayed by the
sight of Caesar, he must assume the conspirators whom he loves as friends, must have had a
good reason for their actions (Lines 217-222).
Brutus finishes Mark Antony's reasoning by suggesting that their actions would indeed be savage
were it not for the fact that they acted for very good reasons which even if Mark Antony were the
son of Caesar, would he be satisfied (Lines 222-226).
Antony answers that he can ask for nothing more but to also speak at Caesar's funeral.
Cassius now advises against this: "You know not what you do; do not consent / That Antony
speak in his [Caesar's] funeral: / Know you how much the people may be mov'd / By that which
he will utter?" (you do not realize what you are doing if you let Mark Antony speak at the
funeral. Do you realize how moved the people could be by his words?), (Lines 232-235).
Cassius fears that Antony with his gift of the gab may turn the Romans against them. Can Brutus
be sure of what Antony will say?
Brutus disagrees, giving Mark Antony permission against the wishes of a very nervous Cassius.
As a precaution however, Brutus will speak first; this should guarantee the support of Rome.
Additionally, Antony will not blame them but will only be able to speak "all good you can devise
of Caesar," (only the good things you can say about Caesar), (Line 246, 236-252).
With Mark Antony now alone, we learn his true feelings (Lines 256-273). He is extremely upset
that "these butchers;" (Line 255) have killed Caesar and again begging Caesar's forgiveness,
fears all of Italy shall be plunged into domestic strife and that Caesar's spirit, full of rage and
fury, shall "Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war;" (Line 273).
A Servant now greets Antony. He comes from Octavius and by word of mouth, tells us that
Octavius is not far away, lying within "seven leagues of Rome" (Line 286).
Antony tells the Servant to tell Octavius what has happened, also telling Octavius to stay outside
Rome for a little while longer; Rome is still dangerous for the adopted son of Caesar.
Additionally Mark Antony tells this servant to stay in Rome just a little longer before returning
to Octavius so he can tell Octavius of the state of the people of Rome after Mark Antony has
made his speech. Following this, Mark Antony and the Servant exit, carrying away Caesar's
body. (Lines 276-296).
Mark Antony: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to
praise him."
Brutus and Cassius explain to the Citizens of Rome why they killed Caesar, gaining their
support. Mark Antony turns the citizens of Rome against Brutus and Cassius by making the
Citizens feel remorse for Caesar's cruel death and by bribing then with the news that Caesar's
will gives each citizen money. Mark Antony uses this fact to suggest Caesar was a great man
who should not have been murdered. The crowd, now an angry, crazed mob, go after the
conspirators including Brutus and Cassius who flee in fear...
The scene begins with Brutus and Cassius surrounded by a "throng of Citizens." These demand
to be satisfied. The Citizens intend to hear the reasoning of both Brutus and Cassius and then will
make up their minds on the worthiness of their reasons for killing Caesar (Lines 1-11).
Brutus now takes to the pulpit and begins his speech justifying the assassination (Lines 12-68).
Telling his audience to "Be patient to the last [end] " he begins with the lines, "Romans,
countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause; and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for
mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe: censure me in your
wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge" (Lines 12-17).
Having told his audience to awaken their senses and be silent so they may better judge him,
Brutus explains that there is no one in the audience who could say the loved Caesar any more
than Brutus. He then adds that should anyone in the audience then ask why "Brutus rose against
Caesar," he famously answers: "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more."
Brutus now asks whether the crowd before him would prefer to be slaves under Caesar's rule
rather than have Caesar dead and be free? "Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves,
than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?" Brutus asks.
Brutus explains that "As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as
he was valiant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him."
He adds that within him, "There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honour for his valor; and
death for his ambition" asking "Who is here so base [vulgar] that would be a bondman?"
Brutus asking if there is anyone here he has offended, asks, "Who is here so rude that would not
be a Roman?" and "Who is here so vile that will not love his country?" telling the crowd that he
pauses to wait for a reply.
Satisfied, Brutus adds that since he has not offended anyone, he explains that he has done no
more to Caesar than the crowd should do to him, Brutus.
With Caesar's body now entering the forum, Brutus introduces Mark Antony, explaining that he
had no part in the assassination. He adds that he will now leave and just as he killed Caesar for
the good of Rome, Brutus will now kill himself when required, with the same dagger.
Brutus: "With this I depart: that, as I slew my best lover [Caesar] for the good of Rome, I have
the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death" (Lines 48-52).
The Citizens say no, suggesting that he should have a statue, be named Caesar and arguing that
"Caesar's better parts / Shall be crown'd in Brutus" (Line 57).
Brutus tells the crowd to let him now leave, but that they should pay tribute to Caesar's corpse
and to hear Mark Antony's speech,"which Mark Antony, / By our permission, is allowed to
make. I do entreat [ask] you, not a man depart," (Lines 64-67).
The Citizens are convinced. "This Caesar was a tyrant" (Line 75), the First Citizen says, whilst
other citizens warn that Mark Antony had better not speak badly of Brutus (Line 74).
Mark Antony asks for silence with the words "You gentle Romans, -" and moments later
famously begins his speech: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury
Caesar, not to praise him" (Line 79). Antony now adds that "The evil that men do lives after
them, / The good is oft [often] interred with their bones; / So let it be with Caesar" (Line 83).
Mark Antony now begins his attack, not by attacking Brutus but rather by questioning Brutus'
credibility:
The noble Brutus / Hath told you Caesar was ambitious; / If it were so, it was a grievous fault, /
And grievously hath [has] Caesar answered it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest,- / For
Brutus is an honourable man; / So are they all honourable men.... (Lines 83-89)
Antony sarcastically explains that he is here today to speak at Caesar's funeral since "He was my
friend, faithful and just to me: / But Brutus says he was ambitious; / And Brutus is an honourable
man" (Lines 91-93).
Mark Antony now adds that Caesar brought "many captives home to Rome, / Whose ransoms
did the general coffers fill:" asking if making Rome rich is ambitious? (Lines 92-96).
Antony now builds up Caesar remarking how when the poor cried, "Caesar hath wept;" adding
that "Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:" (Line 98). Yet Mark Antony sarcastically
explains again that Brutus says that Caesar was ambitious, again suggesting that Brutus cannot
be wrong for "Brutus is an honourable man" (Line 100).
Antony reminds the audience now how they saw this all for themselves at the Lupercal, (Caesar's
procession in Act I, Scene II). Three times Mark Antony presented Caesar with a crown and
three times Caesar refused it: "was this ambition?" (Line 103) Antony asks, ending again with
the line that for sure, Brutus is "an honourable man" (Lines 101-105).
Now Antony explains that he is not here to disprove what Brutus has said but to "speak what I do
know" (Line 106).
Antony now finishes up his speech, saying that since the Romans loved Caesar once, what
should stop them from mourning this man now:
You all did love him [Caesar] once, not without cause: / What cause withholds you then to
mourn for him? O judgement! thou [you] art [are] fled to brutish beasts, / And men have lost
their reason. Bear with me; / My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, / And I must pause till it
come back to me. (Lines 107-113)
The Citizens have taken this all in and see merit in what Antony says, one citizen adding that
"There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony" (Line 122).
Antony continues his speech, explaining how once "the word of Caesar might / Have stood
against the world;" yet instead he pitifully lies here in a coffin.
He innocently tells the crowd that were he the sort of person to incite the crowd to violence
which is precisely what he is really hoping for, he would be doing Brutus and Cassius a great
disservice for they are honourable men, and now he announces that he has found Caesar's will...
Mark Antony adds that he really should not read it, knowing that the crowd are now demanding
to know its contents (Lines 120-144).
Antony now hesitates again to read the will. He fears reading its contents will "inflame you,"
adding that "it will make you mad" (Line 150) whilst also not forgetting to mention that "'tis
good you know not that you are his heirs;" (it is good that you do not know you are Caesar's
heirs), (Line 151).
The Citizens, now aware that they could benefit from Caesar's will, again demand to hear it.
Again, Antony hesitates, adding that "I have o'ershot [overstepped] myself to tell you of it [the
will]. I fear I wrong the honourable men / Whose daggers have stabb'd [stabbed] Caesar; / I do
fear it" (Line 156-158).
The crowd, now on the verge of frenzy, describe Brutus and company as "villains,"and
"murderers" and again ask Antony to read the will (Line 161).
Asking that the crowd to make a ring around Caesar's corpse, Antony comes down from the
pulpit and begins to read the will (Lines 162-173).
Antony starts by telling the crowd, "If you have tears, prepare to shed them now" (Line 174).
Antony describes the various wounds that Cassius, then the "envious Casca" and the "well-
beloved Brutus" have made, noting both the blood and the fact that "Brutus, as you know, was
Caesar's angel:" (Line 186).
He now tells the gods to judge how dearly "Caesar lov'd him [Brutus]" (Line 187) adding that the
wound made by Brutus "was the most unkindest cut of all; / For when the noble Caesar saw him
stab, / Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms, / Quite vanquish'd him: then burst his
[Caesar's] mighty heart;" (Lines 187-191).
This and further emotive language, angers the crowd to the point of riot, the crowd now
describing Caesar as noble, others despairing on the sadness of this day, and yet other citizens
calling Brutus and company "traitors!" and "villains!" once again (Line 206).
Mark Antony tells the crowd to stop, reminding them that "They that have done this deed are
honourable:" adding "What private griefs they have, alas! I know not," (Line 217).
Mark Antony, having now raised the crowd to a fury, innocently explains that "I come not,
friends, to steal away your hearts:" since he is a simple man, adding that "I am no orator [public
speaker], as Brutus is;" (Lines 220-221).
Mark Antony explains now, quite ironically that "were I Brutus, and Brutus Antony, there were
an Antony / Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue / In every wound of Caesar, that
should move / The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny" (Lines 230-234).
With the crowd now out for Brutus and company's blood, Antony finishes off his speech. He
tells the angry mob the contents of Caesar's will and delays the crowd from their murderous
mission. Antony explains that Caesar's will bestows "seventy-five drachmas" to each citizen
(Line 247).
This information incites the crowd further, the Second Citizen speaking for all, when he says
"Most noble Caesar! we'll revenge his death" (Line 248).
Antony adds that Caesar gave all his walks, "His private arbours," and his newly planted
orchards, to the Citizens as well, asking "Here was Caesar! when comes such another? [When
will there come again someone like him?]" (Line 257).
The First Citizen speaks for all, saying "Never, never! Come, away, away! We'll burn his
[Caesar's] body in the holy place, / And with the brands fire the traitor's houses" (Line 260).
The Citizens head off on their rampage, carrying with them Caesar's body and Antony, clearly
pleased with his work, says "Now let it work: mischief, thou art afoot, / Take thou what course
thou wilt! (now mischief, go and take whatever course you will), (Line 265).
With the crazed mob on their way, a servant enters, addressing Antony. Octavius has come to
Rome and both he and Lepidus are at Caesar's house. We also learn that Brutus and Cassius have
very wisely fled the city "like madmen through the gates of Rome" (Line 274).
A poet bearing the same name as one of the conspirators is killed by the angry mob which is
Shakespeare's insight into the senselessness of the mob mentality...
Cinna a poet is in the wrong place at the wrong time. The angry mob of Citizens finding him, ask
his name and marital status. They also ask his name....
Learning it is Cinna, the mob immediately attack him, the Second Citizen saying, "Tear him to
pieces; he's a conspirator" (Line 30).
Cinna explains that he is Cinna the poet, not Cinna the conspirator. The crowd, hungry for blood,
kill the innocent poet anyway, explaining that they should "Tear him for his bad verses," (Line
34).
Still driven by fury, the Citizens decide to torch the homes of Brutus, Cassius, Decius Brutus
(not to be mistaken with Marcus Brutus or Brutus for short), Casca and Ligarius (Lines 40-43).
Note: This scene shows Shakespeare commenting on the nature of the mob mentality. It is also
an unusual and perhaps disturbing juxtaposition of both violence and absurdity. Violence that
they kill an innocent man, absurdity in the completely amoral and unjustified excuse for doing
so. A disturbing and accurate insight into the phenomena of mob brutality which sadly is as
relevant today as 1900 years ago.
Julius Caesar Commentary - Act IV.
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The Triumvirs (Octavius, Mark Antony and Lepidus also known as The Second Triumvirate)
decide which of the conspirators shall live and which shall will die. Mark Antony assures
Octavius that Lepidus does not and will not ever have any serious power... The two men start
planning their attack on Brutus' and Cassius' forces.
Antony, Octavius and Lepidus are gathered together around a table. Together they are deciding
the future.
With Antony explaining that the conspirator's "names are prick'd" (Line 1), the three have
decided on their future course of action. They decide that amongst the conspirators, Publius who
is Mark Antony's sister's son will not be spared from death (Line 4).
Lepidus also agrees that his own brother must die (Lines 2-3).
Antony now sends Lepidus off to Caesar's house to fetch Caesar's will and then the three will
together decide "How to cut off some charge in legacies" or cut off a part of Caesar's legacy or
will presumably for themselves (Line 9).
With Lepidus now gone, Antony reassures Octavius that Lepidus is a harmless man "Meet [fit]
to be sent on errands:" (Line 13).
When Octavius now questions the wisdom that a messenger be one third of a group that will rule
the world (Line 13), Antony explains that they will put up with Lepidus "as the ass [donkey]
bears gold," (Line 21).
Lepidus will be used and respected as a donkey which carries gold. Lepidus will be used while
he is useful and like a donkey will be put out to pasture (retired) once he is no longer needed
(Lines 17- 27).
Octavius does not completely agree with this. He tells Antony that "You may do your will;" (you
may do as you wish), (Line 28), but adds that Lepidus is "a tried and valiant soldier" (Line 28).
Antony replies that so is his horse (Line 29), adding that like a horse, "he must be taught, and
train'd," (Line 35) and used accordingly.
Telling Antony that he no longer wants to discuss Lepidus, he adds that he should not talk or
think of him as anything more "But as a property" (Line 40).
Now Antony tells Octavius that they must cast their minds on more important matters, namely
how they should combine their forces and prepare to fight the forces of Brutus and Cassius
(Lines 40-49).
Act IV. Scene II. - Camp near Sardis. Before Brutus' Tent.
Brutus learns that Cassius has finally arrived. Brutus is angry with Cassius, Cassius saying he
has done his friend no wrong. Brutus wanting privacy from his troops, tells Cassius to step into
his tent where he will discuss the issue further...
Before Brutus' tent, Lucilius and Pindarus arrive, telling Brutus that Cassius is near. Pindarus
gives Brutus a letter which Brutus reads. He announces that Cassius' actions or those by "ill
officers," have given him reason to wish certain things were undone, but he will be pleased by
Cassius' appearance and more importantly his explanation (Line 7).
Pindarus now tries to smooth things over between Brutus and his master Cassius, suggesting that
he is certain his noble master will appear "Such as he is, full of regard and honour" (Lines 10-
14).
Brutus asks Lucilius how he was received by Cassius, and learns that Brutus did greet him with
the appropriate respect but that it was not with the usual "free and friendly" manner they are used
to (Line 17).
Brutus replies that what Lucilius is describing is the cooling of his friendship with Cassius.
Cassius with his army now arrives and Cassius immediately tells Brutus that "Most noble
brother, you have done me wrong" (Line 37).
Brutus replies that this cannot be, why would he wrong a brother? (Lines 38-39).
Cassius disagrees, telling him that his noble form hides his wrongs, but Brutus interrupts him. He
says they should not argue so publicly in front of their respective armies who should see nothing
but love from them (Lines 42-44).
Instead he suggests that Cassius make his complaints in Brutus' tent where he promises to hear
him out.
Cassius tells Pindarus to make sure his commanders move their soldiers away from the tent and
Brutus tells Lucilius to do the same. Brutus ends the scene saying that Lucius and Titinius will
guard the door of their tent (Lines 41-52).
Act IV. Scene III. - Within the Tent of Brutus.
Brutus: "I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, / Than such a Roman."
Brutus angrily attacks Cassius first for contradicting his order to remove Lucius Pella for taking
bribes and then Cassius himself for his own dishonesty. Cassius is upset by this but eventually
Brutus chooses to forgive his friend. We learn that Portia, Brutus' wife has died, over one
hundred senators have been put to death by the Triumvirs and that a large army led by Mark
Antony and Octavius is approaching their position... Brutus is greeted by Caesar's ghost which
tells Brutus he will see Caesar again at Philippi.
Cassius immediately gets to the point of his frustrations. He tells Brutus that "you have wrong'd
me" (Line 1) adding that Brutus has condemned and noted Lucius Pella for "taking bribes" from
the Sardians here whilst his letters of support for Pella were brushed off and ignored (Lines 1-5).
Brutus replies by telling Cassius that he was wrong to write on Pella's behalf in the first place
(Line 6).
Cassius replies that in times like these (with the threat of Mark Antony and Octavius), they
should not bother over such minor matters (Line 8).
Brutus disagrees, saying "Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself / Are much condemn'd
[condemned] to have an itching palm; [to take bribes and sell positions] / To sell and mart your
offices for gold / To undeservers" (Line 9-11).
Cassius is infuriated at being called an "itching palm;" adding that were it not Brutus who calls
him this, any other man who would call Cassius this would soon be dead (Line 12).
Brutus argues that Cassius' name is legitimizing corrupt activities asking Cassius to remember
that Caesar was killed for the sake of justice, (Lines 17-27) and wondering why they killed
Caesar for justice only to now become corrupt themselves by selling "the mighty space of our
large honours / For so much trash as may be grasped thus?" (Line 25).
Brutus again asserts his honesty when he says, "I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, / Than
[become] such a Roman" who like Cassius would sell status and honour to others for money
(Line 27).
Cassius reminds Brutus that he is a soldier, stronger than Brutus and a man who should not be
restricted by Brutus who forgets who he is dealing with (Lines 28-31).
Brutus says he cannot be speaking to the Cassius. The two argue and Cassius asks if their
friendship has "come to this?" (Line 50).
The two bicker when Brutus says Cassius said he was a "better" soldier yet does not act like one.
Cassius says he said "elder" not "better" (Lines 51-60).
Again the two argue, Brutus explaining that he is not afraid of him. Brutus also attacks Cassius
for refusing him gold which he requested to pay his legions, adding that he is not capable of
raising money by vile and corrupt means unlike Cassius (by implication), (Lines 70-82).
Cassius denies this. Brutus refuses to believe Cassius, telling him that "I do not like your faults"
(Line 88).
Now remorseful that his friend Brutus does not respect him, Cassius prepares to take his life,
saying that he is "Hated by one [Brutus] he loves;" (Line 94 and 92-105).
Brutus tells Cassius to "Sheathe your dagger:" (Line 106) deciding to forgive him (Lines 112-
125).
Lucius, Titinius, Lucilius, and the poet all learn of the Brutus' and Cassius' reconciliation (Lines
122-159).
With their reconciliation complete, Brutus drinks wine saying that he buries all his unkindness
with his drink. Cassius replies saying "I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love" (Line 160).
Titinius and Messala arrive with news. We learn that Portia, Brutus' wife is dead, but Brutus does
not seem to care (Line 166) and that Young Octavius and Mark Antony are approaching with a
large force towards Philippi. Additionally we learn that a "hundred senators" have been put to
death by these two, Cicero being one of them (Lines 165-177).
Cassius now suggests that they hold back their forces and not attack immediately and instead
march to Philippi at once. This way the enemy will be exhausted by searching for them,
increasing their chances of success since their soldiers will be well rested (Lines 196-211).
Brutus overrides this decision, arguing that their enemy continues to gain strength in numbers
while they are at their peak and will soon be weaker than their enemy. Cassius agrees and the
two retire to their separate tents to rest before battle (Line 224).
Now alone, Brutus orders Lucius, his servant to call Claudius and several other men into his tent
to sleep on cushions (Lines 240-243).
Brutus tells Varro and Claudius to lie in his tent and sleep despite the two wanting to stand guard
over Brutus instead. He asks Lucius to play some soothing music, but Lucius soon falls asleep
(Lines 256-268). Brutus is now alone, reading the book that he found in his nightgown.
Brutus is now interrupted from his reading by the Ghost of Caesar. Brutus uncertain of what he is
seeing, asking the Ghost if it is "some god, some angel, or some devil," (Line 278).
Brutus asks why this Ghost has appeared. Caesar's Ghost answers that it was "to tell thee [you,
Brutus] thou shalt see me at Philippi" (Line 283). By this, Caesar's Ghost means that he will see
Brutus once more at Philippi.
Brutus now accuses Lucius, Varro and Claudius each of speaking in their sleep. The servants all
plead that they did nothing of the sort (Lines 285-305)
Julius Caesar Commentary - Act V.
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On the Plains of Philippi, Mark Antony's and Octavius' forces face Brutus' and Cassius' forces. A
barrage of insults, accusations and general name-calling flies between the two sides, before Mark
Antony's and Octavius' army leaves...
Standing on the Plains of Philippi, we find Octavius' and Mark Antony's army waiting for the
army of Brutus and Cassius. Octavius is pleased. Brutus' and Cassius' forces have meet them on
the Plains of Philippi rather than staying on the high ground of the nearby hills and "upper
regions;" as was feared (Lines 1-10).
A Messenger now arrives, informing Octavius and Antony that yes, the forces of Brutus and
Cassius are close at hand, (Lines 12-15) adding that "something to [must] be done immediately"
meaning they should fight (Line 15).
The Messenger is certain of this because "The enemy comes on in gallant show;" (the enemy
arrives, and making quite a show of it) and "Their bloody sign of battle is hung out," (they have
displayed their war flag, a clear sign they intend to fight.), (Lines 12-20).
Antony now takes charge of his forces, telling Octavius that he should lead his forces from the
left side of the "even field" (Line 16). Octavius refuses, insisting on the right.
This dispute over, Antony and Octavius decide to square off against Brutus and Cassius before
beginning battle. Brutus is surprised by this asking, "Words before blows: is it so, countrymen?"
(Line 27).
A barrage of insults now fly between the two forces. Octavius begins, answering "Not that we
love words better, as you [Brutus and Cassius] do" (Line 28), suggesting that Octavius sees
Brutus as a man who prefers words to deeds since they are easier to produce.
Brutus replies saying, "Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius" (Line 29).
Antony replies that "In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words:" suggesting that Brutus
says nice things whilst he does dishonorable deeds (like stabbing Caesar). Just to make this point
absolutely clear, Antony adds "Witness the hole you made in Caesar's heart, / Crying 'Long live!
hail Caesar!'" (Line 31).
Cassius replies that Octavius' words hardly bother him (Lines 32-38).
Antony now attacks Brutus and Cassius, calling them "Villains!" and adding that Brutus and
company did not act wisely when they "Hack'd one another in the sides of Caesar:" showing their
teeth like "apes," "fawn'd like hounds," and "bow'd like bondmen, kissing Caesar's feet;" whilst
the evil Casca, struck Caesar in the neck from behind (Lines 39-44). Antony ends this barrage by
calling them "flatterers!" (Line 44).
With Octavius calling Brutus and company hypocrites (for saying nice things whilst killing) and
Antony calling Brutus and company two-faced cowards (for killing a great man by stabbing him
in the back), Brutus and Cassius decide to return fire.
Cassius replies "Flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank yourself: / This tongue had not offended so
today, / If Cassius might have rul'd" (Line 45).
By this Cassius means to remind Brutus that if he had ruled, making the decisions for the
conspiracy, Antony's tongue could not have offended them since he would have been killed
alongside Caesar.
Octavius suggests they now fight saying, "I draw a sword against conspirators;" (Line 51) by
which he means Brutus and Cassius, adding that he should not raise his sword again (stop
fighting) until either Caesar's "three-and-thirty wounds" are well avenged or he is dead (Lines
53-55).
Brutus argues that Octavius whom he calls Caesar (he was the adopted son of Caesar), could not
die at the hands of traitors unless he brought them with him. In Brutus's eyes he is no traitor
(Line 56).
Cassius calls Octavius "A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honour," (Line 61) adding that
he is joined by "a masquer and a reveller" (Mark Antony, a person who likes revelries and going
to masked balls), (Line 61).
Antony insults Cassius calling him "Old Cassius still!" (Line 62).
Octavius challenges Brutus and Cassius to either fight now or "when you have stomachs [the
guts]" and Octavius and Antony leave with their army (Line 66).
Cassius and Brutus now talk for the rest of the scene, contemplating their position (Lines 72-
125).
Brutus sends orders via messenger Messala to Cassius' forces on the other side of the
battlefield...
With the battle between Mark Antony and Octavius and Cassius and Brutus beginning on the
plains of Philippi, Brutus instructs Messala, a messenger to give bills (orders) to Cassius' forces
(the legions on the other side).
Brutus comments that he thinks Octavius' forces are low on morale, saying they are in "cold
demeanour" (Line 4) which he sees as an opportunity to destroy them with a "sudden push" (Line
5) or attack.
Cassius' forces are losing ground to Mark Antony's forces. Brutus has defeated Octavius' forces
but instead of reinforcing Cassius' forces, have instead sought out spoils or bounty from the field.
Needing information, Cassius sends Titinius to a nearby hill to report if it is friendly or not.
Cassius instructs Pindarus to go atop a hill to report Titinius' progress to him. Pindarus sees
Titinius pulled off his horse and fears Titinius has been captured. This would mean Brutus'
forces have been beaten so Cassius kills himself on Pindarus' sword.
Titinius now returns and it is realized that Titinius was not captured but was greeted by Brutus'
victorious forces when he was pulled off his horse. Brutus learns of Cassius' death. Titinius,
mourning Cassius, kills commits suicide.
With the battle now raging, Cassius remarks to Titinius that his troops appear to be retreating
saying "This ensign here of mine was turning back;" adding that he slew (killed) the coward for
doing so (Lines 1-4).
Titinius explains to us what has happened. Brutus seeing he had an advantage over Octavius'
forces, gave the word to let his troops search for spoils (take anything of value) from the
retreating forces of Octavius. Unfortunately because Brutus' forces were busy searching for these
spoils, they were unable to reinforce Cassius' forces which have now been "enclos'd" (Line 8) or
surrounded by Antony's forces. (Lines 4-8).
Needing information on what is really going on, Cassius makes a fateful decision. He sends
Titinius to mount his horse and head towards some soldiers in the distance to tell Cassius
whether they are friendly or not (Lines 12-18).
Cassius then tells Pindarus to climb a nearby hill and tell Cassius what he sees of Titinius whilst
he is making his trip (Line 20).
From atop the hill, Pindarus now reports on Titinius' movements. Pindarus sees bad news. He
tells Cassius that Titinius was surrounded by troops and that they seen to be trying to pull him off
his horse. Then having heard shouts of joy, Pindarus tells Cassius that he fears his friend has
been captured by the enemy (Lines 28-35).
Cassius now instructs Pindarus to kill him (Lines 36-46) which he does, whilst Cassius exclaims
"Caesar, thou art reveng'd, / Even with the sword that kill'd thee [you]" before dying (Line 45).
Titinius however, now arrives back from his scouting mission. This should be impossible, but it
is revealed that Octavius' forces have been overthrown (defeated) by Brutus just as Cassius'
forces have been overthrown (defeated) by Antony's forces (Line 52).
Titinius hopes this news will cheer up Cassius but soon Titinius learns of Cassius' fate. Mourning
his comrade, Titinius is told to find Pindarus whilst Messala heads off to tell Brutus what has
happened. Instead Titinius, still mourning Cassius, kills himself by falling on Cassius' sword
(Lines 52-89).
Messala now returns with Brutus, Young Cato, Strato, Volumnius and Lucilius.
Messala shows Brutus Cassius' body, Brutus noting that he died with his head facing upwards
(Line 92). Brutus asks now on seeing the bodies of Titinius and Cassius "Are yet two Romans
living such as these?" (Are there any Romans today living as worthy as these two?), (Line 98),
bidding them good-bye with the lines "The last of all the Romans, fare thee well! It is impossible
that ever Rome / Should breed thy fellow" (Line 99).
Brutus now ends the scene, speaking proudly of his fallen comrade (Cassius) and pledging to
renew his fighting against Antony's and Octavius' forces:
"We shall try fortune in a second fight" Brutus decides (Line 109).
Brutus inspires his men to keep fighting. Lucilius who is mistaken for Brutus is captured.
Eventually Mark Antony realizes this. The battle rages on and Antony issues orders for Brutus to
be captured, dead or alive...
Amidst the fighting of soldiers at Philippi, Brutus, Young Cato and Lucilius, make their
entrance. Brutus inspires his men to keep fighting, telling them, "Yet countrymen, O! yet hold up
your heads!" (Line 1).
Young Cato is inspired, proclaiming himself son of Marcus Cato (Lines 2-6). Brutus now leaves
and very shortly after, Cato is overpowered and falls.
Antony's forces now arrive and Lucilius who is mistaken for Brutus is taken prisoner. Lucilius
explains his real identity to Antony defiantly telling him, "Brutus is safe enough: / I dare assure
thee [you] that no enemy / Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus:" (Line 21).
Antony realizes Lucilius is not Brutus but proclaims him "A prize, no less in worth" telling his
men to keep him safe (Line 27). He explains that they should show Lucilius kindness, wisely
adding that, "I had rather have / Such men my friends than enemies" (Line 28).
Antony now instructs his men to find Brutus, dead or alive and to tell him of their progress in
Octavius' tent where he shall be waiting (Lines 28-30).
Tired, weary, but still alive, Brutus finds a place to catch his breath with his few remaining
followers. One by one Brutus asks first Clitus, Dardanius and Volumnius to kill him but each
refuses. Finally Brutus gets his wish by falling on his sword, killing himself. Octavius, Mark
Antony, Messala and Lucilius now arrive. Strato explains how Brutus died. Mark Antony pays
tribute to Brutus' noble spirit by famously saying, "This was the noblest Roman of them all...."
Octavius tells his soldiers to stand down, the battle is now over...
Brutus enters our view, followed by Dardanius, Clitus, Strato and Volumnius. The scene is one
of weariness from fighting. The end is near...
Brutus in particular is tired and tells his friends "Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this
rock" (Line 1). Brutus' followers are concerned about the dangers of resting, Clitus reminding
Brutus that Statilius " show'd the torch-light;" but did not return...
Brutus tells his friends and Clitus in particular to take a rest and sit down. Whispering, Brutus
tells Clitus, "slaying is the word; / It is a deed in fashion" by which Brutus means he wants Clitus
to kill him (Line 4).
Clitus refuses, saying "No, not for all the world" (Line 5) would he kill Brutus and that "I'll
rather [I would rather] kill myself" than kill Brutus (Line 7).
Next, Brutus tries asking Dardanius to kill him instead. Dardanius like Clitus will not kill his
leader (Lines 8-12).
Noticing that Brutus now meditates, Clitus makes his admiration for his leader very clear,
saying: "Now is that noble vessel full of grief, / That it runs over even at his eyes" (Line 13).
Brutus tells Volumnius that "The ghost of Caesar hath [has] appear'd [appeared] to me / Two
several times [twice] by night; at Sardis [a location] once, / And this last night here in Philippi
fields [and last night, here at Philippi fields]" (Lines 16-18).
Famously, Brutus tells Volumnius that because of this, "I know my hour is come" (I know my
time is up, soon I will die...), (Line 19).
Volumnius tells his friend he is wrong but Brutus is certain of his fate. Brutus explains to
Volumnius that they have lost; "Our enemies have beat [beaten] us to the pit [metaphor for
defeat]:" adding that "It is more worthy to leap in ourselves, / Than tarry [fight] till they push us"
(Lines 23-24).
Reminding Volumnius that they both went to school together, Brutus asks his friend to "Hold
thou [hold you] my sword-hilts [my sword out], whilst I run on it" (whilst I run onto it, killing
myself), (Line 28).
Volumnius refuses, saying "That's not an office [duty, position] for a friend, my lord" (Line 29).
Alarms sound the approach of Brutus' enemies, Clitus telling Brutus to flee at once.
Instead Brutus bids Volumnius farewell, as well as Strato who he mentions has been asleep
during most of the action in this scene. He also regrets that Octavius and Mark Antony will rule
instead of him but notes that he will have more glory in his defeat than those two men will enjoy
from "this vile conquest [victory]" of theirs (Line 38).
Brutus again reminds us that his days are numbered before alarms interrupt him (Line 40).
These alarms sound and to the shouts of "'Fly, fly, fly!'" (Run!), Brutus flees as does Clitus,
Dardanius and Volumnius who exit from our view.
Alone now with Strato, Brutus asks again for help in ending his life. Brutus asks his friend to
hold out his sword while he runs on to it, telling Strato to "turn away thy [your] face," (Lines 44-
48).
Strato tells Brutus to first give him his hand one last time, and wishes his master well.
Brutus tells Strato, "Farewell, good Strato-" and runs onto to Strato's sword, stabbing himself
fatally (Line 50).
Mortally wounded, Brutus ends his life, saying "Caesar, now be still [rest in peace]; / I kill'd
[killed] not thee [not you] with half so good a will" (Line 51) a line suggesting Brutus did not kill
Caesar with half the certainty or intent that he took his own life with, reminding us that Brutus
was the reluctant assassin.
Alarms now sound general retreat, a sign that the battle is won, Octavius' and Mark Antony's
forces no longer need to keep advancing...
Octavius, Antony, Messala, Lucilius and their army now enter. Messala asks Strato where his
master Brutus is? Strato answers "Free from the bondage [binds] you are in Messala;" a reference
to the fact that Messala very recently was free, fighting on Brutus' side and not a prisoner as
Strato believes (Line 54).
Strato tells Messala that "The conquerors can but make a fire of him;" (they may burn his
corpse), (Line 55) but that they cannot claim any glory or honor from killing him since Brutus
"only overcame himself," a reference to Brutus committing suicide (Line 56).
Octavius graciously announces that he will take all those who served Brutus under his own
command instead of making them prisoners or killing them as was usually the case for
supporters of defeated enemies (Line 60).
Messala asks how Brutus died and Strato explains that "I held the sword, and he did run on it" (I
held the sword out and Brutus ran onto it, stabbing himself), (Line 65).
Messala asks Octavius then to take Brutus' loyal servant as one of his servants (Line 66).
Antony now graciously sums up Brutus' character by famously saying: "This was the noblest
Roman of them all; / All the conspirators save only he" (everyone except Brutus) in Antony's
opinion, killed Caesar out of "envy" whereas Brutus, Antony explains, joined these assassins out
of the "general honest thought" or opinion that killing Caesar was a "common good to all," or
was an action that best served everyone's interests, not Brutus' own unlike the other conspirators
(Lines 68-72).
Continuing his epitaph of Brutus, Antony adds that Brutus' life was "gentle, and the elements /
So mix'd in him [his virtues so well mixed] that Nature [nature itself] might stand up / And say to
all the world, 'This was a man!'" the highest possible compliment Antony could make (Lines 73-
75).
The play now ends with Octavius announcing that because of Brutus' qualities, he shall be buried
with honor, Octavius announcing that Brutus' bones will remain in his tent tonight, a sign of
great respect, which Octavius says is "Most like a soldier, order'd honourably" (is like a soldier
whose bones are arranged honorably before burial), (Line 79).
Commanding his forces to withdraw and cease all actions, Octavius announces his intention for
those exit the battlefield and to leave the glories of this day...
Octavius: "So call the field to rest [tell the troops to stand down]; and let's away [let's set off], /
To part the glories [leave the glories] of this happy day" (Line 80)
Lines 1-14
In this first of the five sections of the poem, the speaker begins to
define the domains and the powers of the West Wind. While
stanza II addresses the wind's influence on the sky, and stanza III
discusses its effects on the sea, stanza I describes the wind's
effects on the land. The autumn breezes scatter dead leaves and
seeds on the forest soil, where they eventually fertilize the earth
and take root as new growth. Both "Destroyer and Preserver" (line
14), the wind ensures the cyclical regularity of the seasons. These
themes of regeneration and the interconnectedness of death and
life, endings and beginnings, runs throughout "Ode to the West
Wind."The wind is, of course, more than simply a current of air. In
Greek and Latin — languages with which Shelley was familiar —
the words for "wind," "inspiration," "soul," and "spirit" are all
related. Shelley's "West Wind" thus seems to symbolize an
inspiring spiritual power that moves everywhere, and affects
everything.
Lines 2-3
Lines 4-5
The colors named here might simply indicate the different shades
of the leaves, but it is also possible to interpret the leaves as
symbols of humanity's dying masses. In this analysis, the colors
represent different cultures: Asian, African, Caucasian, and Native
American. This idea is supported by the phrase "Each like a
corpse within its grave" in line 8 that could indicate that each
person takes part in the natural cycle of life and death.
Lines 6-7
Line 8
Lines 9-12
Lines 15-28
In stanza II, the wind helps the clouds shed rain, as it had helped
the trees shed leaves in stanza I. Just as the dead foliage
nourishes new life in the forest soil, so does the rain contribute to
Nature's regenerative cycle.
Lines 16-18
Lines 20-23
Lines 23-28
Lines 29-42
In stanza III, the West Wind wields its power over the sea; but
unlike the first two stanzas, this one is introduced by an image of
calm, peace, and sensuality. The Mediterranean Sea is pictured as
smooth and tranquil, sleeping alongside the old Italian town of
Baiae. Once a playground of Roman emperors, Baiae sunk as a
result of volcanic activity and is now the bed of a lush underwater
garden. But the wind can also "waken" (line 29) the sea and
disturb the summer tranquility of the waters by ushering in an
autumn storm.
Lines 32-33
Lines 36-38
Beginning at the end of line 36, the speaker disrupts the peace of
the seascape and reminds the West Wind of its power to churn up
wild, whitecapped surf.
Lines 39-42
The lush sea foliage, which is "sapless" because the plants are
underwater, is aware of the wind's ability to destroy;
remembering the havoc of cold weather storms, the vegetation is
drained of color, as a person turns pale with fear, or as plant life
on Earth fades in the fall. In a note to these lines, Shelley wrote:
"The vegetation at the bottom of the sea, of rivers, and of lakes,
sympathizes with that of the land in the change of seasons, and is
consequently influenced by the winds which announce it." The
natural cycles of death and regeneration thus continue even
underwater, with the aid of the West Wind.
Lines 43-56
Lines 47-52
Lines 53-54
Lines 55-56
Lines 57-70
Lines 58-62
Lines 63-64
The wind blew leaves over the forest floor, fertilizing the soil; now,
the speaker asks the wind to scatter his timeworn ideas and
writings across the earth in hopes of inspiring new thoughts and
works. Note the word play on "leaves," which can be found either
on trees or in books.
Lines 65-67
Lines 68-69
These lines recall the angel's "clarion" of line 10, awakening the
earth from wintry slumber. The speaker here asks to become the
poet-prophet of the new season of renewal.
Lines 69-70