Flavius and Marullus: Tribunes who desire to protect the plebians from Caesar's Tyranny; they break up a crowd of commoners waiting to witness Caesar's triumph and are "put to silence" during the Feast of Lupercal for removing ornaments from Caesar's statues.
Summary: (From Sparknotes.com) Two tribunes, Flavius and Murellus, enter a Roman street, along with various commoners. Flavius and Murellus derisively order the commoners to return home and get back to work. Murellus engages a cobbler in a lengthy inquiry about his profession; misinterpreting the cobbler’s punning replies, Murellus quickly grows angry with him. Flavius interjects to ask why the cobbler is not in his shop working. The cobbler explains that he is taking a holiday from work in order to observe the triumph (a lavish parade celebrating military victory)—he wants to watch Caesar’s procession through the city, which will include the captives won in a recent battle against his archrival Pompey. Murellus scolds the cobbler and attempts to diminish the significance of Caesar’s victory over Pompey and his consequent triumph. Murellus reminds the commoners of the days when they used to gather to watch and cheer for Pompey’s triumphant returns from battle. Now, however, due to a mere twist of fate, they rush out to celebrate his downfall. Murellus scolds them further for their disloyalty. The commoners leave, and Flavius instructs Murellus to go to the Capitol, a hill on which rests a temple on whose altars victorious generals offer sacrifice, and remove any crowns placed on statues of Caesar. Flavius adds that he will thin the crowds of commoners observing the triumph and directs Murellus to do likewise, for if they can regulate Caesar’s popular support, they will be able to regulate his power.
Why is this Scene important? It establishes the central theme that will dominate the play until Caesar's assassination. It begins the intense political situation. It shows that the commoners are like Caesar and participate in his triumph. The conflict between the commoners and the tribunes is accented. It shows that the commoners are easily persuaded by authority.
Act 1 Scene 2
Julius Caesar: The emperor of Rome; He is easily flattered, superstitious, and ambitious to become king of the Roman state. Calpurnia: The wife of Julius Caesar Casca: He joins the conspiracy on the night before the assassination, and he is the first conspirator to stab Caesar Macus Antonius (Marc Antony: Confidant and devoted follower of Caesar Soothsayer: He warns Caesar during the celebration of the Feast of Lupercal Marcus Brutus: He is admired for his noble nature. He joins the conspiracy because he genuinely fears that Caesar will become a tyrant. Cassius: The brother-in-law of Brutus. He organizes the conspiracy against Caesar and recruits Brutus. He wants Antony to be assassinated with Caesar.
Summary Caesar, having entered Rome in Triumph, calls to his wife Calpurnia, and orders her to stand in the way of Mark Antony, who is about to fun in the traditional footrace of the Lupercal, so Antony can touch her as he passes. Caesar shares the belief that if a childless woman is touched by one of the holy runners, she will loser her sterility. A soothsayer calls from the crowd warning Caesar to "Beaware of the Ides of March," but Caesar pays no attention and departs with his attendancts, leaving Brutus and Cassius behind. Cassius begins to probe Brutus about his feelings towards Caesar and the prospect of Caesar becoming a dictator in Rome. Brutus has clearly been distrubed for some time. Cassisu reminds Brutus that Caesar is merely a mortal like them, with ordinary human weaknessess and he says that he would rather die than see such a man become his master. He reminds Brutus of his noble ancestry and of the expectations of his fellow Romans that he will serve his country as his ancestors did. Brutus obviously is moved, but is still unsure what to do. Serveral times during their conversation, Cassius and Brutus hear shouts and sounds of trumpets. Caesar re-enters with his attendants and, in passing, he remarks to Antony that he feels suspicious of Cassisus. As Caesar exists, Brutus and Cassius stop Casca and converse with him, and he tells them that Antony offered the crown to Caesar three times, but that Caesar rejected it each time and them fell down because he had an epileptic seizure. After Brutus and Casca leave, Cassius in a breif soliloquy indicates his plans to secure Brutus for the conspiracy to kill Caesar. Why is this scene is important? It shows how vain and supersitious Caesar is. However, he believes by touching Calpurnia during the race he will cure her, but then ignores the soothsayers warning. Cassius and Brutus are introduced Caesar makes it clear that he is weary of Cassius Marc Antony is shown being very loyal to Caesar
Act 1 Scene 3
Cicero: A senator and a famous orator of Rome. He is calm and philosophical when he meets the excited Casca during the night preceding the day of the assassination. He is put to death later for his actions. Cinna: The conspirator who urges Cassius to bring "noble" Brutus into the conspiracy; he assists by placing some of Cassius's forged letters where Brutus will discover them.
Summary: One month has passed since scene 2, That evening, Cicero and Casca meet on a street in Rome. This is the night before the assassination. There has been a terrible storm, and Casca describes to Cicero the unnatural phenomena which have occured: An owl hooted in the marketplace at noon, the sheeted dead rose out of their graves, etc. Cicero then departs, and Cassius enters. He interprets the supernatural happenings as devine warnings that Caesar threatens to destroy the republic. He urges Casca to work with him in killing Caesar. When Cinna, another conspirator, joins them, Cassius urges him to throw a message through Brutus's window and to take other steps which will intice Brutus to participate in the plot. The three conspirators, now firmly united in an attempts to unseat Caesar, agree to meet with others of thier party- Decius Brutus, Trebonius, and Mettellus Cimber--at "Pompey's Porch." They are confidant that they will soon win Brutus to their cause.
Why is this Scene Important? The storm symbolizes that something dark is brewing. Shakespeare uses this weather to build drama. Shakespeare is purposely confusing about the time, it heightens the dramatic tension. Time is cleared up in the next scene which occurs during this the same night. Casca who was blunt and calm in the previous scene, 1:2, is now telling Cicero that he has seen "unnatural" things happen. This reveals that characters are becoming anxious, a shift in Casca's character. Cicero does not think Casca's unnatural occurances are superstitious. He is a logical and reasonable voice. Cassius is consistent with the characteriszation of him which Shakespeare has created. For he takes advantage of Casca's vulnerable state. He is a master manipulator. Cassius remains obsessed byhis hatred from Caesar and equally obsessed by a way and a means to assassinate him.
Act II Scene 1
Lucius: Brutus's young servant; Brutus treats him with understanding, gentleness, and tolerance Portia: The wife of Brutus and daughter of Marcus Cato. She argues that those familial relationships make her strong enough to concel Brutus's secrets, but on the morning of the assassination, she is extremely fearful by what Brutus has told her. She commits suicide when she realizes that her husband's fate is doomed. Caius Ligarius: The final member of the conspiracy during the early morning of the Ides of March; at first, he feigns illness but later says that Brutus has cured his sickness and that he will do anthing Brutus desires of him.
Summary Brutus is in his orchard. It is night and he calls impatiently for his servant, Lucius, and sends him to light a candle in his study. When Lucius has gone, Brutus speak one of the most important and controversial soliloquies in the play. He says that he has "no personal cause to spurn at" Caesar, except "for the general," meaning that his cause is for the greater good of the public. Brutus fears that Caesar after his crowning will change, for it is in the nature of things that power produces tyranny. He therefore decides to agree to Caesar's assassination. Lucius re-enters and gives Brutus a letter which has been thorn into his window. The various conspirators--Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Cimber, and Trebonius--now arrive. Cassisu proposes that they all seal thier compact with an oath, but Brutus objects on the ground that honorable men acting in a just cause need no such oath. When Cassisu raises the question of inviting Cicero to join the conspiracy, Brutus persuades against this idea. Cassius then argues that Antony should be killed along with Caesar; but again Brutus opposes this too. When the conspirators depart, Brutus notices that his servant Lucius has fallen asleep. At the moment Portia, his wife, enters. She is disturbed and very concerned by her husband's behavior. She demands to know that is troubling him. Brutus promises to tell her. Portia leaves, and Lucia enters with Caius Ligarius, who has been sick but wants to join the cause. Why is this Scene Important? The storm symbolizes the turmoil that Brutus is in. Brutus has a divided heart, and is torn with his decision to assassinate Caesar. Brutus shows his deep concern for the evilness that may happen because Caesar has a lot of power. Brutus is seen in his home dwellings. Shakespeare shows the public Brutus ( Concerned for the Republic of the Roman Government) and private Brutus ( a good husband and kind master to Lucius). Since the audience sees Brutus from both perspectives, the audience sees that he is a good person both publicly and personally. Cassius's manipulation in speech and in notes have persuaded Brutus. Brutus is against killing Antony. Once Brutus commits to the cause of the conspiracy, he becomes a leader and overthrows Cassius of his position. Examples are that h vetos the decision to invite Cicero, he agrues against killing Antony, and states that a secret oath is not neccessary. All of which are ideas that Cassius proposed.
Act 2 Scene 2
Summary: In Caesar's house, Caesar is awakened by both the storm and by his wife Calpurnia, who is talking in her sleep. She has been dreaming of his murder. Caesar orders a servant to tell the priests to sacrifice animals to try and tell the future. Calpurnia enters, telling Caesar he must not leave the house that day, but he insists that he will, since none would dare attack him. Calpurnia says that night watchmen have seen a lioness give birth in the streets, graves open and the dead walk, and blood rain on the Capitol. Caesar is still not swayed, saying that these omens could be intended for anyone, and that no-one can escape what the gods have decreed. He adds that death should not be feared, since it must come when it will, and that "Cowards die many times before their deaths; / The valiant never taste of death but once" (2.2.32-3).
The servant enters, reportThe servant enters, reporting that the augurs recommend that Caesar stay home. They examined the entrails of an animal and were unable to find a heart—a bad sign. But Caesar maintains that he will not stay home out of fear. Danger cannot affect Caesar, he says. Calpurnia begs him to send Antony to the Senate in his place; finally Caesar relents.ing that the augurs recommend that Caesar stay home. They examined the entrails of an animal and were unable to find a heart—a bad sign. But Caesar maintains that he will not stay home out of fear. Danger cannot affect Caesar, he says. Calpurnia begs him to send Antony to the Senate in his place; finally Caesar relents.
Decius enters, saying that he has come to bring Caesar to the Senate. Caesar tells him to tell the senators that he will be absent that day. Calpurnia tells him to plead illness, but Caesar refuses to lie. Decius then asks what reason he should offer. Caesar states that it is simply his will to stay home. He adds that Calpurnia has had a dream in which she saw his statue run with blood like a fountain, while many smiling Romans bathed their hands in the blood; she has taken this to portend danger for Caesar. Decius disputes Calpurnia’s interpretation, saying that actually the dream signifies that Romans will all gain lifeblood from the strength of Caesar. He confides that the Senate has decided to give Caesar the crown that day; if Caesar were to stay at home, the senators might change their minds. Moreover, Caesar would lose public regard if he were perceived as so easily swayed by a woman, or by fear. Caesar replies that his fears now indeed seem small. He calls for his robe and prepares to depart. Cassius and Brutus enter with Ligarius, Metellus, Casca, Trebonius, and Cinna to escort him to the Senate. Finally, Antony enters. Caesar prepares to depart. Why is this Scene Important? Calpurnia is supersititious, which contrasts with the logical Portia. Caesar cannot let fear overtake him. He must disregard the omens because he does not want to look weak Caesar will not lie about being ill to the senate. If he lies then the senate has power over him, and he does not want that.
Act 2 Scene 3
Summary: Taken from Coursehero.com Artemidorus, a teacher of rhetoric, reads a letter aloud on the street near the Capitol. The letter names all the conspirators and warns Caesar to beware of each one. The letter's signed "Thy lover, Artemidorus." Artemidorus tells the audience that he plans to give the letter to Caesar as a petition. He laments the fact that friends turn into traitors and rivals. If Caesar reads the letter, he says, he will live; if not, the fates will see him dead. Why this Scene is Important? This shows that Caesar is loved by many people. Artemidorus is not part of the senate and instead is a "commoner" his loyalty to Caesar shows in his effort. It brings up the question: Is Caesar really a Tyrant?
Summary: Taken from coursehero.com Portia asks the servant Lucius to go to the Senate and report back on Brutus and Caesar. She wants to know which men surround Caesar with requests, and how well Brutus looks, since he was sick that morning. She claims she's heard a rumor from the Capitol but doesn't reveal what it is. Later Portia talks to the soothsayer. She asks the soothsayer about Caesar and whether there are any threats against him. The soothsayer says he doesn't know for sure, but he fears there might be. The soothsayer plans to find a place along the road where he can speak to Caesar as he passes by. After the soothsayer departs, Portia wishes for Brutus to have luck in his enterprise. Why is this Scene Important? Portia knows about the assassination plot. Her presence as a woman is unwelcomed at the capital, so she sends her servant, Lucius, to go check on Brutus. Is she trying to prevent the assassination from happening? No. She is a loyal wife to Brutus and agrees with political assassination. Because the soothsayer hints at knowing and Artemidorus knows about the assassination, it makes you think about how many other Romans know about the assassination too. Portia again in her last lines, shows her love for Brutus.
Act 3 Scene 1 Caesar is Killed
Notes -Caesar pushes both Artemidorus and the Soothsayer away – his only 2 chances for survival -Popilius Lena shows that he also knows about the plan -Trebonius draws Antony out of the way -The conspirators use Cimber’s brother as an excuse to gather around Caesar -Casca is the first to stab Caesar; Brutus is the last -Play implies that Caesar died of a broken heart – popular sentiment of the Romans and Elizabethans -Conspirators kill Caesar out in the open to show that they are not hiding their deed -It is ironic that Caesar dies under the statue of Pompey -The climax is Caesar being killed. "Et tu Brutus?"
Act 3 Scene 2 Funeral Oration Scene Both Brutus and Marc Antony Speak (Close Reading)
-The citizens are very important (mob). They are, once again, very fickle -Brutus explains why the conspirators killed Caesar – for the good of Rome -Brutus appeals to the mob’s intellect; Antony appeals to its emotions. Which is better? -Antony is very clever at reading people and appealing to their emotions -The use of “honorable” is clever because it serves his purpose and keeps him within the rules the conspirators placed on him -Line 50 shows the stupidity of the mob – they want to crown Brutus, and have therefore missed the whole point of Brutus’ speech -Scholar (Brutus) vs. Practical Politician (Antony) -The scene begins the falling action -Antony follows all four rules set down by the conspirators (What are the four rules?) -Antony uses Caesar’s will to bait the mob until they are in a frenzy – then he uses it to push them over the edge -Antony states “I have accomplished what I set out to do.” – the conspirators (Brutus) underestimated Antony -Octavius (Caesar’s nephew) will be part of the new triumvirate -Brutus has made too many mistakes – Cassius should have been the leader of the conspiracy (do you agree?)
Act 3 Scene 3
summary: Cinna the poet is mistaken as Cinna the conspirator, and as a result is killed by the people of Rome.
School Calendar April 3oth May 1 May 2
Close reading of Act 3 Scene 2 Quiz over Act 3 Discuss Act 4 Review Questions Quiz over Act 3 on Wednesday H. W Finish all of Act 4 Start Act 5 reading and questions Home Work: Read all of Act 5 and finish study guide questions
May 6th May 7th May 8th May 9-14
Discuss Act 5 Review Game Shakespeare Test Book Talks Review for Test
Act 4 Scene 1
Summary: The second triumvirate is made of Antony, Octavaius, and Lepidus meet in Rome to decide which Romans shall live and which shall die. Lepidus agrees to the death of his brother, and Antony agrees to the death of a nephew. Antony then sends Lepidus to get Caesar's will so that they can reduce some of the requests. After Lepidus exits, Antony tells Octavius that Lepidus may be fit to run errands but that he is not fit to be part of the triumvirate. Antony plans to kick Lipidus out of the triumvirate once the war is over. Octavius does not argue with Antony, but he does point out that Lepidus has proven to be a brave soldier. Antony answers that his horse also has those qualitites.
Why is this scene important? Antony is showing that power has caused him to become ruthless. Because the men agree to kill their family members, it shows that these men are willing to ignore the ethical and moral considersations in thier concentrations on political gain. Octavius shows his power by not agreeing with Antony about Lepidus. But he is just as ruthless as Antony. The scene ends with Antony and Octavius planning to defend their estblishment from Brutus and Cassius's army.
Act 4 Scene 2
Summary: Outside of his tent at a war camp near Sardis, Brutus greets Titinius and Pindarus, who bring him word that Cassius is approaching. Brutus complains that Cassius has offended him, and he looks forward to hearing Cassius's explanation. Pindarus, Cassius's servant, is certain that the explanation will satisfy Brutus. Lucilius says that Cassius has recived him with proper protocol, but he qualifies his statement, adding that Cassius's greeting was not with his accustomed affection. Brutus says that Lucilius has just described a cooling friendship, and he suggests that Cassius may fail them when put to the test. Cassius arrives then with most of his army and immediately accuses Brutus of having wronged him. Brutus responds that he would not wrong a friend ans suggests they converse inside of the tent.
Why is the scene important? This scene shows that Cassius and Brutus have had a divide in their bond. Things are falling apart. This is clearly a battle camp, and so the audience is aware that a battle will happen soon. Brutus has failed in the political world, and now as an audience we will see how he does on the battlefield. Their conflict is threatening the morale of the army, indicating that it is serious.
Act 4 Scene 3
Summary: As soon as the two men are in the tent, they begin to argue. Cassius accusses Brutus of having wronged him by condemning Lucius for taking bribes from the Sardinans, in spite of Cassius's leeters in his defense. Brutus says that Cassius should not have written letters defending such a cause, and he charges him with having an "itching palm". Brutus then reminds Cassius of why they killed Caesar, and continues to say that he would "rather be a dog and bay the moon" than be a Roman who would sell his honor for money. The quarrell intensifies. Brutus reminds Cassius that he was suppose to send gold for his troops but failed to do so. Cassius denies this. And says that since Brutus no longer loves him he can kill him. Finally the men reconcile, shaking hands, and renewing their friendship. Brutus and Cassius drink together as Titinius and Messala join them. From the conversation which follows, we learn that Octavius, Lepidus, and Antony are marching their armies toward Philippe and that they "have put to death hundred of senators". We learn that Cicero has died. Messala also reports the death of Portia. Brutus proposes that they march toward Philippi to meet the enemy at once. Cassius disagrees, maintaining that it would be better to wait for the enemy to come to them. This strategy would weary the enemy forces while their own men remain fresh. Cassius finally gives in to Brutus's idea. When his guests have departed, Brutus tells his servant, Lucius, to call some of his men to sleep with in in his tent. Varro and Claudius enter and offer to stand while Brutus sleep, but he insists that they lie with him. While Brutus resumes readig his book he is visited by the ghost of Caesar. It has appeared only to say that they will meet again at Philippi. The ghost then disappears, where upon Brutus calls to Lucius, Varro, and Claudius, all of whom he accusses of crying out in thier sleep. They all deny this accusation and also say that they did not hear anything.
Why is this scene important? Cassius is raising money for their armies in ways that are not compatible with Brutus's sense of honesty. Brutus is afraid that the conspiracy is corrupt. Cassius claims to be better at managing military strategy than Brutus. Brutus is naive. This shows in his request for money, of which are contained by ways he does not approve. This shows that he is flawed in his logical thinking. Brutus does not flinch when Portia's is brought up in public, but when he is alone at night he asks for company. This shows the contrast between Brutus's public and private life. The spirit of Caesar is ironic because by killing Caesar they have freed a "spirit" evil and destructive far more than the living man he once was.
Act V-Scene 1
On the plain of Philippi, Octavius and Antony with their forces await Brutus, Cassius, and their armies. A messenger arrives and warns them that the enemy is approaching. Antony orders Octavius to take the left side of the field, but Octavius insists upon taking the right and Antony taking the left. Brutus and Cassius, and thier followers enter, and the opposing generals confront one another in parley. The two sides immediately burt insults at one another. Antony accuses Brutus of hypocrisy in the assassination, and he derides the conspirators for the cowardly way that they killed Caesar. Cassius accusses Antony of using decit and he reminds Bruts that they would not have to endure Antony's offensive language now had he died alongside Caesar. Octavius suggests that they stop talking and begin fighting. After the departure of Antony and Octavius, Brutus calls Lucillius to talk privately. Cassius calls Messala to do the same. Cassius tells the soldier that it is his birthday and informs him of recent bad omens: two mighty eagles alighted on the foremost banners of their army and perched there, feeding from the soldiers’ hands; this morning, however, they are gone. Now ravens, crows, and other scavenger birds circle over the troops as if the men were diseased and weak prey. Cassius walks back to join Brutus and comments that the future looks uncertain; if they lose, they may never see each other again. Cassius asks Brutus if Brutus would allow himself to be led through Rome as a captive should they lose. Brutus replies that he would rather die than go to Rome as a defeated prisoner; he declares that this day “must end that work the ides of March begun”—that is, the battle represents the final stage in the struggle for power that began with the murder of Caesar (V.i.114). He bids Cassius “for ever and for ever farewell” (V.i.117). Cassius echoes these sentiments, and the men depart. Why is this scene important? Octavius and Antony are certain of victory. While the opposing side, Brutus and Cassius, and full of doubt and worry. Cassius who is usually confident in his ways, becomes superstitious in this scene, showing a change in his character. It is Cassius's birthday. A bad omen that he interprets as as the end of his life. Brutus also prepares for defeat, and comes to the conclusion that he will commit suicide before he is killed by Antony and Octavius. Octavius and Antony have their differences. They are arguing at the beginning of the scene about the left or right. Antony is known in the history books as being an outstanding general, but shakespeare has Octavius cross him, showing that Octavius is a head-strong young man, for he is challenging Antony who is experienced in the battle field.
Act 5 Scene 2
The battle begins between the scenes, and the next scene, comprising a scant total of six lines, depicts the two sides’ first surge against each other. Brutus sends Messala to Cassius to report that he senses a weakness in Octavius’s army and will push forward to exploit it. Why is this Scene Important? Brutus hopes for victory Brutus acts on his own intuition and acts too quickly. As a result, Brutus and Cassius do not act simultaneously, leaving Cassius's flank exposed to Antony's army. The next scene reveals the tragic consequences of this action by Brutus.
Act 5 Scene 3
The next scene finds Cassius standing on a hill with Titinius, watching the battle and lamenting its course. Though Brutus was correct in noting Octavius’s weakness, he proved overeager in his attack, and the tide of battle has turned against him. Pindarus now runs up to Cassius with a report: Antony’s troops have entered Cassius’s camp. He advises Cassius to flee to some more distant spot. Cassius refuses to move but, catching sight of a group of burning tents, asks if those tents are his. Titinius confirms that they are. Cassius then notices a series of advancing troops in the distance; he gives Titinius his horse and instructs him to find out whose troops they are. Titinius obeys and rides off. Cassius asks Pindarus to ascend a nearby hill and monitor Titinius’s progress. Pindarus calls down his reports: Titinius, riding hard, is soon surrounded by the unknown men; he dismounts the horse and the unknown men cheer. Distraught at this news of what he takes to be his best friend’s capture, Cassius tells Pindarus to watch no more. Pindarus descends the hilltop, whereupon Cassius gives Pindarus his sword, covers his own eyes, and asks Pindarus to kill him. Pindarus complies. Dying, Cassius’s last words are that Caesar has now been revenged by the very sword that killed him. Why is this scene important? Brutus's premature attack exposes Cassius's Army, leading to Cassius's suicide.
Act 5 Scene 4
On the battlefield, in the midst of fighting, Brutus enters with young Cato, Lucilius, and others. He urges them all to stand upright and brave. He exists, and young Cato shouts his name and his loyalty to Rome. He is killed, and Lucilius is captured by Antony's soldiers, who think that he is Brutus. He is then left under guard as one of the soldiers runs to bring Antony to the prisoner whom he beleives to be Brutus. When Anyone arrives and asks for Brutus, Lucilius tells him that Brutus is alive and will never be taken prisoner. Antony sets guard over the loyal Lucilius, and he sends soldiers to search for Brutus and to report him later ot Octavius's tent. Why is this scene important? Brutus defeated Octavius and routed his army. Antony defeated Cassius and a messenger's mistake caused Cassius to comit suicide. In this scene, young Cato, Brutus, and Lucilius try to spur thier army to continue fighting, but Brutus sets a tone for hopelessness. The death of Young Cata and Lucilius shows that the triumverate is close to being defeated. Lucilius impersonates Brutus, showing he is loyal to Brutus's cause. He hopes this will give Brutus more time to regroup and flee.