Julius Caesar Act IV and V

• The Second Triumvirate consisting of Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus is formed to rule Rome.
• A proscription list is created to execute enemies, including relatives.
• Antony questions Lepidus' suitability, indicating power struggles within the triumvirate.
• Brutus and Cassius plan their military strategy against the conspirators.
• Brutus and his army are encamped near Sardis.
• Cassius arrives with his troops, causing immediate tension between him and Brutus.
• Brutus accuses Cassius of corruption and accepting bribes, which leads to an argument.

Scene 3

• Brutus and Cassius argue intensely in Brutus' tent.
• Cassius feels wronged, and Brutus criticizes Cassius for dishonesty.
• Brutus and Cassius reconcile after emotional displays, highlighting their friendship.
• Brutus reveals that his wife, Portia, has died, compounding the emotional weight on him.
• Brutus and Cassius discuss battle strategies.
• Brutus and Cassius march to Philippi to confront Antony and Octavius.
• Caesar's ghost appears to Brutus, foreshadowing Brutus' fate.

Scene 5 Lines 1-55

• Act five starts on the plains of Philippi.
• Octavius and Antony celebrate that Brutus and Cassius have come down from the hills.
• Octavius wants to lead the army division, despite inexperience.
• Brutus and Cassius arrive with their men.
• The leaders hold a brief conference.
• Octavius and Antony storm away after an exchange.
• Octavius and Antony discuss the approach of Brutus and Cassius' forces.
• This serves to inflame emotions.
• This justifies the resolve for vengeance.
• Octavius and Antony commit to avenging Caesar's death.
• Octavius draws his sword as a symbol.
• Reconciliation is impossible.
• The play is set for ensuing conflict.
• Octavius, originally Gaius Octavius, was adopted by Julius Caesar and renamed Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus.
• Octavius' political ambitions are reflected in his use of the name Caesar.
• Antony acknowledges Octavius' pre-eminence by referring to him by his new name.
• Antony puns off of Brutus' admonition that "good words are better than bad strokes."
• Antony implies that Brutus and his fellow conspirators were singing Caesar's praises up until they stabbed Caesar.
• The stab wound in Caesar is like a mouth praising Caesar.
• Cassius claims that Antony's words are so sweet that Antony has stolen the bees' honey.
• Brutus adds that Antony lacks the courage.
• At least one of the conspirators accidentally stabbed one of his fellow attackers during Caesar's assault.
• Brutus asserts that Caesar cannot die again by traitors' hands.
• Octavius responds confidently, implying that he does not fear death by Brutus' hand.
• Cassius insults Octavius, calling him a "peevish schoolboy."
• Cassius ridicules Antony as a "masquer and a reveller."
• These actions highlight the disdain and animosity between the opposing sides.
• Antony dismisses Cassius' insults.
• Antony is aware of the insults and perhaps feels a sense of superiority or indifference.
• Octavius challenges Brutus and Cassius to fight.
• Octavius signals his readiness for battle and confidence in victory.
• Octavius exits with Antony and their army, leaving a confrontation imminent.
• Cassius reveals it is his birthday.
• This adds depth to his character.
• Cassius describes the eagles being replaced by ravens, crows, and kites.
• Cassius interprets this change as bad omens.
• Cassius transitions from Epicureanism to superstition.
• This reflects his anxiety and the tension of the moment.
• Brutus speaks privately with Lucilius, indicating leadership and planning.
• Cassius declares his resolve and readiness to face the battle, showing bravery.
• Cassius speaks to Brutus about their uncertainty and potential last conversation.
• The dialogue underscores the theme of honor in battle.
• Brutus and Cassius strive to uphold their principles.
• The discussion of omens reflects free will, a recurring theme.
• Octavius and Antony are confident.
• Cassius and Brutus are reflective and anxious.
• Brutus remains steadfast, continuing to lead and strategize.
• Cassius' talk of omens and his birthday foreshadow tragic events.
• The farewell tone between Brutus and Cassius hints at their potential downfall.
• Brutus reflects on his philosophy of suicide and criticizes Cato.
• Brutus believes that it it cowardly to take one's own life.
• Brutus believes in enduring whatever fate the gods have in store.
• Brutus expresses his commitment to face the battle with patience and courage.
• Cassius questions if Brutus is prepared to be captured if they lose.
• Brutus rejects the idea of being captured.
• Brutus would rather die than be led in triumph as a prisoner.
• Brutus acknowledges their uncertainty to Cassius and recognizes they may not survive the battle.
• Brutus and Cassius exchange farewells.
• Brutus has stoic philosophy.
• Brutus would rather die than face humiliation.
• The exchange of farewells between Brutus and Cassius is poignant.
• The farewell and the uncertain fate foreshadow the tragic events.

Questions about the play Julius Caesar Act IV and V. Topics include the Second Triumvirate, Caesar's ghost, Brutus and Cassius's argument and Portia's death. Also includes questions about Octavius, Antony, Brutus and Cassius in Act V.