Julius Caesar: Rise, Warnings, and Manipulation

Caesar's Rise and Ambitions

• Caesar was chosen consul for the fourth time.
• He went to Spain to battle Pompey's sons.
• The greatest battle was at Mulder, where Caesar faced great danger.
• Caesar slew 30,000 of the enemy but lost 1,000 of his own men.
• Upon his return to Rome, the people named him perpetual dictator.

The Cobbler's Holiday

• The cobbler is questioned for celebrating Caesar's triumph instead of mourning Pompey.
• Romans are chastised for forgetting Pompey's contributions.
• The speaker urges them to pray to the gods to avert a plague for their ingratitude.

Omens and Warnings

• A soothsayer warns Caesar to "beware the Ides of March."
• Caesar dismisses the soothsayer as a dreamer.

Cassius's Manipulation of Brutus

• Cassius notes that Brutus's noble reputation is being spoken of as greater than Caesars.
• Cassius observes that Brutus seems troubled and distant.
• Cassius expresses concern about the people's desire to crown Caesar as king.
• Brutus admits he loves Caesar but doesn't want him to be king.

Equality and Fate

• Cassius argues that he and Brutus were born as free as Caesar, and just as capable of enduring hardship.
• Cassius recounts a story where Caesar cried out for drink and was as sick as a girl with a fever in Spain.
• Cassius suggests Romans mark Caesar's weaknesses and not idolize him.
• Cassius believes people can control their fates, blaming their subservient status on their own shortcomings, not destiny.

Caesar's Growing Power

• Cassius compares Caesar to a colossus, with Romans as petty men walking under his legs.
• Cassius questions why Caesar's name should be more revered than Brutus's.
• Cassius implies Caesar's growing power stems from the Romans' own submissiveness: “upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed, That he is grown so great?"
• Brutus says he will consider Cassius' words.

Observations on Key Figures

• Caesar comments on Cassius's lean and hungry look, deeming such men dangerous as they think too much.
• Caesar notes Cassius is a keen observer who sees through people's deeds and loves no plays or music.
• Casca recounts the events of Caesar being offered a crown by Antony three times, each time refusing it.
• Cicero spoke in Greek and was not understood.

The Conspiracy Begins

• The conspirators plan to exploit Brutus's noble character.
• Cassius reveals that he has already swayed some noble-minded Romans.
• Cassius plans to have papers thrown into Brutus’ chair and window to sway him to their cause.
• Cassius believes "three parts of Brutus" is already theirs.

Doubts about Caesar

• Brutus reflects on the need to act against Caesar for the good of Rome.
• Brutus acknowledges he doesn't know any personal reason to spurn Caesar, other than the general good of Rome.
• Brutus knows that crowning Caesar a king might change his Nature.
• Brutus compares Caesar to a serpent's egg needing to be killed before it hatches.

The Conspirators Assemble

• The conspirators gather at Brutus's house.
• The conspirators vow to each other to strike in the name of Rome.
• The conspirators are weary of one man ruling over all.

Considerations on Antony

• Cassius suggests Antony should die alongside Caesar.
• Brutus argues against killing Antony to avoid seeming too bloody and merciless
• The conspirators think they are acting against the spirit of Caesar, not just Caesar himself, therefor they do not need to be bloodthirsty.
• Brutus believes Antony is just an arm of Caesar and will be harmless without him.

Decius's Task

• Decius is tasked with persuading Caesar to come to the Capitol.
• Decius says he can flatter Caesar as he loves to hear that he hates flattery.
• Decius’s plan is to bring Caesar to the Capitol that morning.

Portia's Concern

• Portia demands to know the cause of Brutus's distress and the reason for the strange men visiting him at night.
• Portia argues that as Brutus's wife, she has a right to know his secrets.
• Portia wounds herself to prove her strength and trustworthiness.
• Brutus promises to reveal his secrets to Portia soon.

Act III, Scene II-III Summary

• Brutus addresses the Roman citizens, justifying Caesar's assassination by claiming it was for the greater good of Rome.
• Brutus states he loved Caesar, but he loved Rome more.
• Brutus offers to kill himself if his country ever needed his death.
• The citizens are swayed by Brutus's words and declare him their leader.
• Antony arrives with Caesar's body and Brutus grants him permission to speak at the funeral, but warns him not to speak bad of the conspirators
• Antony's speech skillfully manipulates the crowd's emotions by appealing to their love for Caesar and exposing the conspirators' betrayal.
• Antony mentions Caesar's will, which promises benefits to the common people, further enraging the crowd.
• Showing Caesar's body and highlighting the wounds inflicted by each conspirator, Antony incites the crowd to mutiny and seek revenge for Caesar's death.
• Antony reads Caesar's will, revealing that Caesar left every Roman citizen 75 drachmas, and his private gardens to be used as public parks.
• Overcome with grief and anger, the citizens turn against the conspirators and vow to avenge Caesar's murder.
• Octavius arrives in Rome and is met by Antony.
• Antony reveals that Brutus and Cassius have fled the city.

Act IV, Scene I-III Summary

• Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus meet to discuss the future of Rome and decide which enemies must be eliminated.
• Lepidus agrees to the death of his brother if Antony will allow his sister's son to be killed.
• Antony considers Lepidus to be unfit to rule, comparing him to a mere tool to be used and discarded once their goals are achieved.
• Brutus and Cassius argue over accusations of bribery and corruption, highlighting the growing tension and mistrust between them.
• Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes and selling positions, while Cassius defends his actions.
• Cassius is deeply offended.
• Cassius offers Brutus his life, he says that Brutus not be loving. Cassius invites Brutus to stab him.
• The two reconcile and discuss their military strategies.
• Brutus reveals that Portia has died by suicide, overwhelmed by grief and the political turmoil.
• Brutus suggests marching to Philippi to confront their enemies, while Cassius prefers to wait for the enemy to come to them.
• They decide to advance to Philippi.
• Brutus speaks with the ghost of Caesar, foreshadowing future conflict and tragedy.

Act V, Scene I-V Summary

• On the plains of Philippi, Octavius and Antony prepare for battle against Brutus and Cassius.
• The leaders meet and exchange insults, highlighting the deep animosity between them.
• The battle begins.
• Cassius recounts a bad omen where eagles were replaced by ravens, crows, and kites, as a sign of impending defeat.
• Cassius sends Titinius to determine if the troops approaching are friends or enemies but Titinius is swarmed.
• Pindarus, incorrectly tells Cassius that Titinius has been captured and killed and Cassius orders Pindarus to kill him to avoid capture.
• Titinius returns, bearing a wreath of victory.
• Titinius, distraught over Cassius's death, takes his own life with Cassius' sword.
• Brutus learns of Cassius's death and laments the loss of his friend.
• Brutus faces defeat and asks his soldiers to help him kill himself, but they refuse.
• Brutus runs on to his own sword held by Strato.
• Antony and Octavius discover Brutus's body and acknowledge his honorable intentions, despite his role in Caesar's assassination.
• Octavius recognizes Brutus as the most honorable Roman and promises to give him a proper burial.

Brutus's Premonition and Acceptance of Defeat

• Brutus believes his time has come, referencing the ghost of Caesar that appeared to him at Sardis and Philippi.
• He acknowledges that their enemies have defeated them, and considers it more honorable to take their own lives than be captured.

Brutus's Farewell and Request to Clitus

• Brutus reminisces about his friendship with Clitus and asks him to hold his sword so he can run onto it.
• Brutus expresses affection for Clitus due to their shared past.
• Clitus refuses to assist Brutus in his suicide.

Brutus's Farewell to Volumnius and Others

• Brutus bids farewell to Volumnius and his countrymen, expressing joy that he found men true to him.
• Brutus anticipates achieving more glory in defeat than Octavius and Antony will in victory.
• He acknowledges that he is nearing the end of his life's story as darkness and weariness overtake him.

Brutus's Request to Strato

• Brutus asks Strato to hold his sword while he runs upon it, praising Strato's honorable life.
• Strato complies with Brutus's request, turning away as Brutus kills himself.
• Brutus declares "Caesar, now be still" as he dies.

Antony's Eulogy for Brutus

• Antony acknowledges Brutus's death and contrasts it with the fate of his captives.
• He declares that Brutus only overcame himself, emphasizing Brutus's honor and self-mastery.
• Antony identifies Strato as the one who held the sword for Brutus.
• Antony proclaims Brutus the "noblest Roman of them all" due to his honorable motives.
• He asserts that the other conspirators acted out of envy of Caesar, while Brutus acted for the common good.
• Antony praises Brutus's character, describing him as a man of balanced elements, embodying the ideal human.