Julius Caesar Act IV PDF

# Julius Caesar Act IV - **Triumvirate Formation**: Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus form the Second Triumvirate to rule Rome. - **Proscription List**: They create a list of enemies to execute, including some of their relatives. - **Power Struggles**: Antony questions Lepidus' suitability, showing ten...

# Julius Caesar Act IV - **Triumvirate Formation**: Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus form the Second Triumvirate to rule Rome. - **Proscription List**: They create a list of enemies to execute, including some of their relatives. - **Power Struggles**: Antony questions Lepidus' suitability, showing tension within the triumvirate. - **Military Planning**: They plan their military strategy against the conspirators, Brutus and Cassius. - **Brutus' Camp**: Brutus and his army are encamped near Sardis. - **Cassius Arrives**: Cassius arrives with his troops; there's immediate tension between him and Brutus. - **Accusations**: Brutus accuses Cassius of corruption and accepting bribes, leading to an argument. ### Scene 3 - **Private Quarrel**: Brutus and Cassius argue intensely in Brutus' tent. Cassius claims he is wronged, and Brutus criticizes him for his dishonesty. - **Reconciliation**: They reconcile after emotional exchanges, showing the depth of their friendship. - **Portia's Death**: Brutus reveals Portia, his wife, has died, increasing the emotional weight on him. - **Strategic Decisions**: They discuss battle strategies and march to Philippi to confront Antony and Octavius. - **Ghostly Omen**: Caesar's ghost appears to Brutus, ominously declaring they will meet again at Philippi, foreshadowing Brutus' fate. ### Scene 1 - Lines 1-55 Act five opens on the plains of Philippi. Octavius and Antony celebrate the good fortune that Brutus and Cassius have foolishly come down from the hills. Octavius demands to lead the more important army division, despite his inexperience. Brutus and Cassius arrive with their men, and the opposing leaders hold a brief conference. The short and bitter exchange ends with Octavius and Antony storming away. ### Military Readiness and Disagreement Octavius and Antony discuss the approach of Brutus and Cassius' forces. This serves to inflame emotions and justify their resolve for vengeance. ### Commitment to Battle - Octavius and Antony firmly commit to avenging Caesar's death, with Octavius drawing his sword as a symbol of their determination. - The passage ends with a clear indication that no reconciliation is possible, setting the stage for the ensuing. ## No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge- Discussion-Octavius Caesar Octavius was born as Gaius Octavius, but after being adopted by his great uncle Julius Caesar, his name was changed to Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. Reflecting his growing political ambitions, he is now going by the name Caesar. Here for the first time, Antony seems to acknowledge his pre-eminence by referring to him by his new name. ## Wordplay ### "bad strokes" and "good words" Here, Antony puns off of Brutus' admonition that "good words are better than bad strokes." His response has two meanings: - Up to the moment you stabbed Caesar in the heart ("bad strokes"), you were singing Caesar's praises ("good words"). - Ironically, your stab wound in Caesar is like a mouth praising Caesar. ## But, for your words, they rob the Hybla bees, - Allusion Hybla was and still is a district in Sicily famous for its honey bees. In fact, the word "Hyblean" is often used in literature in reference to honey. Cassius claims that Antony has stolen the bees' honey because his words are so sweet. Brutus disdainfully adds that Antony has stolen the bees' buzzing in order to scare off his opponents because he lacks the courage to attack them. Villains! You did not so when your vile daggers- At least one of the conspirators accidentally stabbed one of his fellow attackers during the assault on Caesar. ## Lines 56-101 ### Defiant Exchange Between Generals Brutus and Octavius: Brutus asserts that Caesar cannot die again by traitors' hands unless the traitors are brought along. Octavius responds confidently, implying that he does not fear death by Brutus' hand. Cassius' Insults: Cassius insults Octavius, calling him a "peevish schoolboy" and ridiculing Antony as a "masquer and a reveller," highlighting the disdain and animosity between the opposing sides. Antony's Response: Antony dismisses Cassius' insults, indicating his awareness and perhaps a sense of superiority or indifference to Cassius' provocations. Octavius' Challenge: Octavius challenges Brutus and Cassius to fight, signaling his readiness for battle and confidence in victory. He exits with Antony and their army, leaving a confrontation imminent. ### Cassius' Reflection and Ominous Signs Cassius' Birthday: Cassius reveals that it is his birthday, a personal detail that adds depth to his character and the gravity of the situation. Ominous Presages: Cassius describes the eagles that once accompanied them being replaced by ravens, crows, and kites, which he interprets as bad omens. This change in belief from Epicureanism to partial superstition reflects his anxiety and the tension of the moment. ## Brutus' Private Conversation Brutus speaks privately with Lucilius, suggesting strategic or personal matters being discussed, showing his leadership and the need for discreet counsel. ## Cassius' Resolve Despite acknowledging the ominous signs, Cassius declares his resolve and readiness to face the perils of battle. This highlights his bravery and determination. Farewell Discussion: Cassius speaks to Brutus about the uncertainty of their fate and the possibility that this could be their last conversation. This adds a poignant and fatalistic tone, emphasizing the high stakes and their awareness of the potential consequences. ## Analysis - **Themes of Honor and Fate**: The dialogue underscores the theme of honor in battle, with characters like Brutus and Cassius striving to uphold their principles even in the face of potential defeat. The discussion of omens and Cassius' changing beliefs reflect the tension between fate and free will, a recurring theme in the play. - **Character Dynamics**: The passage highlights the contrasts between the confident and defiant Octavius and Antony, and the more reflective and anxious Cassius and Brutus. Brutus remains steadfast and composed, continuing to lead and strategize despite the looming threat. - **Foreshadowing**: Cassius' talk of omens and the mention of his birthday foreshadow the tragic events to come, adding a layer of dramatic irony as the audience anticipates the battle's outcome. The farewell tone between Brutus and Cassius hints at their potential downfall, preparing the audience for the emotional weight of their possible defeat. ## Lines 102-136 1. ### Philosophical Reflection on Suicide Brutus' Philosophy: Brutus reflects on his philosophy regarding suicide. He criticizes Cato for taking his own life out of fear of future suffering, considering it cowardly and vile. Brutus believes in enduring whatever fate the gods have in store. Acceptance of Fate: Brutus expresses his commitment to facing the outcome of the battle with patience and courage, leaving his fate to the providence of higher powers. 2. ### Cassius' Question and Brutus' Response Cassius' Concern: Cassius questions if Brutus is prepared to be captured and paraded through the streets of Rome if they lose the battle. Brutus' Resolve: Brutus firmly rejects the idea of being captured. He declares that he would rather die than be led in triumph as a prisoner, showing his pride and honor as a Roman. 3. ### Farewell Between Brutus and Cassius Acknowledgment of Uncertainty: Brutus acknowledges the uncertainty of their fate, recognizing that they may not survive the battle. This prompts a heartfelt farewell to Cassius. Eternal Farewell: Both Brutus and Cassius exchange final farewells, expressing their deep bond and mutual respect. They acknowledge that if they meet again, they will rejoice; if not, they part on good terms. 4. ### Resigned Determination Acceptance of Outcome: Brutus concludes with a philosophical acceptance that the outcome of the day will soon be revealed. He highlights the inevitability of the end of the day's events, reflecting a stoic attitude towards the battle and its consequences. ## Analysis - **Stoic Philosophy**: Brutus' reflections on suicide and his resolve to face whatever comes with patience highlight his stoic philosophy. He believes in enduring life's challenges without yielding to fear or despair. - **Honor and Pride**: Brutus' refusal to be captured and paraded through Rome underscores his deep sense of honor and pride. He would rather die than face such humiliation, staying true to his principles as a noble Roman. - **Emotional Farewell**: The exchange of farewells between Brutus and Cassius is poignant and underscores their deep friendship. Despite their philosophical differences and the gravity of the situation, their bond remains strong. - **Foreshadowing**: The farewell and the acceptance of their uncertain fate foreshadow the tragic events to come. The audience is prepared for the possible deaths of these characters, adding emotional weight to the scene. - **Philosophical Acceptance**: Brutus' final lines reflect a philosophical acceptance of fate. He acknowledges that the day's events will come to an end, and with that end, their fate will be sealed. This stoic resignation emphasizes his character's strength and resolve. The following sentence was was a fragment, and I've completed it: **Which he did give himself — I know not how** Brutus considers himself a Stoic, and Stoics believed that one should calmly accept whatever comes in life — good or bad — so that's what he would do. He even criticizes his uncle Cato for killing himself rather than allowing himself to be taken prisoner by Caesar during the civil war. No, Cassius, no. Think not, thou noble Roman, That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome. He bears too great a mind. In response to Cassius' question of what he would do if they lose the battle, Brutus, who imagines himself a strict adherent to the Stoic philosophy, initially gave the expected Stoic answer: he would patiently accept whatever happens in life. When faced with the image of his being led in chains behind Antony's chariot through the streets of Rome, he abandons his Stoic principles, acknowledging that such a humiliation would be intolerable. Today will end in either victory or his death.