ALL HAIL GREAT FUHRER HITLER SCREW KIM JONG UN THE

FAT PIG
ACT 1- Scene 1
Summary:
● The plebeians have given themselves a holiday to celebrate Caesar’s
latest victory
● The 2 tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, drive the supporters away and tell
the people to remember the greatness of Pompey
● Tribunes try to deface Caesar by tearing down his decoration (Showing
their unhappiness)
● Attempts to dispel Caesar’s support

Key points: Attitudes of tribunes to the plebeians

● “Hence! Home, you idle creatures, get you home. Is this a holiday?”
○ Tribunes exert their dominance over the plebeians, and the
tribunes speak with a clear tone of superiority
○ Use of word “creatures” suggests to us the large extent of which
contempt is shown to the plebeians, not even being regarded as
human beings
● “O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, Knew you not Pompey?”
○ Intent here to make the plebeians guilty for completely forgetting
the actions of their past leader Pompey
○ Use of the phrase “hard hearts” shows to us that the tribunes
regard the plebeians as having hearts of stone, no conscience for
their actions against Pompey
● “Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit
the plague That needs must light on this ingratitude”
○ Again, shows the superiority that the tribunes try to exert over the
plebeians
○ Use of the gods here also portrays to the plebeians feelings’, to
make them seem that they have done something so serious to
spite the gods, figures who were highly respected in Rome
● “Mend me, thou saucy fellow?”
Literary devices in this scene:
Puns (Cobbler)
● “A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience; which is
indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles.”
○ Cobbler makes use of punning to mock the tribunes, who are
supposedly of higher authority, irritating them without fear
○ Irony, a tribune did not understand puns, but a simple plebeian
can crack smart jokes
○ The use of “safe conscience”, suggest that the cobbler felt that the
tribunes were doing something that was morally incorrect
Devices used by Marullus to remind the crowd of Pompey’s glory
● “Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home”
○ Rhetorical question to question Caesar’s contribution to Rome
○ Gets the plebeians to compare both Pompey’s and Caesar’s
contribution
● “You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things”
○ Emotive Language used to appeal to plebeians’ emotion
○ By comparing them to “senseless things”, suggest they have no
sense of sympathy for Pompey and that Marullus regards them as
the lowest class of people, not giving them a single shred of
respect
○ Makes them feel Guilty
○ Stones are emotionless. By comparing the plebeians to stones, it
suggests they are all cold-blooded and nothing can appeal to them
● “Have you not made an universal shout, That Tiber trembled underneath
her banks”
○ Shows the extent of Pompey’s ability to unite the Romans
○ Pompey’s greatness is even comparable to the vastness of the
Tiber
○ Use of exaggeration to convince the crowd of Pompey’s greatness
● “And do you now strew flowers in his way That comes in triumph over
Pompey’s blood?”
○ Emotive language used to appeal to their sense of guilt
○ Marullus makes it seem that the crowds are celebrating Pompey’s
death
○ That they have forgotten all of his contributions simply to
celebrate Caesar’s victory
○ Foreshadows the start of two opposing sides
■ Mood: Tension
■ Different status/ Masses Vs Influencers
ACT 1- Scene 2
Summary:
● Soothsayer warns Caesar of the ides of March, Caesar dismisses him
● Brutus is wary of Caesar gaining too much power, fearing that he will
become a dictator. Cassius notices this, and tries to convince Brutus to
conspire against Caesar. Cassius succeeds partially, as Brutus
contemplates about the conspiracy
● Caesar’s ambition is hinted with his exchange with Antony, where he
reveals that he is wary of Cassius
● Casca tells of Caesar gaining the support of the people by purposely
refusing the crown (This may or may not be truly what happened)

Key Points:
Fate / Free will
● “Men at some time are masters of their fate”
❖ Goes against the theme of fate being a driving force in the story
❖ Hints how various events in the play which are perceived to be
unavoidable and inevitable are actually due to the inaction and
indifference of the people
● “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are
underlings”
❖ Suggests that Caesar rising to power and becoming the single ruler
of Rome is not fate, but because the people of Rome do not stand
up to him, allowing him to do whatever he wants
❖ This is suggested by the word “underlings”
❖ Shows that some things which people think are fate are actually
due to themselves

Superstition
● “The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse”
○ Shows the superstitious side of Caesar, which contrasts his
reaction to the soothsayer
○ Could also show Caesar’s love and dedication towards Calphurnia
 ○ (?) May hint towards his desperation for Calphurnia to have
children, even going to the point of believing in superstition
● “He is a dreamer; Let us leave him. Pass”
○ At the same time, this shows how Caesar does not believe in the
soothsayer as Caesar dismisses the warning casually
○ However, this could also mean that Caesar is too arrogant, so
much so that he would not admit that he needs to prepare or
beware of anything

Ambition
● “Are put to silence”
○ Hints the ambition of Caesar, for he removes the people which
opposes him
○ The use of “put to silence” symbolises how Caesar is forcefully
removing the voices of the people
○ As removing opposition is a key characteristic of dictator, it
suggests how Caesar is becoming more and more like a dictator
● “Caesar is turned to hear”
○ Here, Caesar refers to himself in the third person, which clearly
reiterates how highly he sees himself, and how much higher he
sees himself compared to the public
● “For always I am Caesar”
○ This highlights that he is overconfident of his abilities and that led
to his downfall. This is also ironic in the sense that he is fickle
when it comes to certain things whereas his sentence seems to
suggest that he does not change

Crowd Appeal
● “still as he refused it, the rabblement hooted”
○ Suggests how Caesar may have purposely refused the crown in
order to appeal to the crowd, for the crowd did not want a
monarch
○ The word “hooted” suggests that the crowds were successfully
appealed, showing that Caesars was successful
 ● “As they use to do players in the theatre”
- Shows how Caesar dramatises himself in order to play on the feelings of
the crowd
- Also shows that Caesar is very skillful in appealing to the plebeians

Irony
● “That I do fawn on men, and hug them hard, And after scandal them”
● “then hold me dangerous”
○ Ironic as Cassius wants Brutus, who has gained Caesar’s trust to
kill Caesar, drawing parallels to this statement and showing his
cunning, scheming nature
● “A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March”
○ Brutus warns Caesar of the ides of March, yet this is ironic as
Brutus is actually the one who kills Caesar on the day
○ Serves as foreboding of Caesar’s death, which Caesar ignores

Manipulation / Flattery
● “Your hidden worthiness into your eye”
○ The use of “hidden worthiness” is a form of flattery toward Brutus
as it implies that Brutus is more worthy and noble than what he
appears to be
● “I have heard, Where many of the best respect in Rome - Except
immortal Caesar - speaking of Brutus”
○ Brings out the sense that Caesar has grown so much in power such
that he thinks so highly of himself and does not hold regard for
anyone, not even Brutus
● “Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs”
○ Use of “petty” highlights to Brutus how insignificant they are
compared to Caesar
○ The use of “Colossus” suggests that Caesar is like a giant and he is
higher and more powerful than the ordinary citizens. Also, the
ordinary citizens are only under his huge legs, showing that
Caesar’s power is still growing and that the people cannot even
see him from under his legs, which shows how detached Caesar is
 from the ordinary citizens This therefore gives rise to Brutus
thinking that Caesar would ultimately become a dictator
● “And when the fit was on him I did mark How he did shake” “Tis’ true,
this god did shake”
○ Mocks Caesar, showing the physical imperfections of Caesar,
suggesting that Caesar is just as mortal as everyone else and do
not deserve such power
○ The tone of “this god this shake” has a tinge of exaggeration and
sarcasm, to emphasise how Caesar, who was deemed immortal,
had such imperfections, showing that Caesar is actually nothing
out of the ordinary
● “and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves”
○ Use of “dishonourable graves” suggests that they would die in
bondage, forever enslaved to Caesar because they are too inferior
to him, which highlights to Brutus how Caesar might rule over
everyone if he is not stopped
● “No, Caesar hath it not; but you, and I, And honest Casca, we have the
falling-sickness”
○ This is a play on words. Casca means that they do not actually
have epilepsy, but instead fall under Caesar’s rule, and that there
is nothing they can do about it
● “Ye gods, it doth amaze me A man of such feeble temper should So get
the start of the majestic world”
○ Here, Cassius provides reasons to Brutus supporting why Caesar
should be killed
○ Hints to us that Cassius view Caesar as a weakling, no better than
ordinary men around him
○ Suggests to us that Cassius feels jealous regarding Caesar’s rise to
power, and reasons for killing him are personal
● “I was born free as Caesar, so were you”
○ Caesar is not at all godly, and that other man could be of equal
status if they were willing to fight for their rights
○ Luring and influencing Brutus to follow him

● “Caesar cried, ‘Help me, Cassius, or I sink”

 ○ Caesar is merely a mortal man, he does not deserve to rule rome
singly
○ This also suggests that Cassius despises Caesar, as Caesar now
sees Cassius like someone created and owned by him, although
Cassius once saved Caesar’s life
○ Hints that the plot to kill Caesar is all because of his jealousy and
hatred
● “Weigh them,it is as heavy”
○ Brutus is just like Caesar
○ But Caesar is getting a lot more undeserved attention and power
than Brutus
○ This instills the thought of rebellion into Brutus’ mind by making
him jealous of Caesar
● “Thy honourable mettle may be wrought from that it is disposed”
○ This suggests that Cassius has successfully gained control over
Brutus and is able to manipulate him
○ Foreboding that he is going to manipulate Brutus’ honour for the
conspiracy
○ Feels that Brutus’ will put aside his virtue and help in the plot
● “Upon what meat doth this Caesar feed ,That he is grown so great?”
○ Here, Cassius has the intention of evoking thought within Brutus
○ He cleverly portrays Caesar as an oppressive man, and a man with
a lot of power
○ Cassius appeals to Brutus’ patriotic feelings to encourage him to
conspire against Caesar
● “And this man is now become a god, and Cassius is a wretched creature,
and must bend his body if Caesar carelessly but nod on him”
- Again Cassius tries to show how oppressive Caesar is here. Cassius is
forced to lower his status simply because how powerful Caesar has
become
● “Till then, think of the world”
- Cassius reminds Brutus to continue thinking about the current affairs, as
Cassius knows that Brutus is already in turmoil and thus the more he
thinks about it, the more confused he will get. This allows Cassius to
continue manipulating him easily
Conflict within Brutus
● “Poor Brutus, with himself at war”
○ The dark and violent nature of war shows that Brutus is conflicted
in his mind
○ Reiterates his indecisiveness whether to take action against
Caesar, his friend, and even exaggerates his inner turmoil
● “Vexed I am of late with passions of some difference”
- Brutus shows how he has different “passions” here, hinting that Brutus is
considering whether to put Caesar or the people of Rome first

Arrogance of Caesar
● “I rather tell thee what is to be feared Than what I fear; for always I am
Caesar”
○ Shows Caesar’s arrogance as he believes himself to be fearless
and immortal. He believes that he would not have to fear others,
because he is greater and stronger than anyone. He believes he
cannot be harmed by anything in this world

Power
● “Flavius and Marullus… put to silence”
○ Caesar removes everyone opposing him, and there is no chance
for them to stand up against him. Highlights how much Caesar
wants to retain his power
● “If Caesar had stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less”
○ This suggests that the crowd has followed Caesar so much, up to
the point where they are blinded in their devotion to him

Analysis of Cassius’s thoughts and speech

● “Caesar doth bear me hard; but he loves Brutus”
○ Shows Cassius scheming nature as he takes advantage of Brutus’s
relationship with Caesar
● “Or worse days endure”
 ○ Suggests Cassius thinks that there will be more hard times ahead if
Caesar is not eliminated
● “For who so firm that cannot be seduced”
○ This shows that even Brutus, though honourable, can be swayed
○ Also suggests the oratory prowess of Cassius, for he could sway
the resolve of even the most steadfast and noblest of Romans,
Brutus
○
Honour
● “ I love The name of honour more than I fear
death”
- Shows the extent Brutus is willing to go for honour
- Reflects that Brutus is indeed a noble Roman as he would rather die than
to be dishonourable
ACT 1- Scene 3
Summary

● A thunderstorm occurs, which is an omen in the human world according

to Elizabethan belief
● Cassius meets Casca and sounds him out concerning Caesar, and
manages to get Casca to join the conspiracy
● Cassius does not spell out the details of the plot, but we learn of the
names of the other conspirators
● Cassius plans to go with Casca to Brutus’ house to finish persuading him
to join them

Key Points:

Fate / Free Will

● “So every bondman in his own hands bears The power to cancel his
captivity”
○ Suggests how the Romans have the power and ability to overcome
their oppression and stop Caesar from becoming too powerful
 ○ Reinforces the idea that what is perceived to be fate is actually
due to the inaction of the people

Omens, superstition
● There is a thunderstorm
○ An omen, which meant that the gods are not happy with the
humans
● “Either there is a civil strife in heaven, Or else the world, too saucy with
the gods, Incenses them to send destruction”
○ Casca feels that the gods are not satisfied with the humans
Foreboding is created, which warns readers that the conspiracy
would anger the gods
○ The thunderstorm is a warning sent by the gods, yet a series of
misinterpretations resulted in the development of the conspiracy
○ Arrogance of Caesar also results in his complacency and ignorance
to such warnings

Superstition
● Foreboding is created as Casca interprets the thunderstorm and the
signs which he has seen
● Casca feels that these events were portentous (significant,omen)
● “Do so conjointly meet, let not men say, ‘These are their reasons, they
are natural’; For I believe they are portentous things unto the climate
that they point upon”
○ Casca is seen as superstitious as he regards these events gravely.
He believes that something dire is about to happen as the gods
are not satisfied with the humans.
○ However, Casca is unable to fully interpret these omens
● “Are not you moved, when all the sway of earth Shakes like a thing
unfirm?”
- Casca believes that the thunderstorm has caused much instability in the
world and humans should fear and respect these omens
- Again shows Casca’s superstition
Misinterpretation
Characters’ interpretation of the signs

● “A very pleasing night to honest men”

○ This suggests that Cassius is not worried about the portents
that he has seen. This may mainly be because Cassius
believes that these portents are pointed towards Caesar.
○ The fact that Cassius relished the night by even challenging
the gods by baring his “bosom to the thunder-stone”, shows
his ambition towards bringing down Caesar
○ Cassius’s arrogance is also seen as he believes that all bad
omens are directed towards Caesar, while his own actions
are noble and righteous
● “Instruments of fear and warning Unto some monstrous state”
○ Cassius misinterprets the portents by comparing the night
with Caesar. By calling the night “monstrous”, Cassius feels
that Caesar is like a monster because of his growing power,
as he later tells Casca, “Now could I, Casca, name to thee a
man most like this dreadful night”

● “A man no mightier than thyself, or me, In personal action, yet

prodigious grown, And fearful, as these strange eruptions are”
○ Cassius feels that Caesar is no better than him, yet sees that
Caesar is becoming more powerful, thus calling him
“prodigious grown”. The use of “prodigious” shows how
Cassius feels threatened by Caesar’s power.
○ His envy of Caesar’s power is clearly shown here as he
questions why Caesar should have so much power when he
is equal to himself and others
○ Cassius deliberately calls Caesar “a man” because if Casca
interprets him to be Caesar, it would suggest his thoughts
are just like Cassius’
 ● “Men may construe things, after their fashion, Clean from the
purpose of the things themselves.”
○ This is significant as there would be many more portents
and omens later on
○ However, the characters interpreted the signs to fit their
own causes and opinions, which led to overconfidence and
arrogance, for they believe they have the support of the
heavens.
○ This resulted in grave consequences when arrogance
caused the conspirators to make foolish mistakes

Cassius as an Orator
● “our fathers’ minds are dead, And we are governed with our
mother’s spirits; Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish.”
○ Cassius feels that Romans are foolish in the hero-worship of
Caesar. He feels that Romans in the past, would have
opposed to dictatorship in Rome
○ However, Cassius feels that they are now “womanish” and
weak as they do not dare to rebel against Caesar
○ He also accuses Casca that their “fathers’ minds are dead”,
which appealed to the pride of Casca and his ancestors
○ Thus, this statement shows how Cassius is able to convince
Casca by taunting his pride in not doing anything against
Caesar
● “Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass, Nor airless dungeon,
nor strong links of iron, Can be retentive to the strength of spirit”
○ Cassius reveals his disapproval of Caesar to Casca
○ The use of ‘nor’ emphasises how absolutely nothing can be
“retentive to the strength of spirit”, which refers to Cassius’
determination to bring Caesar down
○ Also, the use of terms of imprisonment such as “stony
tower”, “links of iron” shows how Cassius feels that Caesar
will use his power to put Romans in bondage
○ Thus, Cassius is persuading Casca to stop Caesar before they
become slaves under his power
 ● “he would not be a wolf, But that he sees Romans are but sheep”,
“What trash is Rome, What rubbish, and what offal, when it serves
for the base matter to illuminate So vile a thing as Caesar!”
○ Here, Cassius insults Romans, by addressing them as fools in
his statements
○ He feels that Caesar is no wolf, yet addresses the Romans as
“sheep”, which are foolish, naive and weak animals. Thus,
Cassius is implying that because of the Romans’ foolishness
and weakness, Caesar is allowed to grow powerful
○ He goes one step further, to call Rome “trash”, “rubbish”
and “offal”. Cassius feels that Rome would be nothing if it
continues to “serve for the base matter to illuminate”
Caesar.
○ Here, Cassius is angered by the Romans’ naivety in not
doing anything to stop Caesar, but instead helping him to
grow in power
○ He is appealing to Casca to join the plot to help stop Caesar
to prevent being put into bondage by Caesar
○ However, Cassius also displays his true motives for the
conspiracy
○ Calling Caesar “vile”, his envy for Caesar is obvious and
overwhelming
Manipulation
● “Woe the while, our fathers’ minds are dead, And we are
governed with our mother’s spirits; Our yoke and sufferance show
us womanish.”
○ Cassius manipulates Casca’s pride to plant hate for Caesar
into Casca’s mind
○ Casca will feel that he and his ancestors were mocked for
being too cowardly and not daring to oppose Caesar
○ Due to his pride, Casca will slowly gain more hatred for
Caesar as Caesar is the one that the Romans are being
oppressed by and caused Romans, including himself, to be
viewed as womanish and cowardly
 ○ This slowly draws Casca into the plot and slowly recruits
him onto the conspiracy to kill Caesar
● “Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass, Nor airless dungeon,
nor strong links of iron, Can be retentive to the strength of spirit”
○ Cassius manipulates the fact that Casca and the Romans are
being oppressed by Caesar
○ He appeals to Casca that he is a bondman and if he has the
will and spirit, he can stop Caesar and end his slavery
○ Cassius brings up terms of imprisonment like “airless
dungeons” and “strong links of iron” to emphasise that
Caesar can merely chain people, lock them up, but if Casca
has the will and determination to end his slavery, whatever
Caesar can do will have no effect on Casca and his
unwavering determination and he will definitely be able to
stop Caesar
○ This makes Casca feel that he, who lives in fear of Caesar
and does not dare to oppose Caesar, can stop Caesar if he
has the will and spirit to do so
○ This sense of hope and possibility, coupled with the
previously planted hatred, bring Casca to consider the
thought of joining the conspiracy and drawing him into the
plot, which Cassius was aiming at
● “He were no lion, were not Romans hinds”
○ Cassius manipulates Casca being under Caesar’s oppression
and slowly turns it into hate
○ “No lion” emphasises that Caesar would have no power at
all and would be just an ordinary man with weaknesses if it
was not for the Romans that serve him under fear
○ This appeals to Casca’s pride and Casca, who disliked the
thought of being oppressed and enslaved by someone who
is nothing more than a common plebeian if not for the
Romans support
○ Casca slowly grows hate for Caesar as he is oppressing
Casca and Casca’s fellow Romans when Caesar is nothing
without the oppressed Romans
 ○ This hate that is inculcated into Casca’s mind causes Casca
to be slowly drawn into the plot and then joins the
conspiracy to kill Caesar out of hate.

Act 2 Scene 1
Summary:
● Brutus and his inner conflict is clearly seen through his soliloquy in his
house
● Cassius and the other conspirators arrive, and Brutus is introduced to all
of them
● Brutus does not agree to certain decisions, which the rest readily agree
with him
● This shows Brutus’ authority and influence within the conspiracy
● They decide not to include Cicero in the conspiracy
● As the conspirators leave the house, Portia notices Brutus and asks him
to tell her what’s on his mind
● Portia shows her caring side, and can see right through Brutus that there
is something wrong with him
● It also revealed that Portia was a brave woman who was willing to share
the burden of her husband when she threatened to wound herself
● Brutus is just about to tell Portia what was on his mind, but Caius
Ligarius arrives and Brutus gets him to join the conspiracy, despite the
fact that Ligarius is sick
This shows the influence and authority that Brutus holds, which is what gives
the conspiracy credibility

● Brutus does not know “when his affections swayed More than his
reason” (referring to Caesar)
- Brutus admits that he does not have solid evidence of Caesar
being a dictator
- Caesar has always been a leader that uses his power for suitable
reasons
- Hints that Brutus’ decision to kill Caesar is all based on assumption
and manipulation of Cassius
● “That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder”
○ Shows that the basis on which the foundations of the plot has
formed is based on pure assumptions and possibly jealousy for
Caesar’s power (Assumption)
● “It is the bright day that brings forth the adder”
○ Bright day refers to glory and honour which the Romans give to
Caesar, and this implies that Caesar will rise to be a ruthless
dictator if he gains too much support from the Romans
● “Think him as a serpent’s egg, Which, hatched, would, as his kind, grow
mischievous”
○ It is the nature of serpents to be dangerous and many see them as
sly and scheming creatures
○ Hence Brutus assumes Caesar would become a dictator even
though he has not shown oppression (Assumption)
○ Again, this shows how the conspiracy was not founded on stable
grounds, as Brutus murdered Caesar for whom he feared Caesar
would become, but not for what Caesar was
● “Is not tomorrow, boy, the Ides of March”
○ Brutus is concerned about the supposed day of Caesar’s death,
thus showing his inner turmoil
○ Also shows his agitation as he knows that he has little time to
make a decision
○ Evokes an ominous feeling within readers, that something bad is
imminent
● “Speak, strike, redress!”
○ A determining factor to get Brutus in the plot
○ Ironic as it is Cassius manipulation that have finally led Brutus to
make up his mind
● “Half their faces buried in their cloaks”
○ Conspirators are suspicious and is concealed, they do not want to
reveal their identity. This shows how their plan must be done in
great secrecy
○ Implies that the conspirators do not think that the plot is noble
and only want to kill Caesar for personal benefits. Only Brutus
thinks it is noble (Manipulation of Brutus, Irony)
● “Every one doth wish You had but that opinion of yourself”
○ Here, Cassius cleverly flatters Brutus to appeal to him, to allow the
others to join the conspiracy
○ Cassius also further tries to persuade Brutus to join the
conspiracy, not knowing Brutus has already made up his mind
● “To think that or our cause or our performance Did need an oath”
(Naivety and Honourable Brutus, irony he is the only one with good
intentions)
○ Brutus thinks that the plot is for a righteous and noble cause
○ However, he does not know that the rest of the conspirators are
doing this for their own personal reasons
● “Buy men’s voices to commend our deeds”
○ Shows that the conspirators clearly knows that the assassination
of Caesar is clearly not a noble act and they will have to persuade
the plebeians
○ Scheming nature of the conspirators

● “Let Antony and Caesar fall together”

○ Shows the cunning and shrewd nature of Cassius
○ He wants to eliminate any threats that could thwart the
conspiracy at all costs
● “Think not of him; for he can do no more than Caesar’s arm when
Caesar’s head is off” (Brutus’ Naivety)
○ Shows Brutus’ naivety and underestimation of Antony’s power,
which is ironic as this later leads to his downfall
○ Shows Brutus’ foolishness as he did not realize Antony’s true
nature
● “Gentle friends, let’s kill him boldly, but not wrathfully.”
○ Killing is depicted as a good and honourable cause
○ Use of the word “boldly” suggests that Brutus regards the killing
as honourable, and the courage of the conspirators
○ Ironically, killing is an immoral act and no matter what the
intention, it is an evil deed
● “We shall be called purgers, and not murderers” (Interpretation,
Cunning, ‘Honour’)
 ○ Shows the honorability and nobility of Brutus as he believes the
assassination of Caesar as a necessary sacrifice and not a selfish
murder
○ Brutus interprets the assassination of Caesar as something to be
proud of but not something hideous, although Caesar has done
nothing wrong
● “Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him”
○ Depicts the extreme naivety of Brutus, for failing to see the threat
he possesses to the conspirators, even though it is already very
obvious
○ Shows that Brutus rarely sees the bad in people, only the good
(naivety)
● “Quite from the main opinion he held once” (Fickleness of Caesar)
○ Shows his fickle nature
○ He seems superstitious when it allows for benefits for his ambition
○ However he puts off the superstition when it does not aid him
● “But when I tell him he hates flatterers He say he does, being then the
most flattered”
○ Ironic as Caesar claims to hate flatterers, yet he openly accepts
flattery of himself
○ Shows how Caesar is not what he claims to be, his overconfidence
makes him thinks that he can overcome anything but his actions
prove otherwise
● “Go along by him. He loves me well, and I have given him reasons”
○ Shows again how Brutus only accepts people who respect him in
the conspiracy, hints that Brutus is starting to grow into what he
claims Caesar is
● Cassius says “show yourselves true Romans” (Scheming nature of
Cassius)
○ Cassius motivates the conspirators through hinting that the
assassination was a noble act for Rome
○ Appeals to their feelings for Rome
○ Heavily ironic, no true Romans kill their own kind
Relationship between Portia and Brutus
PORTIA:
● Caring/Smart/Close relation with Brutus
● “Portia what mean you? Wherefore rise you now?”
○ Shows the care that Brutus shows his wife
○ Evident from his tone that he is concerned for Portia, and is
worried about Portia’s health
● “Dear my lord, Make me acquainted with your cause of grief”
○ Portia is able to tell that something is troubling Brutus without
him telling her, hinting the closeness of their relationship
○ Portia is able to question Brutus at the same level
○ Shows their significant relationship,Portia is strong, even though
women are thought of being lower than men in those days
● “You have some sick offence within your mind Which, by the right and
virtue of my place , I ought to know of”
○ Again knows that Brutus is troubled
○ Caring, shows her ability as a wife and how she is almost
demanding to know why Brutus is unwell
● “That you unfold to me, your self, your half, Why you are heavy”
○ Portia can be seen as caring
○ She is able to shoulder the responsibilities of Brutus with him
● “Dwell I but in the suburbs of your good pleasure? If it be no more,
Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife”
○ Portia feels she is equal to man and as strong as them
○ There should not be different treatment towards her
● “I am not well in health, and that is all”
○ Brutus has something to hide
○ Caring as he does want to trouble Portia
● “As dear to me as are the ruddy drops that visit my sad heart”
○ Shows the inner conflict that Brutus’ is fighting
○ Sad as he has to make a sacrifice for the good of Rome to kill
Caesar, one of his closest friends
● “A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife” “A woman well-reputed”
○ Portia is intelligent in being able to prove the point that she was
able to handle Brutus’s troubles
○ A caring wife as she went to such extents to help Brutus
 ● “I have made strong proof of my constancy, Giving myself a voluntary
wound”
○ Portia is trying to show her utmost care for her husband, even
willing to injure herself just to know how Brutus feels
○ She wants to share Brutus’ worries and be a loyal partner to him
● “Render me worthy of this noble wife”
○ Brutus is persuaded and intends to reveal the truth to Portia
○ He is deeply touched by Portia’s concern and care
● “A piece of work that will make sick men whole”
○ Brutus hints that the people of Rome are being oppressed by
Caesar
○ And through the assassination of Caesar, he would make Rome
great again
● “But are not some whole that we must make sick?”
○ Rhetorical question used here evoke thought
○ Shows the amount of power Caesar has in Rome, and Ligarius
believe he should be purged
○ Suggests how the only way to make Rome what it once was was to
get rid of Caesar

Act 2 Scene 2

Summary:
● Calphurnia dreams of Caesar being murdered, and prevents Caesar from
leaving for the Senate
● Calphurnia is unable to persuade Caesar to stay at home, eve when the
priests tell him to stay home
● Caesar eventually agrees to humour her by staying at home
● However, Decius, a conspirator, interprets Calphurnia’s dream in a way
that flatters Caesar and persuade him that he must go to the Senate
● Ultimately, the other conspirators arrive and Caesar invites them for
wine before bringing them to the Senator
 ● Caesar is arrogant, calling himself the valiant, who only taste death once

Caesar's Arrogance
● “Danger knows full well That Caesar is more dangerous than he”
○ Caesar’s arrogance is clearly seen here as Caesar is comparing
himself to a very strong force that cannot even be measured and
saying that he is more powerful than the force, danger, itself.
Highlights his mindset of himself, that he is higher and stronger
than anything in the world
● “For thy humour I shall stay at home”
○ This quote reveals much about Caesar’s public and private self. He
is unable to separate his public and private self, thus having an
arrogant image even in front of his own wife. He appears high and
mighty when talking to his loved ones, which is reinforced by the
use of “humour”. The word “humour” in this context means that
Caesar is just staying at home to satisfy his wife, just as much as
he does things to satisfy the Roman citizens. Thus, Caesar is
unable to separate his public and private self, and has an arrogant
side even to his wife.

Ominous Omens
● “Thunder and lightning.”
○ Gives an ominous atmosphere, as if something bad is going to
happen. Also references the storm in Act One Scene 3
● “Help, ho! They murder Caesar!”
○ Foreshadows Caesar’s murder. Instills suspense in the reader as
Caesar’s death is imminent
● “Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol”
○ Foreshadows how Caesar will be stabbed and his blood will flow.
● “The noise of battle hurtled in air”
- Hinting at the conspirators’ intent to kill and their violence and
aggression
● “Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan”
 ○ Hints the idea of conflict and casualties, foreshadows how there
will be a battle between the conspirators and Antony after
Caesar’s assassination and many people died.
● “Like a fountain with a hundred spouts”
○ Once again foreshadows how Caesar will be stabbed multiple
times, as seen from the word ‘hundred‘
● “Many lusty Romans Came smiling, and did bathe in it”
○ Foreshadows how the conspirators will wash their hands in
Caesar’s blood.
○ The word “lusty” and “smiling” suggests how the conspirators did
the deed for their personal reasons and they were happy when
doing so as if they were waiting for it for a long time, this is
contrary to what Brutus says that they were doing for the people
and not for themselves.

Miscreant's Misinterpretation
● “This dream is all amiss interpreted”
○ Here, Decius Brutus has realised that Calphurnia has foreseen
their plot to kill Caesar. To cover up, Decius makes use of the
theme of misinterpretation, saying that Calphurnia has merely
misinterpreted the dream. Instead,Decius interprets it such that it
flatters Caesar,in which would encourage Caesar to go to the
Senate House
● “From you great Rome shall suck reviving blood”
○ The use of “reviving blood” suggests that Caesar brings life to the
people of Rome, and gives them a sense of hope. Here, Decius
Brutus is clearly seen flattering Caesar in the hopes that he would
turn up at the Senate House

Flattery/Manipulation
● “The Senate have concluded To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar”
○ Decius knows how Caesar would very like the crown, and this is
used to convince him to go to the Senate House
○ Shows that Caesar is actually power-hungry
 ● “Lo, Caesar is afraid?”
○ Caesar is flattered that the Senate would crown him, yet if he does
not go to the Senate House, he would be seen as a coward, which
is stark contrast to “mighty Caesar”, a honourable and noble
leader in front of Rome. Caesar would be afraid that people would
get bad impressions of him if he yields to his wife
○ Decius also tries to hurt Caesar’s pride in order to convince him

“What can be avoided Whose end is purposed by the mighty

gods?”
- This shows that Caesar believes he is resigned to fate. However, the
signs and omens prove otherwise. This reinforces the idea that what
perceived to be fate is sometimes due to the inaction of people
Act 2 Scene 3
Summary:
● Artemidorus reads a letter meant for Caesar. In it, he states the name of
all the conspirators and warns Caesar to be careful

Terrible Theatrical and dreadful dramatic effect

● Suspense building
○ “There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against
Caesar”
■ This suggests that all the conspirators have the same
mindset, that is, to kill Caesar
○ “Security gives way to conspiracy”
■ This is literally forecasting what would happen to Caesar, as
Caesar believes that he is immortal and his overconfidence
has consumed him

Act 2 Scene 4
Summary:
● Presents the concern of Portia for Brutus
● Portia seeks Lucius’s help in finding out what is happening at the Senate
House
 ● This is in contrast to the brave front that Portia put on in Scene 1, which
ultimately reveals that women are prone to worrying
● Soothsayer enters the house bringing information that Caesar had yet to
enter the Senate House
● Portia worries for something is being plotted against Caesar, which her
husband might be part of
● In her soliloquy, she accidentally reveals too much. Fearing that Lucius
had heard her, she quickly covers up with a lie by saying that she fears
Caesar would not accept Brutus’ suit
● She tells Lucius to inform Brutus that she is happy and to bring back
information for her
Portia’s care and concern for Brutus
● “If thy lord look well, For he went sickly forth”
○ This phrase shows Portia’s concern for Brutus
○ “Sickly forth” suggests that Portia noticed that Brutus was
looking unwell when he left and through care and concern,
he got Lucius to help her check on Brutus to see if he was all
right
○ This reinforces the fact that Brutus and Portia were very
loving and they cared a lot for each other
● “Run Lucius, and commend me to my lord; say I am merry.”
○ This shows us how Portia even cares about how Brutus
might be worrying about Portia at the moment
○ She sent Lucius there to reassure Brutus, so that Brutus will
not be feeling so vexed and worried
○ This shows us the strong bond they have and to a great
extend do they care for one another.

Suspense building
● “I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray, And the wind brings it from the
Capitol.”
○ This creates suspense for the readers
○ The readers know that Caesar is going to the Capitol and
something bad will happen to Caesar, thus this feeling Portia gets
 creates suspense for us readers that something bad is going to
happened to Caesar and there was a ruckus at the Capitol
● “About the ninth hour,lady.”
○ This creates suspense as we know Caesar will be killed that day
○ This reminds us that Caesar’s slaughter is approaching and will
soon happen
○ Caesar is oblivious, but as readers, we know that Caesar will die
today after being attacked by the conspirators and suspense is
made when the clock struck 9, closing in on the event

Act 3 Scene 1
Summary:
Artemidorus tries to warn Caesar, but Caesar dismisses him. He is hustled to
the Capitol by Cassius. Cassius says Caesar shouldn't just give audience to
every Tom, Dick, and Roman in the street – he needs to hurry to the Capitol.
While Trebonius lured Antony away, Metellus tries to convince him to release
his brother Publius, which was a plot to allow the other conspirators to gather
around Caesar. They assassinate Caesar. Antony appeals for a safe audience
and he come. Brutus allowed Antony to talk at Caesar's Funeral. Anthony
pretends to be harmless, shaking hands and acknowledging each and every
conspirator individually, as he is marking the conspirators and swearing
vengeance

Caesar’s arrogance
● “Caesar and his senate”
○ ”As the senate is supposed to belong to the people and for the
people, Caesar speaks as if he owns the Senate and he alone can
control what is going on in the senate, hinting his arrogance.
● “What, is the fellow mad?”
○ Shows the arrogance of Caesar by completely dismissing
Artemidorus’ kind warning
● “Might fire the blood of ordinary men”
○ This suggests how Caesar does not see himself as ordinary, but as
special, and he would not be prone to things that may sway the
wills of people such as flattery
○ This is heavily ironic and hypocritical as there are many evidences
showing that Caesar’s decisions are swayed by flattery
● “Caesar bears such rebel blood”
○ Caesar believes himself to be divine and lawful, and he will not be
swapped by temptations and sweet words
● “Caesar doth not wrong”
○ Shows he is never wrong, even he is, he would refuse to admit his
mistake
○ Arrogance
● “I could be well moved, if I were as you”
 ○ Reinforces again how he does not view others as his equal and he
has the moral high ground compared to others. This hints the
condescending nature of Caesar.
● “But I am constant as the northern star”
○ Suggest Caesar’s arrogance as he compares himself to a celestial
object, meaning that he is unwavering as something that has been
there for an eternity.
○ This is also extremely hypocritical as he is easily swayed, such as
by Decius Brutus
○ Heavily ironic as moments after Caesar says this, he is
assassinated by the conspirators
● “Low crooked curtsies, and base spaniel fawning”
○ This suggests that Caesar cannot be swayed by flattery
○ This is ironic as he is vain, and susceptible to flattery in true nature

Brutus’s naivety
● “Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman; I never thought him worse”
○ Suggest the naivety of Brutus, for he only sees the good in others
● “Do receive you in with all kind love, good thought, and reverence”
○ Brutus naivety and foolishness is clearly shown here as he accepts
Antony with open arms, even though Antony is extremely loyal to
Caesar and would obviously seek for revenge from the moment
they killed Caesar
○ This will prove to be his folly as Antony will betray them and stir
the plebeians against the conspirators.
● “You Shall, Mark Antony”
○ The extent of Brutus’s naivety Brutus allows Anthony to speak
with the plebeians, giving him a chance to sway the opinions of
the fickle plebeians and turn them against the conspirators
● “After my speech is ended”
○ This further reinforces Brutus’s foolishness as he lets Antony
speak after him, allowing Anthony to rebut what Brutus has said
and sway the opinions of the plebeians who had just heard Brutus
Flattery
● “If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him, I spurn thee like a cur out
of my way”
○ Ironic comment from Caesar, as he is the one who welcomes
flattery openly, and is only saying this to please the Senate
● “Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest”
○ Antony cleverly uses his servant to flatter Brutus, to appeal to his
emotions in order to let him speak at Caesar’s funeral
● “Say I fear'd Caesar, honour'd him, and loved him”
○ Antony here appeals to Brutus by claiming he fears Caesar,
although this fact is false, and he only uses this to fulfill his
motives
● “Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat an humble heart”
○ Metellus Cimber now appeals to Caesar that he is the rightful
owner of the throne and has a humble heart and good character
Ambition
● “Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!”
○ Shows to us the success of the conspirators
○ How they shrewdly hide their own personal reasons of killing
Caesar behind the titles of “liberty” and “freedom”

● “Ambition’s debt is paid”

○ Shows that the conspirators have been successful, and the joy in
them for eliminating a potential tyrant of Rome
○ This shows that Caesar had paid the price for being ambitious
Fate
● “Fates, we will know your pleasures”
○ Brutus is unsure about what will happen to the conspirators after
murdering Caesar.
○ Hints to use that Brutus believes he has no control over his fate
Cassius’ Shrewdness and Astuteness
● “But yet have I a mind That fears him much; and my misgiving still Falls
shrewdly to the purpose”
○ Cassius shrewdness is shown here as he is feels that Antony is
scheming against the conspirators.
 ● “I know not what may fall; I like it not”
○ Cassius is trying to prevent Antony from speaking as he knows
that Antony will be able to move the crowd easily and instigate
the plebeians against the conspirators
○ This shows Cassius’ astute and suspecting nature as he can
analyse the situation and correctly predict what will happen

Antony’s cunning
● “Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest”
○ Antony makes use of flattery to lower Brutus’ guard against
Antony
○ This makes Brutus more susceptible into giving in to his requests,
showing Brutus’ naive nature
● “As here by Caesar, and by you cut off, The choice and master spirits of
this age”
○ Antony flatters Brutus with his diction “choice and master spirits
of this age” in hope of gaining Brutus’ trust and lowering his guard
against Antony
○ Antony does this to get his chance to speak to the plebeians
privately without Brutus to stir their emotions and thirst for
revenge on the conspirators after gaining enough hate for the
conspirators
● “Gentlemen”, “hunters”, “princes”
○ Antony in fact, do not refer the conspirators to as gentlemen,
hunters or princes
○ Deep in his heart, he hates their guts and is flattering them to gain
support and their trust before striking them from the back
○ This shows how cunning Antony is with his backstab tactics
● “Friends am I with you all, and love you all”
○ Antony is actually not their friend. He secretly hates them to the
core and wants them wiped off the face of earth
○ He disguises himself as one of their friends to gain their trust
before backstabbing them
● “That is all I seek”
 ○ This shows how cunning Antony was. By saying that “that is all I
seek”, he makes himself seem harmless to Brutus so that Brutus
would fall for his trick in allowing him to speak at the pulpit.
○ Thus, Antony is cunning in a way that he made himself seem
harmless to them, before backstabbing them at the pulpit
● “Speak in the the order of his funeral”
○ Antony makes use of the opportunity of Caesar’s funeral to speak
with the masses and garner support
○ This shows his cunning nature as he would make use of his
friend’s funeral for his motive to instigate the masses against the
conspirators
● “Friends am I with you all, and love you all”
○ Antony tries to hoodwink Brutus into thinking that Antony is
harmless and is a friend to Brutus, hoping to lower Brutus’ guard
against Antony
○ Antony does this to get his chance to speak with the Romans to
stir their emotions for revenge and if he appeared harmless
enough, Brutus would give him a chance to speak his mind
● “Be it so, I do desire no more”
○ Antony tries to deceive Brutus that Antony only wants to speak to
the plebeians as Caesar’s friend and that he means no harm to the
conspirators
○ However, this is not true as he wants to secretly stir the plebeians
bloodlust and build up the hatred in the plebeians turning them
into war machines that want to kill all the conspirators
Antony’s portrayal as a loyal friend to Caesar
● “Pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle
with these butchers”
○ Antony is apologising to Caesar for being friendly towards the
conspirators. The use of “thou bleeding piece of earth” shows
Antony’s grief for Caesar’s death. His apology suggests how much
hatred he bears towards the conspirators
○ The use of “butchers” suggests that Antony hated the conspirators
and felt that they had brutally murdered Caesar. This suggests
that Antony was going to take revenge on the conspirators
● “A curse shall light upon the limbs of men.” and “Woe to the hand that
shed this costly blood!”
○ These strong, violent words that Antony use show his burning
hatred for the conspirators
○ This reinforces the fact that he is truly loyal to Caesar and would
stop to nothing, violence included, to help Caesar take vengeance
Act 3 Scene 2
Summary:
Brutus speaks to the crowd to convince them of the necessity of Caesar’s
death. Brutus spoke well but never addressed the reason why he killed Caesar,
but went rambling on about some honour. Brutus, the idiot as he is, made all
the plebeians stay while he left, thus no one was there to defend him. He
made another mistake by allowing Anthony to go after him. Antony, was a
master orator, easily clinches the support of the plebeians and turns them
against the conspirators when he reads them Caesar’s will. The crowd,
enraged, goes off to set fire to destroy the homes of the conspirators. Octavius
and Lepidus arrive in Rome and Antony plans to meet them

Brutus as an Orator

● “Romans, countrymen, and lovers”

○ This is an effective beginning to Brutus’ speech. Firstly, the use of
“Romans” addresses the listeners directly, and reminds them of
the virtues expected of a Roman. Also, the use of “Romans” right
from the beginning is to remind the audience of how Brutus is an
honourable person. This is important as Brutus later relies mostly
on his reputation as a man of honour to convince the crowd
rather than concrete evidence of Caesar’s tyranny
● “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more”
○ This is an effective statement in Brutus’ speech. The use of “not
that I loved Caesar less” is effective in showing how Brutus loved
Caesar, and did not kill him cold-heartedly. This prevents angering
anyone who still loved Caesar at that point of time in the speech.
The use of “but that I loved Rome more”, reinforces the fact that
Brutus is an honourable person, who did the murder not of
hatred, but for the wellbeing of Rome. This displays him as not
only an honourable person but a person who truly cared for the
Romans
● “Who is here so base, that would be a bondman?”
● “Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman?”
 ● “Who is here so vile that will not love his country?”
○ Here, Brutus tries to justify Caesar’s murder. The use of
“bondmen” shows how Brutus feels that if Caesar became Rome’s
leader, Romans would end up becoming slaves. Thus, he is
indirectly accusing anyone who still doubts him, by saying that if
they didn’t agree to Caesar’s murder, they were willing to become
bondmen, and that whoever opposed him is not a true Roman
and does not love Rome.
○ This clamps down any opposition there may be as the Romans
would now have no choice but to agree to Caesar’s murder
● “Slew my best lover for the good of Rome”
○ Brutus appeals to the plebeians emotion, making them empathise
for Brutus as he had made a great sacrifice, his best friend just for
the country
○ This enabled him to gain the people’s trust and admiration as an
honourable person
● “I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to
need my death”
○ Brutus makes it clear that Caesar’s death is not for personal gain,
but instead a noble act for Rome. By this sentence, he has proved
to the plebeians that he is willing to sacrifice himself for Rome,
putting himself at the mercy of them. This allows him to gain their
trust (Appealing to their emotions)
○

Brutus’s Naivety and Foolishness

● “Let me depart alone”
○ He stupidly allow for Antony to seize the opportunity to plant
feelings of hatred for the conspirators without the ability to
defend himself. His blind trust for Antony deems him naive, which
ultimately resulted in his failure. This shows his fullness proudness
and naivety

Antony as a master Orator

● “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”
 ○ Makes out that he is on the Plebeians’ side and is not different
from them
○ Tries to win their support
● “I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him”
○ Puts himself on the same page as the plebeians so that they would
hear him out
○ Does not depicts himself as one against Brutus
● “Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?”
○ Antony is bringing the plebeians back to the event of the public
refusal of the crowns by Caesar
○ Although Caesar was putting by the crown just as an act to prove
he is not ambitious, Antony cunningly uses this example to make
the unintelligent plebeians think that Caesar was indeed not
ambitious and that the killing of Caesar is a wrongdoing
● “Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and sure he is an honourable man”
○ Antony gives examples that Caesar does not desire for more
power and is really not an ambitious man
○ He implies that the plebeians have been blinded by Brutus and
that makes them question if Brutus was really honourable or
assumptuous in saying that Caesar was ambitious
● “And sure he is an honourable man”
○ Antony repeats the words honourable man, each time more
mockingly than the other as he slowly turns the plebeians against
Brutus, thus making the plebeians doubt Brutus even more
● “You are not wood, you are not stones, but men; and being men,
hearing the will of Caesar, it will inflame you”
○ Here, Antony reassures the crowd that they are not
worthless(contradicting the tribunes in Act 1 scene1), and he
builds suspense, purposely not reading Caesar’s will to tempt the
crowd, so that ultimately, when Antony revealed Caesar’s will, the
crowd would have un bearable anger towards the conspirators
so that Antony can fully turn them against the conspirators,
essentially successfully carrying out his plan
● “Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar”
 ○ Antony invokes emotions of anger and sadness as the plebeians
stares at the lifeless Caesar as they listen to his will
○ This allows for them to be easily motivated and planted with
hatred for the Conspirators
● “Shall I descend?”
○ By descending, Antony is trying to be seen as level with the crowd,
thus allowing the crowd to accept him as one of theirs, at the
same time allowing Antony to be close to them in order to reach
out to them and turn them against the conspirators. At the same
time, while showing Caesar’s corpse, it will inflame them more,
making the crowds’ emotions against the conspirators grow
stronger
● “‘Twas a summer’s evening in his tent, that day he overcame Nervii”
○ This makes the Romans think back to the honourable days when
Caesar conquered Nervii, which makes them once again recall
Caesar’s glory
● “Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabbed; and as he plucked his
cursed steel away”
○ By saying this, and showing Caesar’s body at the same time, it
would allow the crowd to imagine and picture the scene that
occurred at that time, evoking strong emotions within the people
○ By saying that Brutus is “well-beloved”, it contrasts the action he
took against Caesar, thus stirring up more hatred and anger
● “How dearly Caesar loved him. This was the most unkindest cut of all”
○ This invokes among the Romans the most anger for Brutus, as
Brutus was the one person whom Caesar really loved and trusted,
yet he betrayed Caesar. As such, Antony managed to show the
contrast between Caesar’s victory over Nervii and his death by his
most loved person, thus stirring up hatred for Brutus
● “Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors”
○ This is the first time Anthony has used the word “traitor”, he has
successfully turned the plebeians and this signals the turn in the
flow of his speech. He has switched from sarcasm to pure spite for
the conspirators
● “Let me not stir you up”
 ○ This is very ironic as Antony has already stirred up the crowd, once
again showing how much of an orator he is
● “I am no orator, as Brutus is”
○ People will think of him as a simple man with no cunning
intentions, allowing them to trust him
● “As you know me all, a plain blunt man”
○ By saying this, Antony portrays himself as a simple man and in a
good light, noble, without seeking revenge, which makes the
plebeians sympathise with him, allowing him to easily control the
crowd and turn them against the conspirators
● “Moreover he hath left you all his walks”
○ This is heavily ironic as all that Caesar is leaving is already
belonging to the people. By saying this, Antony convinces the
crowd that Caesar is a generous man who wanted to do
everything he could for the better of the Romans, thus instilling
more rage towards the conspirators
● “Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms”
- This highlights how Brutus betrayal is utterly unacceptable as Caesar
showered with Brutus with so much love and yet Brutus repaid him with
such unkindness

Plebeians’ fickle minds (Brutus Speech)

● “Give him a statue with his ancestors”
○ The plebeians are seen as fickle here as they plan to erect a statue
for Brutus, which is a sign of hero-worship
○ The plebeians now respect Brutus, even though they were fully
supportive of Caesar not long ago
○ This shows how fickle their minds are as they swap sides easily
● “Let him be Caesar”
○ They now respect and support Brutus and they wanted him to be
crowned “Caesar”
○ This was moments after they were supporting Caesar, showing us
how fickle their minds are, as they swapped sides easily
 ● “This Caesar was a tyrant”
○ Easily convinced by Brutus, however due to their fickleness, was
again convinced by Antony to hate the Conspirators
○ The plebeians used to support Caesar(not long ago), but just
because of a few words from Brutus, they are now convinced that
Caesar is a tyrant
○ This shows that they are fickle as they swapped sides so easily

Plebeians’ fickle minds (Antony Speech)

● “Methinks there is much reason in his sayings”
○ Literally moments after being supportive of Brutus and being
against Caesar, the plebeians now support Antony and Caesar
○ There is also irony here as the fickle plebeians are portrayed to be
incapable of intelligent thought but he said “methinks”
○ This shows how fickle the plebeians are as they swapped to
Caesar’s side in a moment
● “He would not take the crown; therefore tis’ certain he was not
ambitious”
○ The plebeians was supporting Brutus and labelling Caesar as a
tyrant mere moments ago, but now, they are fighting for Caesar
and are on Caesar’s side with just a few sentences by Antony
○ This shows us how fickle they are as they swapped sides instantly
after a few sentences by Antony
● “There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony”
○ Previously, the plebeians were against Antony and Caesar and
were fully supportive of Brutus
○ However, just a few moments into Antony’s speech and they
onow think that Antony is the noblest man in Rome
○ This is evidence of the plebeian being fickle as they swapped sides
in mere moments
● “They were traitors. Honourable men!”
○ Mere moments after supporting Brutus and the conspirators for
killing Caesar, they now turn their back against them and now see
Brutus as a traitor
 ○ This shows us how fickle they are as they swapped from Brutus’
side to Antony’s side so easily
● “Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay! Let not a traitor live!”
(Mob Rule)
○ Minutes ago, they stood with Brutus and the conspirators and
were against Caesar
○ However, just after Antony’s speech, they are now turned against
the conspirators and hated them so much that they labelled them
as traitors and wanted revenge and bloodshed
○ This shows how fickle they are to just swap sides drastically in
mere minutes
● “We’ll burn his body in the holy place, and with the brands fire the
traitors’ houses”
○ Before Antony’s speech, they were all against Caesar and
supportive of the conspirators

○ But just after Antony’s speech, they now respect Caesar that they
wanted to cremate him at the holy place and they also wanted to
burn the conspirators’ houses and kill them all, whom they now
label as traitors

Act 3 Scene 3
Summary:
The poet Cinna, who is traveling the streets, gets caught up by the mob. After
asking him a few questions, they confuse him with Cinna the conspirator. They
decide to tear him to pieces anyway for his bad poetry. As they drag him
offstage, they list the names of the conspirators whose houses they're off to
pillage and burn.

Mob rule:
● “Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses”
○ Suggest the idea of mob rule and the bloodthirstiness of the
plebeians. They are finding any reason to kill Cinna. This shows the
lack of reason when there is mob rule
 ○ Also shows the fickleness and stupidity of the plebeians, whom,
despite explanation from Cinna himself, insist on killing him
○ The plebeians, as evidenced, are easily influenced and are unable
to think properly for themselves
● “It is no matter, His name’s Cinna; pluck but his name out of his heart,
and turn him going”
○ Suggest the idea of mob rule and the bloodthirstiness of the
plebeians. They are finding any reason to kill Cinna. This shows the
lack of reason when there is mob rule. Although the plebeians are
unlikely to perform such acts of savagery if they are alone, they
are capable of anything when they are in a group as there is a sort
of anonymity, and are unable to think properly for themselves.
They are blinded by their rage towards Brutus and the other
conspirators, which Antony caused
Act 4 Scene 1:
Summary: There is a development in rivalry between Antony and Octavius
and a discussion is held between opposing leaders where accusations are
exchanged. Cassius feels a sense foreboding and Brutus says goodbye

Antony’s condescending nature

● “This is a slight unmeritable man, meet to be sent on errands”
○ He deems Lepidus clearly of lower standards than he is, like a
pawn used for “errands”
○ Use of “unmeritable”, shows that Antony believes Lepidus is
insignificant and not deserving of any respect, reinforces his
worthlessness
● “Is it fit, The three-fold world divided, he should stand one of the
three to share it?”
○ This reveals that Antony clearly is despising Lepidus
○ Antony thinks that Lepidus did not deserve to be part of the
Triumvirates
○ The word “fit” suggests that he feel that Lepidus was
undeserving of having the same rank as him and to be able to
rule Rome, which shows that Antony felt that he was superior
to Lepidus, reinforcing the point that Antony is condescending
● “Octavius, I have seen more days than you”
○ Shows that he feels himself more superior to Octavius just
because
○ Simply clamping down Octavius’s opinions, thus showing his
condescending nature
● “It is a creature that I teach to fight”,”And in some taste, is Lepidus
but so”
○ Here, Antony conveniently compares Lepidus to his horse
○ Paints himself as superior over Lepidus
○ The use of “teach” reinforces that Antony proclaims himself
more intelligent than Lepidus, and that Lepidus is merely used
by Antony, showing his condescending nature
○ Furthermore the use of “creature”, reinforces how Anthony
sees Lepidus, a lowly pathetic lifeform, that deserves nothing
but to be manipulated

● “Do not talk of him but as a property”

○ This shows us how lowly Antony regards Lepidus
○ The word “property” suggests that Antony merely regards
Lepidus as a tool, and one that is easily disposable
○ Suggests that he believes Lepidus is of little worth and value,
and is inferior to him
● “Either led or driven, as we point the way”
○ This shows us how Antony is very condescending as he sees
Lepidus as a person that should only take orders from him
and do as instructed
○ This also reveals that Antony think that Lepidus is someone
that does not the intelligence to think for himself and must
rely on someone to instruct him to do everything
● “He must be taught, and trained, and bid go forth”
○ Anthony portrays Lepidus as a person who is incapable of
thinking properly for himself, and suggests that Lepidus is just
a pawn to be manipulated for Antony’s own personal use
○ This shows that Antony is extremely condescending as he feels
that he is much superior to Lepidus that he sees Lepidus as a
mere tool that must be guided along and taught
● “A barren-spirited fellow”
 ○ The phrase “barren-spirited” suggests that Lepidus is dull, and
lacks independent initiative
○ Suggests that Antony believes Lepidus has no ability to lead
Rome and is only fit to complete menial task

Antony’s Scheming nature

● “We shall determine how to cut off some charge in legacies”
○ This quote suggests that Antony is extremely scheming
○ He is plotting carefully on how to cover their own expenses
with Caesar’s money from his will, and depriving the people of
their stake
○ This shows how scheming he is as he first used the fact that
Caesar would grant every single man seventy-five drachmas
stated in his will to win over the plebeians
○ But now, he decides to just deny the plebeians of the money
and use it for himself, without sparing a thought for the
plebeians
● “We down his load, and turn him off, like to the empty ass, to shake
his ears, and graze in commons”
○ This shows the extremely scheming nature of Antony
○ Antony has carefully plotted his plans with Lepidus, and has
decided to merely give him the seat in the Triumvirate so he
can take the blame for some bad things that the Triumvirate
does
○ And when it is finished, they will strip Lepidus off his role and
fortune of a ruler of Rome and turn him away to join the
public and become nothing but a mere commoner
● “Let our alliance be combined”
○ He knows that to stand against Brutus and Cassius, he
requires Octavius’s support
 ○ Hence he schemingly takes the opportunity to get on
Octavius’s good side to convince him to support him to build
up forces

Antony’s Manipulative nature

● “And though we lay these honours on this man, To ease ourselves of
divers sland’rous loads”
○ This quote suggests that Antony is extremely manipulative.
Antony already has plans on how to use Lepidus as a
scapegoat for all the wrongdoings of the Triumvirate. Antony
only wants to allow Lepidus into the Triumvirate to manipulate
him to take all the rap, showing that he is a manipulative man
○ The phrase “ease ourselves” also suggests that Antony is using
Lepidus to take the blame off Antony’s shoulders,
manipulating Lepidus for his selfish purposes.
● “He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, To groan and sweat
under the business”
○ This quote suggests that Antony is extremely manipulative.
Antony plans to use Lepidus to suffer while carrying the
honours given to him and take the rap of anything wrong on
behalf of the Triumvirate, so that Antony himself would not
need to do the difficult tasks.
○ Therefore, he is manipulative as he is planning to manipulate
Lepidus as a mere scapegoat
○ “Either led or driven, as we point the way”
○ This quote suggests that Antony is extremely manipulative.
Antony plans to use Lepidus as a mere pawn to carry out all
the instructions that Antony gives to him. Lepidus’ role is just
to listen to Antony and do his bidding.
○ The phrase ”led or driven”, suggests that Antony expects
Lepidus to have no freedom of his own actions and will only
do whatever he is instructed to do, like a pawn or property.
○ The use of “point” suggests that Antony only gives commands
from above while Lepidus acts on it, thus showing his
 manipulative nature as he manipulates Lepidus to be a pawn
to go his biddings
Octavius as a Politician
● “You may do your will; But he is a tried and valiant soldier”
○ This shows how Octavius asserts his authority towards
Antony. The use of “do your will” shows how Octavius puts
himself above Antony, and that he is in control
○ Furthermore, his response shows how intelligent he is as he
speaks up for Lepidus
● “For we are at the stake, and bayed about with many enemies; and
some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, millions of mischiefs”
○ This shows how Octavius was wise as he understood the
situation very well
○ Furthermore, he gives an intelligent insight into their situation
that not all of those who support the triumvirs are their true
friends

Act 4 Scene 2:
Friendship between Brutus and Cassius
● “But not with such familiar instances, nor with such free and friendly
conference”
○ Shows that the relationship between Cassius and those on
Brutus’ side is showing cracks, and they are not as close as
they used to be
 ○ The phrase “free and friendly” also suggests that Brutus and
Cassius are not as open and kind to each other, and hints that
they do not express their thoughts on matters to each other
very openly, and tries to hide things from each other
● “A hot friend cooling”
○ This shows how Cassius was once very passionate and caring
for Brutus
○ However, the word” cooling” suggests that Cassius’ love and
passion for Brutus as his friend is dying down, showing cracks
in the relationship between Cassius and Brutus
● “When love begins to sicken and decay it useth an enforced
ceremony”
○ Shows to us that Brutus and Cassius no longer share the
amicable bond that they used to
○ The phrase “enforced ceremony” suggests that their friendship
is strained, and it has become a forced courtesy, implying that
both Brutus and Cassius no longer behave like true friends,
but rather simply comrades working together

Honour/Courage
● “But when they should endure the bloody spur, They fall their crests,
and like deceitful jades sink in the trial”
○ Here, Brutus is suggesting that some men, no matter how
courageous they appear to be, fall from grace in a crisis and
are not as courageous as they seem
○ This refers to Cassius as he puts on a courageous and friendly
act at first, but would probably fall from grace in a crisis
○ The word “deceitful” suggests that such men are
dishonourable and mislead people through their false show of
courage and honour

● “Judge me, you gods; wrong I mine enemies? And if not so, how
should I wrong my brother?”
 ○ This suggests that Brutus is very honourable as he himself
believe that he does not do wrong to anyone
○ He does not even do wrong to his “enemies”, which shows the
extent of his honour as he would not even have wrong his
enemies
○ Presenting Brutus as an upright and honourable man
● “Before the eyes of both our armies here, which should perceive
nothing but love from us.”
○ Brutus wants to maintain a good reputation among his
soldiers and places high importance on his honour
○ The phrase “nothing but love from us” shows how Brutus
highly places honour on his list of priorities as he would not
want to be seen as an dishonourable, petty man that has
grown to hate Cassius
○ Brutus is also being very shrewd here and he knows if the
soldiers were to realize their generals are quarrelling, they
would not be able to concentrate on the upcoming battle

Act 4 Scene 3:
Summary: Brutus and Cassius quarrel due to the fact that Cassius sold
positions to unworthy people(Corruption). Antony and Octavius are
approaching with their armies and Brutus and Cassius disagrees with each
other on the strategies of battle. Caesar’s ghost talks to Brutus.

Friendship between Brutus and Cassius

Brutus’ Honour
● “Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake?”
○ This shows the extent of Brutus’ honour
○ He still believes that he has slain Caesar for the sake of Rome
and justice of the Romans, and not for any selfish reasons like
that of Cassius’
● “What villain touched his body, that did stab, And not for justice?”
○ This shows how Brutus is honourable
 ○ He still believes that he has killed Caesar for no other reason
other than the noble cause of for the greater good of Rome
and for the justice of the romans, which he cared for a lot

○ The word “villain” also suggests that Brutus views those that
killed Caesar not for justice is a villain, which reinforces the
point that Brutus is very honourable as he condemns those
that did kill Caesar, but not for justice
● “For I am armed so strong in honesty, They pass by me as the idle
wind”
○ This shows the extent of Brutus’ honour
○ He is not lying and he is very honourable while holding closely
to his value of honesty
○ It also suggest how Brutus think he so honourable and full of
integrity that Cassius’ threats do not scare him
● “For I can raise no money by vile means”
○ This shows the extent of Brutus’ honour
○ Brutus is one that cannot bear to resort to vile, wrong means
to gain something personally
● “I had rather coin my heart, And drop my blood for drachmas, than
to wring From the hard hands of peasants”
○ This shows the extent of Brutus’ honour
○ Brutus is suggesting that he would rather kill himself than to
lose his honour for money
● “I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, Than such a Roman”
○ This shows the extent of Brutus’ honour
○ He would rather be a lowly animal that merely does
something that is ineffective and insignificant than be a man
full of dishonesty and no integrity
● “Contaminate our fingers with base bribes”
○ This shows how honest and honourable Brutus presents
himself
○ He describes bribery as a vile and sinful deed, which is against
his morals, which proves how noble Brutus was
 ● “Sell the mighty space of our large honours”
○ This in turn shows the large extent Brutus regards honour
○ He is such a honourable man that he refuses to sacrifice
honour for monetary possessions
● “I do not like your faults”
○ Shows us that Brutus is a man that upholds integrity and
morality highly
○ Evidently seen that Brutus cannot tolerate dishonesty and
corruption
○ And will not be associated with any dishonourable person that
does not keep up with his values
○ Brutus also only points out Cassius’ wrongdoings, while not
insulting Cassius directly(starting to feel sympathy for Cassius)
Brutus’ Hypocrisy
● “I did send to you for certain sums of gold, which you denied me”
○ Brutus is seemed hypocritical as he is here requesting for part
of the money that he later claims was raised from “vile means”
when he did not get it
● “For I can raise no money by vile means”
○ This shows that Brutus was hypocritical in displaying blatant
hatred for corruption
○ However, he himself wanted a portion of the gold that Cassius
obtained
○ Knowing that the gold he asked for was corrupted, he still
called Cassius’ actions “vile”, when he did the exact same deed
Brutus caring side
● “Poor knave, I blame thee not; thou art o’erwatched”
○ He is not too harsh on his men and shows genuine concern
about their wellbeing
● “Call Claudius and some other of my men; I’ll have them sleep on
cushions in my tent”
○ This shows how caring Brutus was, that he took good care of
his men, and knew when they were tired
 ○ He wanted his men to relax and take rest before they went to
battle
● “I will not have it so. Lie down, good sirs;”
○ Brutus shows concern for his man and does not treat them
like soldiers but more like friends even despite their
obligations

Cassius Ignorance and Arrogance

● “Older in practice, abler than yourself”
● “Chastisement?”
● “You forget yourself, to hedge me in”
○ This shows how arrogant Cassius is, that he considers himself
better and more experienced than Brutus
○ It is ironic that as Cassius looks down on Brutus, he does not
recognise the fact that without Brutus, he would not have
come this far
Brutus’ fickle-mindedness and soft side
● “You are yoked with a lamb that carries anger as the flint bears fire”
○ This shows a different side of Brutus as compared to
previously in terms that he quickly forgives Cassius and relents
○ Brutus is already apologising to Cassius and consoling him and
saying that it was his fault for going into a fit of rage and
hurling insults
○ He was just extremely angry at Cassius a moment ago and
insulted him, but now, he is turned to consoling Cassius and
already felt sorry and sympathetic to Brutus, hence, he is
rather fickle
● “When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, He’ll think your
mother chides, and leave you so”
○ This shows how Brutus did not like to argue with Cassius, and
felt that they should not bear such grudges in future
○ Therefore, it reveals how Brutus was actually a kind and
forgiving person
 ○ It also reveals the fact that Brutus is rather fickle as he has
already swapped sides to feeling sorry for Cassius, but a
moment ago, he was extremely angry
● “In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.”
○ This shows how fickle and forgiving Brutus is
○ A moment after he was full of rage for Cassius and his vile
deeds, he is now offering a toast to forget all the bad things
and feelings beforehand
● “Noble, noble Cassius”
○ This shows how fickle and forgiving Brutus is as he has already
forgiven Cassius and have gone to praising him
○ Note that this is mere moments after he was in a fit of anger
and condemning Cassius for his vile deeds of corruption
Cassius Cunning
● “A friend should bear his friend’s infirmities; But Brutus makes mine
greater than they are”
○ This shows how cunning Cassius is as he schemingly used
these sentences to get Brutus to feel sorry for Cassius
○ This extract is aimed to get Brutus to question his own
attitude towards Cassius and make him feel sorry for Cassius
for mistreating him, unlike a way like a friend should
● “A friendly eye could never see such faults”
○ This show how cunning Cassius is as he plays with Brutus’
honour and emotions
○ Upon hearing these words, Brutus began to question his own
honour as he realised that he is indeed not a “friendly eye”,
which slowly brings him to sympathise with Cassius and give in
● “I said, an elder soldier, not a better. Did I say better?”
○ Cassius does not want to ruin his relationship with Brutus as
he still needs him for the fight, thus desperately trying to
clarify himself
○ This shows how cunning he is as he is trying to get on the
better side of Brutus to have his support and help
● “Hated by one he loves; braved by his brother;Checked like a
bondman”
○ This shows how cunning Cassius is as he plays the sympathy
card in an attempt to stop Brutus’ anger at him
○ He needs to get onto Brutus’ good side and to do this, he
acted hysterical and depressed
○ The words “braved by his brother” also made Brutus rethink
what he had done to Cassius and makes him feel sympathetic
and sad for him, which ultimately got Cassius and Brutus
together again
● “If that thou be’st a Roman, take it forth”
○ This shows how cunning Cassius is as he acts like a hysterical
and depressed person
○ In an attempt to win Brutus’ trust and love, he acted as if he
was so depressed that Brutus had defied him that he lost the
will to live.
○ This makes Brutus feel guilty about saying all the bad things to
Cassius, which ultimately, brings the pair back together again,
which was Cassius’ aim all along
● “For I know, When thou didst hate him worst, thou lovedst him
better Than ever thou lovedst Cassius”
○ This shows how Cassius is cunning as he yet again plays the
sympathy card to win Brutus’ heart
○ He makes Brutus feel like he has wronged Cassius and that he
never really regarded Cassius as a friend and has never loved
him more than Caesar
○ This made Brutus sympathetic for Cassius as he prioritised
honour and questioned his love for Cassius, which he bears
close
● “Hath Cassius lived To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus When
grief and blood ill-tempered vexeth him?”
○ This shows how cunning Cassius is as he yet again, questions
Brutus’ honour
 ○ His words make Brutus feel sorry for him for taking him as the
butt of his joke in times of anger
○ This ultimately brings Brutus to getting back together with
Cassius in an attempt to repent on his sins of being mad at
Cassius
Brutus’ Misery / Gender Discrimination
● “Swallowed fire”
○ Portia’s horrible death must have caused Brutus to hurt
psychologically
● “Speak no more of her”
○ Brutus is very sad and miserable whenever he thinks about
Portia, the wife he loved so deeply
○ Hence, he decides to change the topic
○ Which signifies his love for Portia and his misery
● “She must die once, I have the patience to endure it now”
○ This shows how far Portia goes to show that she was stronger
than most other women in killing herself in a brutal manner
○ However, the fact that she had killed herself partly because
she missed Brutus, and that Brutus merely acknowledges her
death, shows how her efforts failed
○ Ultimately, even till her death, Portia was not regarded as a
women stronger than her sex, and her death was in vain

Theme of Foreboding/Omens
● “To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi”
○ This creates a sense of foreboding that Brutus would die
during the battle, and that this was the revenge of Caesar’s
spirit
○ By saying that “thou shalt see me at Philippi”, it directly
foreshadows how Brutus would die there
○ This also highlights how troubled and guilty Brutus felt about
killing Caesar, that it has troubled him until now
 ○ It is further proved during the battle later on in Act 5 when
Brutus claims that “Caesar, thou art mighty yet! Thy spirit
walks abroad, and turns our swords in our own proper
entrails”
○ Therefore, it was as though Caesar had walked around the
battlefield, manipulating the battle such that the conspirators
would all kill themselves

Brutus’ guilt
● “Thy evil spirit, Brutus”
○ This serves to reveal the fact that Brutus is still heavily guilt-
stricken from killing Caesar
○ Here, the apparition of Caesar is actually the guilty-conscience
as the ghost says he is “thy evil spirit” which means that it was
Brutus’ guilt that cast the apparition before him
○ This also shows us that Brutus was still compassionate and
guilt-stricken from killing Caesar, his good friend

Chauvinism
● “Even so great man great losses should endure”
○ This shows how chauvinist Brutus and his men were
○ They viewed men as “great” and women are but mere objects,
which only count as losses when dead
Cassius as a strategist
● “Doing himself offence, whilst we, lying still, Are full of rest, defence
and nimbleness”
○ This shows how strategic Cassius is as he has plans and has
strategies of allowing Antony’s forces wear themselves out
while seeking them

Brutus as a strategist
● “The enemy, marching along by them, By them shall make a fuller
number up, come on refreshed, new-added and encouraged”
 ○ This shows how much of a strategist is Brutus as he has
already planned to meet the enemy at Philippi
○ He already understood the situation that those in the area are
not supportive of them, and are only forced to
○ Hence, he recognises the risk of the nearby men joining
Antony’s forces if they were to approach and they decide to
meet Antony’s forces at Philippi

● “On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current
when it serves, Or lose our ventures.”
○ This shows how strategic Brutus is as he has already seen far
ahead
○ He has grasped the current situation that their forces have
peaked and is the best time to attack, or else, when they
weaken, it is too late
Brutus’ and Cassius’ friendship
● “Have mind upon your health; tempt me no farther”
● “O ye gods, ye gods! Must I endure all this?”
● “You wrong me every way”
○ Cassius is blamed unreasonably by Brutus for his wrongdoings, but
Cassius does not have a chance to explain his situation
○ He is pushed by Brutus and this causes readers to sympathise with
Cassius and his indignation
○ Cassius is portrayed very sad and hysterical, which causes us to
sympathise with Cassius
● “Away, slight man”
● “Must I stand and crouch under your testy humour”
○ Brutus felt that Cassius was the unreasonable one who was
throwing tantrums, and was not happy
○ Furthermore, he felt that people with no honour had no worth and
should not be regarded, which shows how impractical he was
 towards his friends and only saw honour in people, not anything
else

Act 5 Scene 1:
Summary:
Antony and Octavius meet up with Brutus and Cassius on the battlefield.
They exchanged some accusations and insults. Cassius and Brutus
separates.

Themes and food for thought to chew on and mull over:

Power struggle between Antony and Octavius

● “Lead your battle softly on upon the left hand of the even field”
○ As the right hand side was considered more honourable, this
shows that Antony believes himself to be more senior and
honourable than Octavius, and thus more deserving of the
more honourable position
● “Upon the right hand I”
○ This reveals how Octavius is also vying for power and not
blindly heeding Antony’s words. He too believes that he is
more honourable than Antony and thus he deserves the right
position more than Antony.
○ His refusal also reveals the rivalry and power struggle between
him and Antony
● “Why do you cross me in this exigent”
○ Also reveals the rivalry and power struggle between Octavius
and Antony
● “I do not cross you; but I will do so”
○ This reveals how Octavius will take things into his own hands if
he feels necessary, which suggests that he will not obey
Antony. He believes that he will have the better judgment

The arrogance of Antony

● “I am in their bosoms, and i know wherefore they do it”
○ Antony believes that he knows and understands everything
that Brutus and Cassius are planning, and assumes that he is
always in control of the situation
 ○ His smug and condescending tone further reinforces his
arrogant nature

Irony
● “Witness the hole you made in Caesar’s heart, Crying ‘Long live! hail,
Caesar!’”
○ Reveals the irony and contradictory nature of Brutus’ actions,
where he assassinates Caesar in order to protect him and
Rome.
○ Also shows Antony’s hatred of Brutus, mocking his hypocrisy
● “Vile daggers Hacked one another in the sides of Caesar”
● “Bowed like bondmen, kissing Caesar’s feet”
○ Reveals the irony of the actions of the conspirators by
comparing their actions when they killed Caesar and when
they talked to him
○ Antony condemns the conspirators for flattering Caesar when
talking to him but in the end cruelly ending his life
● “O you flatterers”
○ This is heavily ironic as Antony is condemning and resenting
the conspirators for flattering Caesar in order to get closer to
him to assassinate him, despite the fact that he himself
flattered the conspirators to allow himself to speak at Caesar’s
funeral
● “I was not born to die on Brutus’s sword”
● “Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth”

Superstition / gloomy mood

● “You know that I held Epicurus strong, and his opinion; now I
changed my mind”
○ Reveals that Cassius, as a result of the various events passed,
is now superstitious and believe in omens unlike before
● “Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perched, gorging and feeding
from our soldiers’ hands”
 ○ This is an omen that predicts the downfall of Cassius’ and
Brutus’ army. The two eagles might represent Antony and
Octavius
● “In their steads do ravens, crows, and kites Fly o’er our heads”
○ These are birds of superstition, making it feel like Cassius’ and
Brutus’ army has no chance of winning. The appearance of
these birds of omen suggests that the armies have no chance
of winning Antony and Octavius

Cassius’ cunning mind

● “I but believe it partly, For I am fresh of spirit”
○ Here, Cassius keeps up an optimistic mood so that his army
would not get discouraged. Cassius has the ability to perceive
things very well and knows how to fully utilise his army to the
best of his abilities by keeping morale high

Brutus’ honour
● “He bears too great a mind”
○ Brutus would not allow himself to be taken back to Rome with
Antony and Octavius and tarnish his reputation if he were to
lose this battle as he is an honourable and noble man. He was
more willing to kill himself than to be led back in shame.
Brutus sees being taken captive by the enemy as worse than
death, hence proving his honour

Act 5 Scene 2:
Summary:
Brutus sends Messala to write some orders to Cassius’ army. He is
confident that Octavius’ men lack the enthusiasm and passion, and
believes he can win

Brutus’ shrewd mind

 ● “For i perceive But cold demeanour in Octavius’ wing” (let them set
forth at once)
○ Brutus is able to spot the correct time to strike and knows that
he will gain the upper hand if he were to act then

Act 5 Scene 3:
Summary: Cassius sends Titinius to check on the tents. He thought that he
sent his friend to death and requested for Pindarus to kill him. When
Titinius came back and found out about this, he killed himself too.

Irony
● “Caesar, thou art revenged, Even with the sword that killed thee.”
○ This is ironic as Cassius, who is the mastermind of the plot to
kill Caesar ends up dying in his own hands
● “Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords In our own proper
entrails.”
○ This is ironic as the plot whose aim was to kill Caesar ended up
in the conspirators killing themselves
○ This also shows supernatural forces at play as if Caesar
himself has come back to take revenge

Cassius showing defeat

● “And where I did begin, there shall I end”
○ This shows Cassius accepting his fate that he will die soon.
○ This also shows the cowardly nature as he gives up without
putting up much of a fight

Cassius’ loyalty and honour

● “O, coward that I am, to live so long; To see my best friend ta’en
before my face”
○ Shows Cassius’ honour and loyalty towards Titinius as he will
not forgive himself for letting his friend die and even killed
himself for such a deed
Loyalty of Brutus towards Cassius
● “Are yet two Romans living such as these?”
○ This shows how highly Brutus regards Cassius as he claims
that Cassius is the only truly honourable Roman that has ever
lived
○ This can also show Brutus’ naivety as even until Cassius’ death,
he is oblivious of his true intentions when forming the plot to
kill Caesar
● “Friends, I owe more tears To this dead man than you shall see me
pay.”
○ Shows Brutus’ utmost loyalty and friendship with Cassius as
he feels indebted to Cassius and harbours great gratitude and
love towards Cassius

Theme of Interpretation
● “Mistrust of good success hath done this deed”
○ Shows that even success can bring about mistakes if
misinterpreted
○ Reflects that Cassius is very pessimistic throughout the battle

● “Why does thou show to the apt thoughts of men The things that are
not?”
○ Cassius’ hastiness led to him misconstruing the fate of Titinius.
His misinterpretation of success ironically led to his downfall
● “Didst thou not hear their shouts? Alas, Thou hast misconstrued
everything”
○ Again, this shows that Cassius’ hastiness led to his downfall
○ This also hints that it was Cassius’ fate to die all along as it
seemed quite obvious that Titinius’ was winning the battle
with the shouts from the soldiers but Cassius still
misinterpreted the situation

Act 5 Scene 4:
Summary: Lucilius pretends to be Brutus and is captured. However,
Antony notices that this is not Brutus, and rewards him for his bravery and
courage and loyalty by taking him in.

Honour and courage

● “I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I!”
○ Lucilius pretends to be Brutus in order to draw attention away
from Brutus himself. He is willing to sacrifice himself for
Brutus and thus we can see his loyalty towards Brutus
○ Shows his courage as he thrusts himself into the enemy’s
hands in order to protect Brutus and keep him alive
● “No enemy shall ever take alive the noble Brutus”
○ Lucilius is willing to defend Brutus in any way possible, even if
he would die in Brutus’ place
○ This also shows how loyal Lucilius was to Brutus, even when
he was captured, for he for his master’s life more than his

Act 5 Scene 5:
Summary:
Brutus, knowing that his time has come, asks his friends to help him end
his life. His friends initially refused, but finally Strato holds Brutus’s sword
and Brutus uses it to commit suicide. Antony and Octavius praises Brutus
and recognises his merits.

Brutus’s reputation
● “I’ll rather kill myself”
○ Shows the extent of Brutus’s reputation. His men respects
Brutus so much that they were more willing to kill themselves
rather than kill Brutus, and sees themselves not worthy to
take the life of Brutus
● “No, not for all the world” (when Brutus asks Clitus to kill him)
 ○ Brutus’ men respect him so much that they could not bring
themselves to kill him, even by request of Brutus himself
○ They believe that they are not worthy to take the life of Brutus
● “All that served Brutus I will entertain them”
○ Shows how highly Brutus is respected for even Octavius, his
enemy, looks up to his men

Noble Brutus / Brutus’ Naivety

● “It is more worthy to leap in ourselves, Than tarry till they push us.”
○ Brutus still believes that killing Caesar is a noble cause until
the day he dies as this shows that Brutus would not admit
defeat to his enemies
● “I shall have glory by this losing day”
○ Brutus ends his life with honour and strong belief that he did
the right thing by killing Caesar, showing how noble he is
● “This was the noblest Roman of them all.”
○ Shows that Brutus was an honourable Roman as he held onto
a noble cause until the day he died
○ This shows that Brutus was the only conspirator that killed
Caesar for the good of Rome, and it shows how all the other
conspirators were selfish
● “I killed not thee with half so good a will”
○ Brutus admits that he was reluctant in killing Caesar for he
was his good friend, which shows that he carried out the deed
because of his vehement belief it is for a noble cause
○ This also show that till the day he died, Brutus remains
oblivious to the fact that he was the only conspirator who
killed Caesar for the general good and not for personal gain
● “All the conspirators save only he Did that they did in envy of great
Caesar”
○ Shows that only Brutus is truly honourable and noble by killing
Caesar for the general good
○ However, this also shows that Brutus is too naive by being
manipulated by Cassius, who killed Caesar for personal gain
Antony
● “His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him that Nature
might stand up And say to all the world, ‘This was a man’”
○ Here, Antony redeems himself from the cunning and shrewd
politician he was earlier by expressing his admiration for
Brutus
○ He is generous to pause at Brutus death and was sincerely
and genuinely touched by his death

Octavius as a politician
● “All that served Brutus I will entertain them.”
○ Octavius shows himself as an honourable man as he still
treats Brutus, which is his opponent, with much respect and
regards him highly
● “Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie, Most like a soldier,
ordered honourably.”
○ This shows Octavius treating the dead Brutus with the utmost
respect

MORAL OF THE STORY: NEVER TAKE LIT.

- EVER
- EVER
- EVER
- EVER
- EVER