Literature Julius Caesar Notes
Literature Julius Caesar Notes
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:
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
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
Key Points:
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
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
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
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”
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
○ 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
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.
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
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.
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”
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
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
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.
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
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