JULIUS CAESAR

William Shakespeare
Act I / Scene I
[Celebration of Caesar's Triumph]
The scene opens with Julius Caesar’s triumphant return to Rome after defeating Pompey and his sons.
The citizens of Rome are out on the streets in large numbers, celebrating Caesar’s victory. Trophies won
by Caesar are displayed on the statues around Rome. However, two tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, are
not pleased with the public’s celebration. They rebuke the crowd for their fickleness, reminding them that
they had recently considered Pompey to be a god. Feeling guilty for their ingratitude, the crowd disperses.
Flavius and Marullus then decide to remove all the trophies won by Caesar from the statues, even though
it is the feast of Lupercal, a Roman festival.

The scene sets the stage for the unfolding drama by introducing the audience to the political and social
atmosphere in Rome. It highlights the fickleness of the mob and how easily they shift their loyalty from
Pompey to Caesar. The tribunes, although not central characters, introduce us to the atmosphere of strife
and disunity in Rome. The scene also hints at the growing opposition to Caesar’s dictatorship.

Act I / Scene II
[Soothsayer Warns Caesar]
The scene takes place in Rome’s central public square, or forum. Brutus and Cassius enter the forum
along with a large crowd of Roman citizens who are upset about Caesar’s death. The citizens angrily
demand to know the reason why Caesar was killed.

Brutus decides to address half of the crowd, while Cassius will speak to the other half. Brutus gives a
logical but unemotional speech to the people. He says the crowd should listen to him because he is an
honourable man. Brutus claims he loved Caesar, but he loved Rome more. Brutus says he was forced to
kill Caesar because Caesar was becoming too ambitious and wanted to make all the citizens his slaves.
After hearing about Brutus, the fickle crowd is convinced. They even say Brutus should be crowned king!
The naive citizens don’t fully understand what has happened. They carry Brutus home in a victory
procession.

Shockingly, Brutus tells the people to stay and listen to Mark Antony, who will also speak about Caesar’s
death. This turns out to be a huge mistake by Brutus. Antony is a clever speaker who knows how to play
on people’s emotions.

When Antony first speaks, the crowd yells that Caesar was a tyrant. Antony politely calls them “friends”
and “Romans” and says he has only come to bury Caesar, not praise him. Antony says he will try to be
as logical as Brutus was. Antony agrees that Brutus is an honourable man, and if Caesar was too
ambitious, then his death was reasonable.

But slowly, Antony reminds the people of good things Caesar did, like filling the treasury with money
from conquered lands and crying when the poor were suffering. Antony asks, “Was this ambition?” He
also reminds them of how Caesar refused a crown when Antony offered it to him multiple times. Was
refusing power a sign of ambition? Antony tells the crowd, “Men have lost their reason!” He pauses for
effect, and the emotional crowd starts to turn against the conspirators.

Antony continues, saying he does not want to accuse the “honourable” conspirators, but in reality, he
repeats that word with growing sarcasm to undermine them. Antony cleverly hints that Caesar left a will
for the people, but refuses to read it, knowing this will make the crowd even angrier and more unstable.
The frenzied mob demands to hear Caesar’s will.

Antony descends from the stage and reveals Caesar’s bloody, stabbed body to the crowd. He describes
each wound and names Caesar’s killers, while still calling them “honourable.” This whips the crowd into
an absolute rage. Antony reads Caesar’s will, which leaves money and land to every Roman citizen. This
is the final straw, and the irrational mob is ready to burn and destroy. They grab torches and benches
from the forum and cremate Caesar’s body in a furious frenzy, then set out to burn the houses of his
killers.

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Antony is satisfied that he has incited mayhem and “set mischief afoot.” A messenger arrives to tell
Antony that Octavius has come to Rome and is meeting with Lepidus at Caesar’s house. Pleased with the
chaos, Antony goes to join them and take the next steps.

Act I / Scene III

[The Conspirators' Meet]
A month after their previous meeting, Casca encounters Cicero on a tumultuous night in Rome, where a
violent storm is unfolding. Holding an unsheathed sword, a visibly shaken Casca shares his distress with
Cicero. He tells the senator about eerie events he has witnessed: a slave with hands ablaze yet unharmed,
a lion roaming near the Capitol, and owls screeching in the daytime marketplace. Casca believes these
events are apocalyptic signs from the gods. Cicero, skeptical, brushes off Casca’s concerns and departs.

Shortly after, Cassius appears on the scene. He interprets the storm as an ominous warning, specifically
against the growing power of Caesar. Seizing the opportunity, he persuades the already anxious Casca
to become part of a conspiracy to overthrow Caesar. Cassius reveals that other esteemed citizens are
already involved in this perilous but ‘noble’ endeavour and instructs Casca to meet him later at Pompey’s
porch.

Soon after, Cinna arrives with a task: to plant anonymous letters in places where Brutus will find them,
nudging him to join the conspiracy. He pledges to meet the others later at the designated rendezvous
point. Cassius informs Casca that they’re close to gaining Brutus’s support, which pleases Casca. He
knows that having Brutus on their side will lend moral authority to their plot, as Brutus is highly respected
by the Roman populace.

Act II / Scene I
[Planning of Assassination]
Brutus finds himself restless and plagued by thoughts, alone in his garden in the dead of night. Unable
to find peace in sleep due to the persuasive arguments Cassius has put before him, he contemplates the
idea that Caesar must be killed to save Rome from impending tyranny. Brutus asks Lucius, his servant,
to light a candle in his study. Lucius returns, presenting Brutus with a letter he found at the window while
looking for a candle. The letter, written anonymously by Cassius in various handwriting styles, is aimed
at encouraging Brutus to act against Caesar. Reading the letter under the light of passing meteors, Brutus
comes to the somber conclusion that, even though he bears no personal ill will towards Caesar, the man
must die to preserve the Roman Republic.

Later, Cassius arrives at Brutus’ residence accompanied by other co-conspirators: Casca, Decius, Cinna,
Metellus, and Trebonius. Cassius proposes that they all take an oath to bind them to their cause of killing
Caesar for the greater good of Rome. Brutus, steadfast in his belief that their motives are pure and just,
dismisses the idea of an oath. Their Roman identity and honorable cause, he argues, are oath enough.
The subject then turns to the inclusion of Cicero in their conspiracy. Brutus stands against it, asserting
that Cicero, being uninformed from the start, won’t fully grasp the seriousness of their plans. Despite
Cassius’ objection, the others defer to Brutus’ judgment, such is their respect for him. However, Brutus
seems to overlook Cicero’s skill in oratory and influence.

Cassius then suggests that Mark Antony, a loyal confidant to Caesar, should also be assassinated. Brutus,
however, objects. He argues that killing Antony would be excessive; with Caesar gone, Antony would
lose his political influence and significance. In doing so, Brutus severely underestimates Antony’s power
and cunning, describing him as a man devoted to leisure and social activities, and therefore not a serious
threat.

The conversation shifts to whether Caesar will actually go to the Senate, especially given recent strange
omens that have made him superstitious. Decius takes it upon himself to ensure Caesar’s attendance,
planning to exploit Caesar’s vanity and love of flattery.

After the conspirators leave, Portia, Brutus’ worried wife, approaches him. She is deeply concerned about
his recent strange and aloof behavior. To prove her emotional and physical resilience, she reveals a self-
inflicted wound on her thigh and pleads for Brutus to share his troubles with her. Touched by her gesture
and her argument that, as Cato’s daughter and his wife, she is more than capable of sharing his burdens,
Brutus agrees to reveal his secrets to her later.

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Their private moment is interrupted by a knock. It’s Ligarius, arriving with a bandage on his head,
claiming to have risen from his sickbed just to join whatever enterprise Brutus is planning. Impressed by
his loyalty, Brutus warmly invites Ligarius to be a part of his mission, obviously intending to disclose the
full details soon. In this intricate web of events, Brutus grapples with ethical dilemmas, all while missing
key insights into the characters of Antony and Cicero, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy.

Act II / Scene II
[A
Caesar is roused from his sleep by a tempestuous storm, only to find his wife Calpurnia tossing and
turning, crying out in her dreams that Caesar has been assassinated. Disturbed by the omen, Caesar
instructs a priest to conduct a sacrificial ritual and report the results back to him. His wife Calpurnia
implores him to remain at home, recounting ominous tales she has heard of dreadful events unfolding in
the streets of Rome—graves opening to release the deceased, the groaning of dying men, and even blood
spattering upon the Capitol’s walkways. Caesar dismisses her fears, asserting that no mortal can escape
the will of the gods. Calpurnia counters, arguing that such celestial signs manifest only to herald the
death of the influential and powerful. She quotes that “the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of
princes.”

Undeterred, Caesar proclaims that fearing the inevitable is a sign of cowardice. At this moment, a servant
returns with unsettling news from the priest: the sacrificed animal was found to be heartless, which the
priest interprets as a warning for Caesar to stay indoors. Despite the warning, Caesar insists that he is
more daring than any danger that may befall him. Seeing Calpurnia fall to her knees, desperate for him
to heed the warning, Caesar finally relents, agreeing to send Antony to the Senate in his place and inform
them that he is unwell.

Just as Caesar agrees to stay home, Decius arrives. He craftily reinterprets Calpurnia’s nightmarish
dream, suggesting that Caesar’s bleeding statue signifies not his own demise but the revitalization of
Rome through Caesar’s influence. According to Decius, Rome will gain renewed strength and inspiration
from Caesar. Compounding the manipulation, Decius informs Caesar that the Senate plans to crown him.
Failure to appear, Decius argues, would not only lead to a potential reversal of this decision but would
also make Caesar appear foolish for having been swayed by his wife’s anxieties.

Embarrassed and convinced by Decius’ arguments, Caesar decides to proceed to the Capitol after all.
Shortly thereafter, Publius, a senator, arrives, followed by the group of conspirators and Antony. All have
come to escort Caesar to the Capitol. Grateful for their company, Caesar offers them wine before they
embark, reassuring them that they are all friends. He tells Metellus and Trebonius to stay close, to which
Trebonius ominously replies that he will remain so near to Caesar that even Caesar’s closest friends will
wish he had kept his distance.

Act II / Scene III

[A
In a tense moment on a street near the Capitol, Artemidorus stands absorbed in a paper, detailing a
conspiracy against Caesar along with the names of the plotters. Intent on warning Caesar, he plans to
position himself where the ruler must pass en route to the Senate, hoping to hand him the vital note.
Artemidorus believes that Caesar’s life may yet be saved, if only the fates don’t align with the
conspirators.

This brief but electrifying scene serves as a crescendo of suspense, gripping the audience and readers
alike. It introduces the flicker of hope that Caesar might yet be saved due to the vigilance of a loyal
supporter like Artemidorus. Yet, the situation remains precarious. While Caesar has friends as well as
foes, it appears as though destiny itself is siding with those who seek his downfall.

Act II / Scene IV
[A
In the tense atmosphere of Brutus’ home on the Ides of March, Portia is awash with anxiety. She struggles
to articulate the task she has for Lucius, her servant. Finally, she tells him to go to the Senate and check
on Brutus, to see if he appears well. As she sends him on this errand, she becomes alarmed, believing
she hears a distant noise emanating from the Capitol. Lucius, however, hears nothing.

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Just then, a soothsayer interrupts their conversation. Desperate for any information, Portia inquires if he
has been to the Capitol, and whether Caesar is there. The soothsayer reveals that he has his own private
favor to seek from Caesar, intensifying Portia’s fears. As she finds out that the soothsayer is ignorant of
the plot against Caesar, she is overtaken by a mixture of relief and concern, her emotions so turbulent
that she nearly collapses.

Cognizant of Lucius’ watchful eye, she hastily composes herself. Feigning an explanation for her emotional
state, she tells Lucius that Brutus has sent a written petition to Caesar that might not be favorably
received. She asks him to pass along her best wishes to Brutus and to come back to her as soon as he
can.

Act III / Scene I

[Assassination of Caesar]
The scene starts outside the Capitol, where Caesar arrives with his supporters and the conspirators. As
Caesar approaches, the soothsayer reminds him that the Ides of March have come. Artemidorus and
Decius try to hand petitions to Caesar, but he arrogantly brushes them off, saying he will read them later.

Caesar then goes into the Capitol with the senators, including the conspirators. Popilius whispers
something to Cassius that worries him, but Brutus reassures Cassius when he sees Popilius smile at
Caesar. The conspirators are relieved. As planned, Trebonius draws Mark Antony away from Caesar.

Inside the Capitol, Caesar sits on the throne. Metellus Cimber kneels before Caesar and petitions to repeal
his brother’s banishment. But Caesar refuses arrogantly, saying he stands firmly by his decisions. Seeing
no other way, Casca strikes the first blow at Caesar from behind his neck. The other conspirators surround
Caesar, stabbing him repeatedly. Lastly, Brutus delivers the final blow, at which Caesar utters his famous
words, “Et tu, Brute?” before dying at the base of Pompey’s statue.

Chaos ensues on the streets as the public runs around in fear and confusion. The conspirators emerge,
pleading with the senators and the public not to panic. Antony, shocked at what has happened, runs
home. He sends his servant back to check if the conspirators plan to harm him too. The servant cleverly
flatters the conspirators, after which Brutus ensures Antony’s safety.

Antony soon arrives, grieving over Caesar’s body and almost offering to let the conspirators kill him too
out of loyalty to Caesar. But Brutus assures him that there is no malice against Antony. All conspirators
make gestures of friendship with Antony, but Cassius remains suspicious of his motives.

Antony then requests to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Cassius objects, but Brutus allows it, provided Antony
speaks only with their permission and after Brutus has spoken first. Antony agrees, so the conspirators
depart, leaving him alone with the body.

Alone now, Antony emotionally accuses the conspirators of butchering Caesar. He prophesies that
Caesar’s death will bring civil war and destruction to Italy. When a servant informs him of Octavius
Caesar’s impending arrival, Antony sends a message that Octavius should wait awhile, as Rome is not a
safe place for him.

Act III / Scene II

[Fleeing of the Conspirators]
The scene takes place in Rome’s central public square, or forum. Brutus and Cassius enter the forum
along with a large crowd of Roman citizens who are upset about Caesar’s death. The citizens angrily
demand to know the reason why Caesar was killed.

Brutus decides to address half of the crowd, while Cassius will speak to the other half. Brutus gives a
logical but unemotional speech to the people. He says the crowd should listen to him because he is an
honourable man. Brutus claims he loved Caesar, but he loved Rome more. Brutus says he was forced to
kill Caesar because Caesar was becoming too ambitious and wanted to make all the citizens his slaves.
After hearing about Brutus, the fickle crowd is convinced. They even say Brutus should be crowned king!
The naive citizens don’t fully understand what has happened. They carry Brutus home in a victory
procession. Shockingly, Brutus tells the people to stay and listen to Mark Antony, who will also speak
about Caesar’s death. This turns out to be a huge mistake by Brutus. Antony is a clever speaker who
knows how to play on people’s emotions.

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When Antony first speaks, the crowd yells that Caesar was a tyrant. Antony politely calls them “friends”
and “Romans” and says he has only come to bury Caesar, not praise him. Antony says he will try to be
as logical as Brutus was. Antony agrees that Brutus is an honourable man, and if Caesar was too
ambitious, then his death was reasonable.

But slowly, Antony reminds the people of good things Caesar did, like filling the treasury with money
from conquered lands and crying when the poor were suffering. Antony asks, “Was this ambition?” He
also reminds them of how Caesar refused a crown when Antony offered it to him multiple times. Was
refusing power a sign of ambition? Antony tells the crowd, “Men have lost their reason!” He pauses for
effect, and the emotional crowd starts to turn against the conspirators.

Antony continues, saying he does not want to accuse the “honourable” conspirators, but in reality, he
repeats that word with growing sarcasm to undermine them. Antony cleverly hints that Caesar left a will
for the people, but refuses to read it, knowing this will make the crowd even angrier and more unstable.
The frenzied mob demands to hear Caesar’s will.

Antony descends from the stage and reveals Caesar’s bloody, stabbed body to the crowd. He describes
each wound and names Caesar’s killers, while still calling them “honourable.” This whips the crowd into
an absolute rage. Antony reads Caesar’s will, which leaves money and land to every Roman citizen. This
is the final straw, and the irrational mob is ready to burn and destroy. They grab torches and benches
from the forum and cremate Caesar’s body in a furious frenzy, then set out to burn the houses of his
killers.

Antony is satisfied that he has incited mayhem and “set mischief afoot.” A messenger arrives to tell
Antony that Octavius has come to Rome and is meeting with Lepidus at Caesar’s house. Pleased with the
chaos, Antony goes to join them and take the next steps.

Act III / Scene III

[The Mob Kills Cinna]
This scene takes place after the famous event where Brutus and the other conspirators assassinated the
powerful Roman leader Julius Caesar. After Caesar’s death, his close friend Mark Antony gave an
emotionally charged speech that turned the Roman citizens into an angry, vengeful mob against the
conspirators.

The scene opens with Cinna, who is a poet, wandering the streets of Rome in a disturbed state after
having bad dreams about Caesar. Despite his misgivings, Cinna decides to go to Caesar’s funeral.
However, he is stopped by a group of aggressive plebeians (common citizens) who aggressively question
him.

The plebeians demand to know Cinna’s name, where he lives, if he is married, and where he is going.
Cinna tries to calmly and directly answer their questions – he says he is an unmarried bachelor named
Cinna who lives near the Capitol, and he is going to Caesar’s funeral as a friend.

However, when Cinna reveals his first name is Cinna, the plebeians immediately assume he is Cinna the
Conspirator – one of the men who killed Caesar. No matter how much Cinna protests that he is Cinna the
poet, not the conspirator, the furious mob refuses to listen to reason.

The plebeians decide that even if he’s not the conspirator, they will kill Cinna anyway because they don’t
like his poetry (“Tear him for his bad verses!”). The mob surrounds the outnumbered Cinna and prepares
to viciously attack him, ignoring his pleas that he is innocent. Just before they kill Cinna, the mob decides
to leave and go burn down the homes of Brutus, Cassius, and the other real conspirators.

Act IV / Scene I
[The Hunt of Conspirators]
This scene takes place after Julius Caesar has been assassinated by a group of conspirators led by Brutus
and Cassius. The three men now ruling Rome – Mark Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus – are meeting to
discuss getting rid of anyone who was involved in the assassination plot against Caesar.

The three rulers, called the Triumvirate, are seated at a table with a list of names of people they have
marked to be killed. Antony starts off by saying “These many, then, shall die; their names are pricked

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(marked).” Octavius asks Lepidus if he consents to having even his own brother killed, since his name is
on the list. Lepidus agrees, but only if Antony’s nephew Publius is also killed. Antony marks Publius’ name
to condemn him to death.

Lepidus is then sent to fetch Caesar’s will so the three can cut some funds from the money and properties
left to people in the will. This will allow them to pay for raising armies to fight against Brutus and Cassius’
forces. As soon as Lepidus leaves, Antony insults him, calling him worthless and undeserving of being
one of the three rulers of Rome.

Antony mocks Lepidus, comparing him to a stupid donkey who just carries loads without thinking. He
says Lepidus has no original thoughts and just imitates what others do. Octavius defends Lepidus, calling
him a “tried and valiant soldier.” But Antony doubles down, saying his horses are braver than Lepidus,
comparing the man to an animal he just feeds and leads around. Antony sees Lepidus as a follower with
no mind of his own.

Antony then shifts the conversation, revealing that Brutus and Cassius are raising armies to fight them.
He stresses they must join together their own allies, funds, and armies right away to counter this threat.
The two agree to hold a council meeting soon to plan their next military moves against the ousted
conspirators and any remaining enemies surrounding them.

Act IV / Scene II
[A
This scene takes place in Brutus’ camp near the ancient city of Sardis in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
The forces of Brutus and Cassius have joined together here as they prepare to face the advancing armies
of Antony and Octavius in their struggle for control of the Roman empire following Caesar’s assassination.

As the scene opens, Brutus greets Titinius and Pindarus who have arrived from Cassius’ nearby camp
with a message. Brutus reads a letter from Cassius and makes the mistake of criticizing him in front of
his own servant Pindarus. He compounds this error by asking his friend Lucilius how Cassius treated him,
implying Cassius was rude.

When Cassius arrives with his army, the two men agree to have a private conference in Brutus’ tent to
air their grievances, while leaving Lucilius and Titinius to guard the entrance. This sets the stage for the
famous “Quarrel Scene” between the two friends and leaders of the conspiracy against Caesar.

Their quarrel stems from Cassius feeling wronged by Brutus in some unspecified way. Brutus uses his
typically “sober” rational demeanor to mask any wrongs he has committed against Cassius. He asks
Cassius to speak his complaints calmly in private, away from their armies who should only see their unity.

In explaining his tactics to Lucilius earlier, Brutus reflects on how friends can grow apart and use “an
enforced ceremony” instead of true affection, comparing them to horses that make “gallant show” but
lack true mettle. This foreshadows the coming rift with Cassius, his closest friend.

Act IV / Scene III

[A
The scene takes place in Brutus’s tent in the rebel camp near Sardis. Brutus and Cassius, the leaders of
the rebellion against Caesar, get into a heated argument. Cassius accuses Brutus of wrongly condemning
one of Cassius’s friends, Lucius Pella, for taking bribes. Brutus in turn accuses Cassius of being corrupt
himself, taking bribes, and selling public offices for personal gain.

Their quarrel quickly escalates, with Cassius feeling deeply insulted and threatening violence against
Brutus if they were not longtime friends. Brutus brings up how Cassius previously denied sending him
funds to pay his troops. Cassius says this denial must have been a messenger’s mistake, as he would
never deny Brutus money. He asks why Brutus would think so ill of him.

Both men lash out in anger, with Brutus calling Cassius dishonourable and Cassius dramatically offering
his heart for Brutus to stab Caesar as he stabbed Caesar. However, they soon realise how broken their
friendship has become over misunderstandings. Repenting of their rash behaviour, they renew their bond,
clasping hands.

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Brutus then tells the grievous news that his wife Portia has died by suicide, swallowing fire out of grief
over the rebellion’s troubles. Cassius is amazed at Brutus’s stoic acceptance of this blow. They are joined
by officers Messala and Titinius, who report that their enemies Octavius and Antony are marching on
them at Philippi with a massive force, having already executed scores of senators loyal to Brutus.

Brutus proposes marching out to meet the enemy at Philippi, though Cassius advises letting the enemy
come to them. Brutus overrides Cassius, saying they must seize this crisis as an opportunity. Cassius
acquiesces to avoid further conflict.

After the meeting, as Brutus reads alone, the ghost of the dead Caesar appears before him, warning
ominously that they will meet again at the coming battle. This frightening supernatural visitation signals
the tragic outcome that awaits the noble but flawed conspirators.

Act V / Scene I
[Preparation of Battle]
The scene opens on the plains of Philippi in Macedonia, where the armies of Brutus and Cassius are
confronting the forces of Octavius and Mark Antony. Before the battle commences, the two sets of leaders
engage in a heated exchange of insults and accusations.

Octavius first mocks Brutus and Cassius, saying they have abandoned their strategic position on the hills
to fight on the even plains, playing into the hands of the enemy. Antony then taunts them, saying he
knows their true motivations – they want to merely put on a brave face and appear courageous.

As a messenger arrives, warning of the enemy’s approach, Antony and Octavius briefly argue over
commanding the left or right flanks of their army. Despite Antony’s seniority, the headstrong Octavius
refuses to follow his plan.

The generals from both sides then step forward for negotiations, but it quickly devolves into a bitter war
of words. Brutus tries to reason that words are better than violence, but Antony condemns him as a
hypocrite for his role in assassinating the beloved Caesar. He accuses the conspirators of flattering Caesar
before treacherously stabbing him in the back like animals.

Cassius trades insults with Antony, mocking his words as hollow and meaningless. The teenage Octavius
then derides Cassius, vowing vengeance for Caesar’s death no matter how many conspirators he must
kill. The argument grows so heated that the two armies nearly come to blows before the leaders withdraw.

As the battle looms, Cassius confides in his friend Messala that omens and portents seem to presage
their defeat, despite Cassius having previously rejected such superstitious beliefs. He describes how their
march from Sardis was guided by two eagles, symbolizing victory, but those have now been replaced by
foreboding ravens and crows.

In a farewell scene, Brutus and Cassius acknowledge this may be the last time they see each other alive.
Brutus states he is prepared to die honorably rather than be paraded as a captive through Rome. The
two vow that even if they never meet again, their parting is a noble one befitting their years of friendship.

As the scene closes, a sense of looming tragedy pervades, with the republican forces beset by omens of
doom. While Antony and Octavius radiate confidence, Brutus and Cassius seem to accept the likelihood
of defeat, resolved to face it with courage and honor intact

Act V / Scene II
[Battle Begins]
The scene takes place on the plains of Philippi, where the two armies led by Brutus and Cassius on one
side, and Octavius and Antony on the other, are positioned for battle. Brutus hands Messala some written
orders (“bills”) to deliver to the legions commanded by Cassius on the other wing of their army.

Brutus mistakenly perceives that Octavius’ forces lack enthusiasm and vigor. He orders an immediate
attack, assuming this will easily overwhelm Octavius’ “cold” troops before Antony can reinforce them.
This proves to be a major strategic error by Brutus.

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The scene highlights Brutus’ overconfidence and impulsive decision to attack prematurely without proper
assessment of the enemy’s strengths. His rashness and poor judgment of Octavius’ forces set the stage
for his eventual defeat in the coming battle sequences.

Act V / Scene III

[Death of Cassius & Titinius]
The scene takes place after a major battle at Philippi between the forces of Brutus and Cassius on one
side, and Antony and Octavius on the other side. The scene begins with Cassius and his friend Titinius on
the battlefield. Cassius’ own forces are being defeated by Antony’s army, though he is unaware that
Brutus has been victorious against Octavius.

In a state of rage and despair, Cassius sends Titinius to scout some troops in the distance to find out if
they are friends or foes. He also asks his servant Pindarus to climb a hill and monitor Titinius from that
vantage point. Pindarus reports back that he saw Titinius surrounded by cheering soldiers, making
Cassius believe Titinius has been captured.

Devastated at the perceived capture of his dear friend, Cassius resolves to kill himself. He reminds
Pindarus that he had previously spared Pindarus’ life in Parthia, and now demands Pindarus return the
favor by killing him with the same sword that killed Caesar. Despite Pindarus’ reluctance, Cassius forces
him to stab him to death. With his dying words “Caesar, thou art revenged,” Cassius dies believing he
has been defeated. Pindarus then flees.

Titinius soon returns unharmed with Messala, having actually been welcomed by Brutus’ victorious troops.
Finding Cassius dead is a terrible blow, and the grieving Titinius kills himself with the same sword. Messala
leaves to bring Brutus the tragic news.

When Brutus arrives, he delivers a sorrowful eulogy calling Cassius “the last of all the Romans” and
arranging for his body to be honorably sent to Thasos for burial. Though shaken by his friend’s death,
Brutus shows resilience in ordering his forces to prepare for another battle against Antony and Octavius
that very night.

Act V / Scene IV
[Deceiving of Brutus]
This scene takes place during the Battle of Philippi, one of the major battles of the Roman Civil War
following the assassination of Julius Caesar. The two opposing sides are led by Brutus and Cassius on the
Republican side, and Antony and Octavius on the side supporting Caesar.

The scene opens amid the chaos of battle, with soldiers from both armies fighting fiercely. The famous
Roman senator and philosopher Brutus tries to rally his countrymen, urging them to “hold up your heads!”
However, Brutus soon exits, perhaps to lead the fighting elsewhere.

A young soldier named Cato, the son of the esteemed Marcus Cato, announces himself defiantly as “a
foe to tyrants, and my country’s friend.” Clearly inspired by his father’s opposition to Caesar’s increasing
powers, young Cato seems determined to fight the tyranny represented by Antony and Octavius.

Another soldier, Lucilius, also proclaims his identity as Brutus himself, shouting “I am Brutus, Marcus
Brutus, I! Brutus, my country’s friend!” This creates some confusion on the battlefield.

Tragically, young Cato is soon killed in the fighting. Lucilius laments Cato’s brave death in service of the
Republic. Moments later, Lucilius himself is captured by enemy soldiers who mistake him for the real
Brutus.

When the victorious Antony arrives, Lucilius continues the deception, telling Antony that Brutus has
escaped. Antony seems to respect Lucilius’ loyalty and defiance, calling him “a prize no less in worth”
than capturing Brutus himself.

Antony decides to treat Lucilius with respect, saying “I had rather have / Such men my friends than
enemies.” As a skilled politician, Antony recognizes the value of winning over honorable foes like Lucilius
in the future governance of Rome.

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Antony sends his soldiers to search for Brutus and to report back at the tent of Octavius. The scene ends
with the Republicans defeated in this pivotal battle, but Brutus still unaccounted for, surviving to fight
another day.

Act V / Scene V
[Ends of Battle]
It depicts the aftermath of the battle between the forces of Brutus and Cassius against the triumvirate of
Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus.

The scene opens with Brutus resting with his remaining friends Clitus, Dardanius, Strato, and Volumnius
after their army has been defeated in battle. Brutus is dejected and appears to have lost the will to live.
He whispers to Clitus and Dardanius, asking them to kill him, but they refuse. Brutus then confides in
Volumnius that Caesar’s ghost has appeared to him twice – once in Sardis and once the previous night
on the fields of Philippi. He takes this as a sign that his end is near.

Brutus asks the noble Volumnius, his old friend from school days, to hold his sword while he impales
himself on it. But Volumnius refuses, saying it is not something a friend should do. As their enemies close
in, the others flee, leaving only Brutus and his servant Strato behind.

Brutus persuades Strato to hold the sword for him and turn away as Brutus runs himself through. With
his dying words, Brutus tells Caesar’s spirit to be at peace, for he killed Caesar with less malice than he
now kills himself. Brutus dies by suicide on the battlefield.

The victorious leaders Octavius, Antony, and their men then arrive. They find Strato beside Brutus’
corpse. Antony delivers a poignant eulogy, calling Brutus “the noblest Roman of them all”. He says that
unlike the other conspirators who acted out of envy of Caesar, Brutus killed Caesar with honorable
intentions for the greater good of Rome. Antony describes Brutus as a paragon of virtue and humanity.

Octavius, now the heir to Caesar’s legacy, orders that Brutus be given an honorable soldier’s burial within
his tent that night. He decides to welcome into his service all of Brutus’ former followers. The triumvirs
then depart to celebrate their “happy” victory as the battle ends.

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