Artemidorus, a teacher, plans to intercept Caesar with a letter warning him not to trust the conspirators. Caesar receives two more warnings on his way to the Senate—from the Soothsayer again as well as the letter from Artemidorus, which he never reads.
When Antony addresses the people, he claims that Caesar had no intention of taking Rome out of the hands of the people, and succeeds in turning the crowd against the conspirators.
They come upon a poet named Cinna and taking him for Cinna the conspirator, kill him because he shares the name of one of the conspirators. Brutus and Cassius escape the mob and flee the city.
Hiding out in the city of Sardis, Cassius confronts Brutus in a fury for punishing one of his men for accepting bribes. Brutus in turn accuses Cassius of taking bribes. The fight escalates to the point where Cassius asks Brutus to kill him. Brutus refuses to swear an oath because he believes that his doing so will belittle the great enterprise that he and the other conspirators have taken upon themselves. He feels that the righteousness of their intentions is enough to keep them all honest and that if they were to swear an oath, it would suggest that their resolve is weak and would dishonor their purpose, which he believes is to protect Rome from tyranny.
In ancient Rome, it was considered more honorable for a Roman leader to commit suicide rather than face the humiliation of capture. If Brutus were taken prisoner, he would have likely been chained and paraded down the streets of Rome as a trophy, and he would ultimately have been executed for his crimes, so Brutus likely chose suicide to avoid such suffering and shame.
Also, since Julius Caesar is based on historical events, Shakespeare simply presents this historical fact in his play. Ace your assignments with our guide to Julius Caesar! SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. What are Flavius and Murellus angry about at the beginning of the play?
How does Cassius die? Was assassinating Caesar the right decision? Why does Cassius hate Caesar? She wonders what has been worrying Brutus, for his behavior has been strange. He says that he has felt unwell. She asks why he refuses to tell her his concerns, insisting that, as his wife, she should be told about his problems and assuring him that she will keep his secrets.
Brutus replies that he wishes he were worthy of such an honorable wife. They hear a knock at the door, and Brutus sends her away with a promise to talk to her later. Ligarius enters, looking sick.
He says he would not be sick if he could be sure that Brutus was involved in a scheme in the name of honor. Brutus says that he is. Ligarius rejoices and accompanies Brutus offstage to hear more of the plan. The forged letter has secured this conversion; though it has appeared so mysteriously in his house and tells him exactly what he wants to hear, Brutus never questions its authenticity.
We see now that once Brutus arrives at a belief or proposition, he throws himself into it wholeheartedly. Brutus is the one who sends Decius to speak to Caesar at the end of the scene, and it is he who speaks the final words to the conspirators as they depart. If not the face of men,. The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse —. If these be motives weak, break off betimes ,. And every man hence to his idle bed;. So let high-sighted tyranny range on,. Till each man drop by lottery. But if these —.
As I am sure they do — bear fire enough. To kindle cowards, and to steel with valor. The melting spirits of women, then, countrymen,. What need we any spur but our own cause,. To prick us to redress? What other bond. Than secret Romans, that have spoke the word,. And will not palter? And what other oath. Than honesty to honesty engaged ,. That this shall be, or we will fall for it? Swear priests, and cowards, and men cautelous ,. Old feeble carrions , and such suffering souls.
That welcome wrongs; unto bad causes swear. Such creatures as men doubt ; but do not stain. The even virtue of our enterprise,. Nor th'insuppressive mettle of our spirits,. To think that, or our cause, or our performance. Did need an oath — when every drop of blood. That every Roman bears, and nobly bears,. Is guilty of a several bastardy. If he do break the smallest particle. Of any promise that hath passed from him. But what of Cicero? Shall we sound him?
I think he will stand very strong with us. Let us not leave him out. No, by no means. O, let us have him, for his silver hairs. Will purchase us a good opinion,. And buy men's voices to commend our deeds. It shall be said his judgment ruled our hands. Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear,. But all be buried in his gravity. O, name him not. Let us not break with him,. For he will never follow anything. That other men begin.
Then leave him out. Indeed he is not fit. Shall no man else be touched but only Caesar? Decius, well urged. I think it is not meet ,. Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar,. Should outlive Caesar. We shall find of him. A shrewd contriver ; and, you know, his means ,. If he improve them, may well stretch so far.
As to annoy us all; which to prevent,. Let Antony and Caesar fall together. Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius,. To cut the head off and then hack the limbs,. Like wrath in death and envy afterwards;. For Antony is but a limb of Caesar. Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,. And in the spirit of men there is no blood.
O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit,. And not dismember Caesar! But, alas,. Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends,. Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully ;. Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,. Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds. And let our hearts, as subtle masters do,. Stir up their servants to an act of rage,. And after seem to chide 'em. This shall make. Our purpose necessary, and not envious ;.
Which so appearing to the common eyes,. We shall be called purgers, not murderers. And for Mark Antony, think not of him,. For he can do no more than Caesar's arm. When Caesar's head is off. Yet I fear him,. For in the engrafted love he bears to Caesar —. Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him:. If he love Caesar, all that he can do. Is to himself — take thought and die for Caesar. And that were much he should , for he is given.
To sports, to wildness, and much company. There is no fear in him. Let him not die,. For he will live and laugh at this hereafter. Count the clock. The clock hath stricken three. But it is doubtful yet,. Whether Caesar will come forth today or no,. For he is superstitious grown of late,. Quite from the main opinion he held once. Of fantasy , of dreams, and ceremonies.
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