Act V

 Simile- comparison using “like” or “as”  Example: Antony uses many in his speech (V, I, 39-44)  Recriminations- taunts exchanged before battle  Alliteration- repetition of initial consonant sounds  Assonance- repetition of vowel sounds  End Rhyme- designates the end of a scene

Shakespeare works to restore order to Rome and the universe by the end of this act. This act opens on the plains of Philippi. Octavius and Antony are present with their armies. The armies of Brutus and Cassius are soon to arrive. Antony and Octavius argue about field position.

Each side lines up for recriminations. Words are exchanged; previous drama is revisited. All are ready for a fight.

Cassius reveals that it is his birthday. He reflects on his Epicurian spirit and the omens that he experienced at Sardis. He does not believe he will live to see the day end.

Brutus believes that fate will rule and emphasizes his Stoic beliefs. When pressed by Cassius to formulate a plan should they be captured, Brutus declares he will never be paraded through the streets of Rome as a captive. The two say their goodbyes.

Brutus sends Messala off to give orders to troops on the other side of the plains. In the meantime, Cassius’s troops have run from the enemy. Brutus’s troops have defeated Octavius’s for the moment. Soon, Cassius’s men are surrounded by Antony’s troops.

Cassius sends Titnius up to higher ground to check out the action. He tells Pindarus to watch Titnius and see how he is received. Pindarus reports to Cassius that Titinus has been surrounded.

Cassius calls upon Pindarus to kill him with the sword he used to kill Caesar. He declares Pindarus a free man upon the act.

Messala comes back and declares that Octavius has been defeated by Brutus and that the troops surrounding Titinius were those of Brutus– in celebration! He can’t wait to tell Cassius the news.

Messala rushes to Cassius but soon realizes that a grave error has occurred. Cassius is dead. Messala hurries to find Brutus and report the news. Titinius says he will go find Pindarus, but instead, he picks up Cassius’s sword and kills himself in an act of loyalty.

Messala accompanies Brutus back to the spot where Cassius lies and discovers that Titinius has died too. Brutus believes their misfortune is connected to the death of Julius Caesar.

Brutus says he will mourn the death of Cassius at another time, and he charges back into battle. Marcus Cato (Portia’s brother) dies in the next battle. Lucilius (Brutus’s servant) impersonates Brutus and is captured.

Brutus realizes the end is near and capture is likely. He asks his friends to kill him. They refuse. Brutus mentions that the ghost of Caesar has again appeared here at Philippi. Brutus’s friends flee.

Brutus appeals to Strato to hold his sword while Brutus will run onto it. Strato shakes Brutus’s hand, holds the sword, and Brutus falls upon it and dies. Caesar is avenged.

Octavius and Antony get word of Brutus’s death. They offer places in their armies for those so loyal to Brutus. Antony praises Brutus in his death. He believes that Brutus was the only conspirator to kill Caesar for honest reasons.

Brutus is given full burial rites by Octavius. Order is restored, and healing can begin. The play ends with Antony and Octavius jointly ruling Rome. Even so, make note of which character has the last words.