ACTS IV - V JULIUS CAESAR

IMPORTANT EVENTS – ACT IV Antony unites with Caesar’s brother (Octavius) to fight the conspirators Brutus and Cassius start to disagree, causing tension and dissention in the ranks of men Portia commits suicide Brutus and Cassius decide to march to Philippi to meet Antony and Octavius Brutus sees Caesar’s ghost, who tells him they will meet again in Philippi

IMPORTANT EVENTS – ACT V Brutus/Cassius and Antony/Octavius meet in Philippi and exchange insults Brutus/Cassius see bad omens for battle, and swear to die rather than be led to Rome as prisoners, should they lose. The two sides do battle, with Antony/Octavius eventually gaining momentum Cassius asks a fellow soldier to kill him with the very sword that killed Caesar, when he believes his friend to be captured/killed Brutus kills himself with the same sword he used to stab Caesar, when he realizes he cannot win.

CAESAR’S GHOST Foreshadows Brutus’ death Represents Brutus’ guilt

BRUTUS AS TRAGIC HERO Fatal flaw? Downfall? High/noble status? Why isn’t Caesar considered the hero of the play?

BRUTUS AS TRAGIC HERO Fatal flaw = indecision, inability to accept change (Pompey’s death and the new direction of Rome), ambition Downfall = ironic death as he falls on the same sword that kills Caesar. Being manipulated/persuaded by Cassius leads to his death. He gave Caesar the final blow that killed him. High/Noble status = Well respected, loved as a true Roman