Julius Caesar Sticky Notes Act IV

Scene 1 Lines contain a simile that compare Lepidus to a donkey which indicates Antony’s lack of respect for Lepidus’ leadership abilities. Lines contain a metaphor in which Octavius compares their circumstance to bearbaiting (an sport where a bear is chained to a stake and attacked by dogs).

Scene 2 Lines 41b-49 illustrate falling action by showing the bickering of the conspirators and their decline in power.

Scene 3 Lines show Brutus’ tragic flaw in that he sees himself as completely honorable and does not acknowledge his own motives of jealousy and a hunger for power. Lines present a character foil in which Brutus is portrayed as righteous and pouty, while Cassius is shown as incredulous but contained. Lines contain a character foil which reveals a tragic flaw. Brutus is shown as idealistic and morally superior (which is his tragic flaw) as opposed to Cassius who is realistic and a little shady.

Lines characterize both Brutus and Cassius as petty and prone to fault finding in others. This also foreshadows problems for the conspirators in their attempts to rule Rome. Lines a characterize Cassius as needing approval—even though Brutus is a man of inferior political judgment; Cassius is willing to demean himself to get Brutus’ approval. The scene with the poet (beginning on line 134) shows a character foil. Cassius urges Brutus to humor the poet, while Brutus is offended and formal. This scene also serves as comic relief after the tense argument.

Lines 150b-153 contain falling action and foreshadowing as Portia’s suicide, prompted by the growing strength of the triumvirate (Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus), does not bode well for the conspirators. Lines is foreshadowing because the triumvirate is already killing members of the conspiracy. Lines are foreshadowing because Cassius once again gives in to Brutus’ suggestions, which have usually proven to be a bad idea, so the battle at Phillipi is unlikely to be victorious for Brutus and Cassius

Lines 238b-241 contain characterization in which Brutus shows a fatherly kindness and understanding to elicit sympathy. Lines contain an anachronism since books were not produced until about the second century A.D. Lines contain foreshadowing that indicate Caesar will be vindicated at Phillipi.