Act 3 Scene 1

“To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood that will be thawed from the true quality with that
which melteth fools”. This suggests that Caesar believes himself to be a steadfast leader, whose
decisions are not easy to sway. The word “blood” connotes a sense that the qualities of such a
leader naturally flow within him, and are an inseparable part of himself. “that which melteth
fools” suggests that Caesar believes himself to not be a fool, but rather, Metellus the fool, for
believing that his underhand tactics of flattery would work on the great, immovable Caesar.

“Low crooked curtsies, and base spaniel fawning”, suggests that Caesar is referring to Metellus
with great contempt and even disgust, that he can resort to dishonourable tactics of flattery and
submission. “Low crooked curtsies”, emphasizes Metellus’ submission to Caesar, and is thus
weak and dishonourable. “Base spaniel fawning”, suggests that like a spaniel wanting attention,
Metellus is willing to resort to any means necessary, just like a pet dog, trying to win over his
owner’s heart.

“I spurn thee like a cur out of my way”, further emphasizes the disgust that Caesar reserves for
Metellus, who is to him, like a pitiful dog, that he can kick away. Hence, this shows how Caesar
views himself as above Metellus, believing himself to be a king kicking away a tramp in disgust.

“I am constant as the northern star”, suggests that Caesar believes himself to be extraordinary,
and out of this world, comparing himself to the star, an otherworldly object around which the
other stars appear to move. Hence, Caesar believes himself to be more than a man, but rather,
an immovable object, resistant to human influence, the centre of the universe around which all
stars orbit. Thus, Caesar believes himself to be a god, such that everything is within his control,
central to the world functioning properly.
“There is no fellow in the firmament”, suggests that Caesar believes himself to be so
all-powerful, that he has no equals, and is above everyone else. “No fellow in the firmament”,
draws emphasis to the fact that even in the sky, Caesar is the most powerful, similar to a god.
Hence, this shows Caesar believes that no one is powerful enough to rival himself, and that he
is the one and only, true god.
“The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks, they are all fire, and every one doth shine; But
there’s but one in all doth hold his place”. This suggests that …(he believes that he stands out
when everything else around him is chaotic but he is a god standing firm in his place(tongtong
type))

“Speak hands for me”, emphasizes the fact that, regardless of all the rhetoric,and persuasion
built up necessary for the conspiracy to work, in the end, it is the action of stabbing Caesar that
occurs at the climax of the conspiracy.

“Et tu Brute?”, emphasizes Caesar’s shock of being ruthlessly betrayed by a close friend like
Brutus. Hence, this makes the reader question the meaning of loyalty, questioning Brutus’
loyalty to Rome, which was his motive for sacrificing his loyalty to his friend. This line
emphasizes the final straw, in which Brutus absolutely betrays his friend. Hence, this causes the
reader to wonder whether it was worth it, for Brutus to have sacrificed his loyalties to Caesar, to
protect Rome.

“Fled to his house, amazed”, further makes the reader question the meaning of loyalty, whereby
Caesar’s closest friend and ally fled from the conspirators, rather than staying to fight them.

“Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life cuts off so many years of fearing death”,emphasizes
Casca’s twisted logic in justifying his part in the killing of Caesar, just that, in a twisted sense,
they are doing Caesar a favour, by reducing the time in which Caesar spends afraid of dying.

“And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive; yet in the number I do know but one that
unassailable holds on his rank”
This draws attention to the fact that Caesar believes himself to be untouchable and
fearless.”Men are flesh and blood”, emphasizes the human vulnerabilities men face, that they
are prone to injuries and death. By saying this, Caesar is subtly implying that he is above men,
and is immortal, a god. “apprehensive”, suggests that men feel the fear of dying but not Caesar.
“unassailable holds on his rank”, further reinforces this idea that Caesar keeps his position
without fear of attack. Ironically, it is this hubris and idea that he cannot be touched, that in the
end results in his death at the hands of the conspirators.

“Hence. Wilt thou lift up Olympus?” Caesar tells the conspirators that their pleading is as
useless as attempting to lift up Olympus, the mountain of the gods. By saying this, Caesar is
once again referring to his will, such that it is as steady as the mountain of the gods, once again
implying his otherworldly, godly status.

“Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!” This emphasizes the sheer naive idealism of the
conspiracy, and the naive optimism that just by killing one man, they have eradicated tyranny as
a whole. Despite this, the later events of the play show otherwise, as evidenced by the Second
Triumvirate, who ruthlessly assassinated their political opponents. Thus, by killing Caesar, the
conspiracy merely chopped off a head of the Hydra, quickly replaced by an even more ruthless
ruling party.

“Do so, and let no man abide this deed, but we the doers”
This once again showcases the conspiracy’s idealism, which caused misjudgement of an epic
proportion, letting no one suffer for killing Caesar except the conspirators. However, once again,
as evidenced by the later events of the play, the killing of Caesar merely marks a beginning of a
bloody civil war that would result in countless deaths, including the deaths of Brutus and
Cassius.

“Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life cuts off so many years of fearing death”. Hence, the
conspirators attempt to justify their actions by arguing that they are helping Caesar, by reducing
the time he spends in fear of dying. This is an example of twisted logic, which the conspirators
utilise in order to morally justify their actions. This twisted logic may also symbolize the
conspiracy’s deviation from the glorious sacrifice of Caesar to protect the republic, to an act of
cold-blooded murder, symbolizing honourable intentions eventually resulting in such a horrific
act.
“And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood up to the elbows and besmear our swords”. This
suggests that Brutus wants their action to be honourable, whereby they are proud of what they
have done for Rome and therefore need not disguise their actions, but rather show it to the
world.

“Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils shrunk to this little measure?”
Antony is expressing his grief for Caesar, but also at the same time reminding the conspirators
of what Caesar did for Rome, only to be ruthlessly murdered by his own fellow Romans, to be
so underappreciated.

“I know not, gentlemen, what you intend, who else must be let blood, who else in rank”. Antony
is suggesting that the conspirators now have the control of the life and death of others in their
hands, and kill whoever they deem is corrupt, whether or not their judgement is accurate. “let
blood”, draws reference to the medical process of bloodletting, to draw blood from a patient in
order to cure a disease, suggesting that the conspirators are purging the contagion that is
tyranny in order to save Rome, and that the people they kill have to be sacrificed in order for the
survival of Rome.

“nor no instrument of half that worth as those your swords made rich with the most noble blood
of all this world”. Antony suggests that Caesar is noble. However, he might also be implying that
the conspirators committed such a heinous crime to kill someone so noble, that their swords do
not deserve such noble blood, and have, in a sense, robbed Caesar of noble blood.

“Let each man render me his bloody hand. First Marcus Brutus,...good Trebonius”. On one
hand, it seems that Mark Antony is making peace with the same men that killed his friend, their
hands still covered in his blood. This emphasizes how fast Antony changes his loyalties,
forgetting about the murder of his friend. In a sense, by shaking their hands, Mark Antony is also
getting some of Caesar’s blood on his hand, by making peace with the people who killed him.
On the other hand, by shaking each of the conspirators’ hands one by one, Mark Antony is also
marking each and every last one of them for revenge for his friend’s death. Thus, this effectively
shows Mark Antony as a multi-faceted character who disguises his true motive with prowess.
“Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand”

In Antony’s soliloquy, his true emotions and motives are finally revealed and we find that he has
been putting on a convincing act in front of the conspirators, and disguising his true feelings the
entire time. This also shows Antony’s ability to make good judgements regardless of his
emotion, and not be carried away by his intense anger and thirst for revenge.

“That I am meek and gentle with these butchers”. The word “butchers” emphasizes Antony’s
horror and disgust at the way Caesar was killed by his friends, almost as if he were an animal
being slaughtered. It emphasizes the brutality of the conspirators. “Butchers” also suggests how
the conspirators kill Caesar without any emotion or regret.
“Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood”. This suggests Antony is cursing the conspirators
for their actions, for killing Caesar. “costly blood” praises Caesar, such that his blood is
extremely valuable and precious. It also suggests that the conspirators would pay dearly for
their actions, and for spilling such precious blood. It implies that the conspirators are unworthy
of taking down Caesar, and should be punished.

“Which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips, to beg the voice and utterance of my tongue”.
This imagery compares Caesar’s wounds to mouths, which cannot speak by themselves, and
instead rely on Antony to speak for them, and to exact revenge for them on behalf of Caesar.
This suggests that Caesar is counting on Antony to get revenge on the conspirators who
inflicted the wounds upon him.

“Mothers shall but smile when they behold their infants quartered with the hands of war”. This
imagery is especially disturbing as mothers are supposed to protect their children. However, in
this case, mothers will merely smile when seeing their infants slaughtered, showing how much
they would already be used to such violence, that even seeing their own offspring brutally
murdered no longer exacts a protective instinct or grief within them. “Smile” juxtaposes the
horrific happenings with the happy expression of the mother, acting as if nothing is amiss.

“And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge with Ate by his side come hot from hell”, is another use
of disturbing imagery, emphasizing the dramatic reappearance of Caesar avenging his own
death ruthlessly, turning Rome into hell on Earth. “hot from hell”, emphasizes how they come
straight from the depths of hell, and is a use of alliteration, to emphasize the power of an
enraged Caesar seeking vengeance.

“Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war”. This suggests that Antony is aiming to unleash civil war
upon the city of Rome.

“With carrion men, groaning for burial”. This suggests that there would be so many dead in the
war that there would not be enough land to bury them all. “groaning” connotes a sense of
suffering, such that the dead men are begging for closure, and to leave this hellish world once
and for all and end their suffering.

Act 3 Scene 2

Antony’s speech to the plebeians demonstrates the power of rhetoric when wielded by a skilful
person like Antony, turning the plebeians against Brutus in the space of minutes.

Antony uses sarcasm. For example, “He was my friend, faithful and just to me; But Brutus says
he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honourable man”. Here, Antony is questioning Brutus’s
judgement that Caesar was, in fact, ambitious. “he was my friend”, implies that Antony also
knew Caesar very well, perhaps even better than Brutus did, thus, his opinion on Caesar is of
equal, if not greater importance than Brutus’s judgement of Caesar. “But Brutus says he was
ambitious”, suggests Antony is implying that just because Brutus, the honourable man says
something, it does not necessarily mean that that is true, and that the mob should not blindly
believe his words.

“He hath brought many captives home to Rome, whose ransoms did the general coffers fill”.
This shows that Antony is reminding the plebeians of not just what Caesar did for Rome, but
also for all of them, and that he was a leader who truly cared for each and every one of them,
and who they are now calling a tyrant. In this sense, Antony is trying to make the plebeians feel
guilty for being so ungrateful to Caesar, blaming them for turning on Caesar just because of
Brutus’s judgement of him. Antony is trying to make them feel bad, that their love by Caesar was
swayed by just Brutus’s words.

“When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff”.
This suggests that Caesar was truly a man of the people who empathized with them, and
understood their sorrows, feeling them as if they were his own. “wept” suggests that Caesar,
when seeing that the poor were suffering, was heartbroken. Hence, this all-powerful god that
was Caesar showed vulnerability and kindness when it came to his people. Here, Antony is
once again trying to show examples of Caesar’s profound love for the common people, that the
plebeians have forgotten. “Ambition should be made of sterner stuff”, suggests that Antony
wants to show the people why Caesar was not ambitious as Brutus had pointed out, therefore
undermining Brutus’s main and strongest argument for assassinating Caesar.

“O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts”.

“My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar”. This shows that Antony is dramatising his grief,
such that his feelings are laying with Caesar even though he is already dead. This suggests that
Antony still feels emotionally attached to Caesar, and part of his heart died along with Caesar.

“I will not do them wrong; I rather...honourable men”. Antony is once again speaking with
sarcasm, and implying that it is the will of the conspirators against the will of the world.

“I fear I wrong the honourable men whose daggers have stabbed Caesar”. Antony is once again
speaking with sarcasm, drawing attention to the fact that the honourable men murdered Caesar,
and are frightening Antony into silence. This way, Antony implies that the conspirators are not, in
fact, honourable, and slowly providing a target for the mob to attack and direct their rage at.

“The first time ever Caesar put it on; ‘Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent, that day he
overcame the Nervii”. Antony is once again reminding the plebeians about Caesar’s sacrifices
and conquests for Rome. The conspirators argued that they assassinated Caesar for the good
of Rome. Antony makes the plebeians question, how has a man who has made so many
conquests for Rome possibly damage it? Antony also gains sympathy from the mob, as he
nostalgically recollects the times he shared with his friend, who is now murdered at the hands of
the conspirators.
 “And as he plucked his cursed steel away, Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it, as rushing
out of doors, to be resolved if Brutus so unkindly knocked or no”. This suggests that Caesar was
betrayed by Brutus. Here, Antony is using vivid imagery, comparing Caesar’s blood to Caesar
hurrying to his door, to make sure if Brutus had knocked. This emphasizes the extent of the
betrayal, whereby Caesar’s blood is betrayed by Brutus who cruelly stabbed Caesar, rushing
out of their wounds to make sure that it was Brutus who stabbed him. This can also emphasize
the extent of Caesar’s disbelief that he was stabbed by Brutus, having to confirm whether it was
in fact, Brutus.

“For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.” This shows that Caesar admired and looked up
to Brutus, and that Brutus was his favourite friend. “angel”, suggests that Brutus is supposed to
protect and guard Caesar from threats. However, in this case, Caesar is betrayed by his angel,
who joins the conspirators in assassinating him. Antony is attempting to emphasize just how
great the betrayal was to Caesar, and that Brutus, was not an angel at all or even honourable,
by betraying Caesar and putting up an act of being his guardian angel. Antony might also be
implying that Brutus honour is a mere facade.

“This was the most unkindest cut of all; For when the noble Caesar saw him stab, ingratitude,
more strong than traitors’ arms, quite vanquished him.” This suggests that Brutus was the one
who killed Caesar, by his great betrayal. “most unkindest”, is a double superlative, hence Antony
wants to emphasize just how heartbroken Caesar was, when he was stabbed by Brutus.
“ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms, quite vanquished him”. This suggests that the
shock of Brutus’s betrayal did more damage to Caesar than the violence of the other
conspirators, and it was Brutus, who inflicted the final blow to Caesar, killing him. Antony is
emphasizing that Brutus’s treachery killed Caesar, and at the same time, gaining sympathy from
the mob for Caesar, turning them against the treacherous Brutus.

“Whilst bloody treason flourished over us”. This suggests that the mob let the treacherous
conspirators triumph over their love for Caesar. “flourish”, can also imply the conspirators
showing off their weapons stained with the blood of Caesar. “Bloody” emphasizes the violent,
gory nature of the conspiracy. “flourish” also connotes a certain confidence or arrogance, of the
conspirators, who showed off their act of treason to the whole of Rome.

“I am no orator, as Brutus is”. Here, Antony is once again appearing humble, but also implying
that since he is not a skilful orator, all that he speaks is the truth, and that it comes straight from
his heart. “as Brutus is”, suggests that Antony is implying that since Brutus is such a masterful
speaker, he seeks to manipulate the mob to his cause, and may not always be sincere. By
saying this line, Antony is trying to appear that he is not in fact attempting to manipulate the mob
for his own cause, but rather merely speaking about his grief and the loss of his friend. This also
allows the mob to sympathise with him more, since all that he spoke about earlier was the plain
truth.

“But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man.” Here, Antony is once again feigning modesty,
portraying himself as a simple character who merely loved his friend, Caesar. Hence, Antony is
showing to the crowd that as a plain and blunt man, he does not disguise his emotions and true
motives behind his words, rather, his words convey all of his true emotions and motives, and is
thus, direct when it comes to expressing himself. Antony is also subtly implying that the
conspirators, unlike him, are complex, scheming characters with an ulterior motive, and who
disguise that motive with their words.

“But were I Brutus, and Brutus Antony, there were an Antony would ruffle up your spirits, and put
a tongue in every wound of Caesar that should move the stones of Rome to rise and mutiny”.
Antony would speak for Caesar, and avenge Caesar’s death. Antony is also seen to be
portraying Brutus as malicious, and seeking the destruction of Rome.

Act 3 Scene 3

Cinna the Poet is ripped apart by an enraged mob in this scene, showcasing the power and
danger of the mob. This shows how the mob is no longer thinking, but rather fuelled by a
powerful bloodlust, and the urge to take out their anger on anyone standing in their way, in this
case, the unfortunate poet.

Act 4 Scene 1

This scene shows how power corrupts, such that the moment Antony, Octavius and Lepidus
become the new rulers of Rome, they use their newfound power to take out all of their political
rivals in Rome. In this sense, Brutus and the conspirators have failed miserably at saving Rome
from tyranny, with the 2nd Triumvirate being even more bloodthirsty and tyrannical than Caesar.

“These many then shall die; their names are pricked”. Antony speaks of killing their political
rivals with a casual tone. “shall”, suggests that the conspirators have the control over life and
death, emphasizing their position of power over others, such that they decide who shall or shall
not die. “pricked”, suggests that the Triumvirate simply marked their names on a list by pricking
paper. This small motion that results in a few people dying further emphasizes their absolute
power, such that with such a small gesture, there carries such a huge consequence for so many.

“Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?” This is another example of the Triumvirate
having a casual tone whilst literally conversing about a matter of life and death.

“with a spot I damn him”, suggests that Antony is condemning Publius to certain death with a
mere mark, that would decide between whether Publius lives or dies. This emphasizes the
absolute power of the Triumvirate, such that with a small and seemingly insignificant mark, they
have made certain the person’s death, treating lives like bargaining chips. Hence, with such a
small effort, Antony, Lepidus and Octavius, the consequences that follow are huge.
“This is a slight unmeritable man”. The moment Lepidus leaves, Antony talks bad about him
behind his back. This shows the theme of one’s public versus private self, and shows the power
struggle within the Triumvirate itself.
“Is it fit, the three-fold world divided, he should stand one of the three to share it?”. This shows
that Antony is implying that Lepidus is not worthy to share power among them, trying to get
Octavius to agree with him to get rid of Lepidus from the Triumvirate, all the while behind
Lepidus’s back. Antony is also attempting to seize power for himself, and by getting rid of
Lepidus, he would receive a larger share of power himself. Antony disguises his motive of
seizing the power and control over all of Rome for himself, by saying Lepidus is not worthy of
such power.

“Octavius, I have seen more days than you”. Here, Antony has a patronising and
condescending tone towards Octavius, already acting as if he is worthy of more power, due to
his older age. Antony is implying that due to his older age, he has more wisdom, and his opinion
counts for more than Octavius.

“He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold”. Antony is comparing Lepidus to an ass, a servile
livestock for himself and Octavius to provide basic menial tasks to, and that Lepidus should
merely accept his position and the burdens placed upon him without question.

“To groan and sweat under the business, either led or driven, as we point the way”. This
suggests Antony believes Lepidus to be nothing more than a tool that himself and Octavius can
use, to do basic menial tasks for them, and to serve them like an ass serving its owner. “as we
point the way”, suggests that Lepidus would not be a part of the decision-making process in the
Triumvirate, but rather a man sent to enforce the decisions, without having a say in what he is
told to do. This emphasizes the fact that Antony believes Lepidus to not be worthy of actual
power in the Triumvirate.

“His corporal motion governed by my spirit. And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so;”. Antony is
downplaying Lepidus’s military skill and prowess here, arguing that even Antony’s horse, an
animal at his service, can perform the same roles that Lepidus performs, and by suggesting that
Lepidus can be replaced by a horse, Antony is once again portraying Lepidus as an unthinking
soldier at their disposal to enforce their decisions. “governed by my spirit”, suggests that similar
to the horse, Lepidus’s every motion is governed by Antony, and completely subject to Antony’s
control.

“for we are at the stake, and bayed about with many enemies”.
“And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, millions of mischiefs”. Octavius is implying that
he knows what Antony is up to, and sees right through Antony’s plan to consolidate power for
himself. “Some that smile”, suggests the people who appear to be one’s allies, drawing
reference to Antony’s previous dialogue about Octavius and himself forming an alliance to fight
against the conspirators. “have in their hearts”, suggests that many people who appear to be
friends and allies, are scheming, and have dangerous thoughts, which they hide in their hearts,
deep in the centre of their body, such that people find it difficult to see through the superficial
facade they are putting up.

Act 4 Scene 2

“But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, make gallant show and promise of their mettle.” This
suggests that friendship may just be a facade, whereby two people pretend to care for each
other, in exchange for services or advantages from each other, and there is no such thing as
unconditional friendship.

“But when they should endure the bloody spur, they fall their crests, and like deceitful jades sink
in the trial”. This suggests that friendship, when put to the test, all the grand pretense that is
closeness between two friends falters, and friendship reveals its true form, just a facade that
people put on for advantages from each other. “sink in the trial” suggests that friendship cannot
endure challenges but rather collapses.

“Cassius be content, speak your griefs softly; I do know you well. Before the eyes of both our
armies here, which should perceive nothing but love from us, let us not wrangle.” This suggests
that Brutus is afraid that they would appear divided and conflicted should Brutus and Cassius
quarrel in front of the two armies, thus putting on a false facade that they are getting along very
well. This relates to the theme of a public versus private setting, whereby to appear harmonious
in front of their men, Brutus urges Cassius not to quarrel with him, to pretend that they are still
on good terms with each other, but rather taking their issues to the privacy of their tent. “I do
know you well”, suggests Brutus understands Cassius, and knows he has been taking bribes,
finally knowing Cassius as the dishonourable man he is. This can also refer to the theme of
leadership, as leaders have to appear stoic and strong in front of others, whilst being devoured
by personal issues on the inside. This is also another incident whereby Brutus has maintained
his composure while Cassius has lost his self-control, as seen by how Cassius panicked when
Popilus Lena wished him good luck.

“Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs, and I will give you audience”, emphasizes how
they are taking their issues to discuss in the privacy of their tent, which represents a private
setting where the two can share their true feelings about each other. (No homo)

Act 4 Scene 3
“In such a time as this it is not meet that every nice offence should bear this comment”. Cassius
is suggesting that Brutus is petty and micromanaging rather than seeing the bigger picture
which is necessary to lead an army in such times of strife and potential civil war. Cassius is
implying that Brutus is not a good leader, and has faulty judgement by choosing to focus on
such small issues rather than first dealing with the larger issue at hand. This once again ties
back to the theme of leadership, and whether it is better for a leader to focus on the small issues
to better focus on the large issue, or to deal with the larger and more important issue first.
“Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an itching palm, to sell and
mart your offices for gold to undeservers”. Here, Brutus is accusing Cassius of taking bribes,
and even threatening the army in exchange for money. “Let me tell you”, connotes a sense of
authority, suggesting that Brutus is putting himself in a place of power over Cassius. “itching
palm”, implies Cassius cannot resist his thirst for money and his own private gains, having to
scratch the “itch”, by taking the bribe. In fact, Cassius’s “itching power”, is what got him and
Brutus into their current predicament in the first place, as it was Cassius’s insatiable hunger for
power that resulted in him manipulating Brutus into joining the conspiracy and killing Brutus. “to
sell and mart”, suggests that in a sense, Cassius has sold himself, and thus cheapened himself,
just for some money, an act lacking honour.

“Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake? What villain touched his body, that did stab, and not
for justice”. This is ironic in the sense that Cassius managed to persuade Brutus to assassinate
Caesar for justice and the good of Rome, so one would expect him to believe in that. However,
Cassius stabbed Caesar out of spite rather than justice. This is also ironic in the sense that only
after his death, does Caesar become “great Julius”, and become immortalised, such that his
death ensured that he would live on forever.

“Go to! You are not, Cassius”. This brings about a tone of childishness to Brutus’s character,
who we have always seen as stoic and upright throughout the play. Thus, this shows that public
figures are still human, and have emotions, even though we may not always see them as such.

“There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats; For I am armed so strong in honesty that they pass
by me as the idle wind which I respect not”. Brutus is implying that due to his strong sense of
honour, Cassius’s threats pose no danger to him, as harmless as the “idle wind”, which one
pays no attention to. This shows how Brutus believes himself to be so honourable that nothing
can harm him.

“By heaven, I had rather coin my heart and drop my blood for drachmas, than to wring from the
hard hands of peasants their vile trash by any indirection”. This shows that Brutus is above such
underhand tactics to gain funds, and would rather sacrifice his closest and dearest objects for
money than forcefully take money from peasants by crooked method.The “heart” and “blood”,
are vital parts of the body, which Brutus would willingly sacrifice,thus showing what he is willing
to do to avoid using crooked tactics to obtain funds. The word “heart”, can also imply a sense of
closeness, that Brutus would rather sacrifice the objects he holds dearly, and has a sentimental
attachment to. “hard hands”, suggests that the money earned by peasant’s is through long and
arduous hard work, and a lot of effort has been used to obtain the money, which Cassius simply
forcibly removed from the peasants.

“A friend should bear his friend’s infirmities”. This once again relates back to the topic of
friendship, such that Cassius believes that friendship is the acceptance of each other
unconditionally, with their flaws, without requiring the other friend to change or improve, but just
accepting them for the way they are.
However, I disagree with Cassius’ view of friendship. Friendship exists so that two people can
improve one another, if not there is no point to friendship. The meaning of friendship is such that
two people can improve and become better than the sum of their individual skills.

“But Brutus makes mine greater than they are”. Cassius is implying that Brutus is not a true
friend of Cassius, for not accepting Cassius’ flaws as part of him as a person, but rather
exaggerating Cassius’ flaws.

Moment of reconciliation

What makes this moment of reconciliation so touching?

Cassius finally admits his faults, that he is ill-tempered, which is immediately by Brutus also
admitting that he was also too harsh on Cassius. Thus, this moment of absolute honesty about
each other’s faults between the two makes the moment of reconciliation between the friends
very touching.

A poet suddenly enters. (Comic relief, reflecting an abrupt transformation of the solemn,
touching mood of the previous few lines, to a light-hearted atmosphere)

“Portia is dead”. Here, Brutus speaks about the news of his wife’s death with a seemingly
emotionless tone. His stoicism here does not match the gravity of the message being delivered.
It can be seen that Brutus is resigned to his wife’s death, or that he might still be processing her
death, still feeling shocked about her death , and thus, trying to understand and fully digest the
death of his beloved wife. Furthermore, it can be seen that Brutus is acting stoic in front of the
others’, as a leader, hence not wanting to betray any emotion. Thus, this once again ties back to
the theme of leadership, such that in order to be a good leader, they have to sacrifice their
personal side for the greater good and to appear strong in front of others.

“Poor knave, I blame thee not; you art o’erwatched”. This showcases the relationship between
Brutus and his servant, Lucius, portraying Brutus as a loving master to his servant. “Poor
knave”, suggests that Brutus can empathize with Lucius, and understands that Lucius is tired. “I
blame thee not”, once again emphasizes how Brutus understands that Lucius is tired, and thus,
does not blame him for sounding sleepy.

“Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful”. Brutus is requesting Lucius to have patience with
him, even though he is the master. Despite this, Brutus seems to be putting himself in a position
whereby Lucius has some power over him.This shows that Brutus is an indulgent master, and
has a close relationship with Lucius. Brutus even seems to be, in a sense, apologising to Lucius
for being forgetful, and asking for his forgiveness and continued patience.

“Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile, and touch thy instrument a strain or two?””Canst”
suggests that Brutus is politely requesting Lucius to stay awake for a while longer and play his
instrument. As such, Brutus is giving Lucius some choice on whether or not to obey, by not
simply ordering Lucius to his will. Hence, by giving Lucius some choice when he does not need
to, Brutus is showing Lucius respect, almost treating Lucius like an equal. “awhile”, suggests
that Brutus does not want to ask too much of Lucius, merely requesting him if he could possibly
stay awake for a few minutes, hence, trying not to trouble Lucius too much. “awhile” also
suggests that Brutus is intentionally lowering his request of Lucius so Lucius would agree, once
again drawing attention to the fact that though Brutus is the master and Lucius the slave, Brutus
treats Lucius as an equal.

The ghost of Caesar

“Thy evil spirit, Brutus”. This suggests that the ghost might be Brutus’s guilt over killing Caesar
materialised. “Evil” suggests the ghost has harmful intentions, and is a form of retribution for
Brutus’s actions. Hence, the ghost can represent the evil in Brutus’s heart that revealed itself
when he murdered Caesar, that is now coming back to haunt Brutus. The appearance of
Caesar’s ghost the night before the battle of Philippi, also draws attention back to Antony’s
soliloquy, where he speaks of Caesar’s spirit ranging for vengeance. Hence, the spirit might be
a form of retribution. Therefore, this brings back the theme of fate, such that even with the
human action of the conspirators to successfully assassinate Caesar, Caesar will still emerge
victorious over them. The spirit can also represent the futility of Brutus to purge Rome of
Caesar’s powerful influence. This can be seen in how the memory of Caesar, coupled with
Antony’s speech, incited a dangerous mob. Thus, Brutus and the conspirators destroyed the
body of Caesar, but never quite destroyed his power and influence even after his death. As
such, the spirit may represent Caesar’s immortality achieved upon his death.

“To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi”. This further reinforces the idea of fate, such that
Brutus is fated to die at Philippi, and meet Caesar’s ghost. However, due to the human action
and decision on Brutus’s part to decide to go to Philippi, it can be human action that eventually
led to Brutus’s death. Nevertheless, this is a bad omen, such that retribution would be exacted
on Brutus at Philippi for Caesar’s death.