Act IV & V
Rome is under rule of Antony, Octavius and Lepidus
We find out the true colors of Antony's character.
· Not an honest man
· Swindles money that JC left in will to Roman citizens
· Plans to get rid of Lepidus after he uses him
Meanwhile, Brutus and Cassius squabble and bicker.
· Both now generals in army
· Argue about money, disgraces, bribes and prisoners
Brutus informs Cassius that Portia has killed herself.
· Asks Cassius to not speak of her again
· Absence of emotion/passion (calm)
· Shows he is stoic
Stoicism - indifference to pleasure or pain
Brutus sees ghost of JC.
Brutus agrees with Cassius and sends troops on to meet up with Antony and Octavius's army.
(army is growing stronger daily)
Cassius goes against Brutus
· Should have killed Antony before he had the chance to fight back
Who kills Cassius?
Who kills Brutus?
Cassius's last words: "Caesar, thou art revenged,/Even with the sword that killed thee" (5.3.44-45)
Brutus: "Oh Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet" (5.3.93)
4 Most Important Character
1. JC
2. Antony
3. Cassius
4. Brutus
Who is the Protagonist? ( main character - tragic hero)
· Brutus - never was in power
· JC - even after his death had power
- divided the conspirators
- came back as a ghost
Fate vs. Free Will
Are we free to do what we want, or a re we subject to the fate of God?
· Fate of soothsayer
· JC's wife's dream
· Cassius and Brutus see vultures after eagles left
· Brutus sees JC's ghost
Shakespearean Drama (opposed to Greek drama)
· High social status and tragic flaw
· Internal conflict
· Death of protagonist
· Characters are complex
3 Roman Shakespearean Plays
a. Julius Caesar
b. Antony and Cleopatra
c. Coriolanus
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