Julius Caesar Act III, scene 1

March 15, 44 B.C. The Ides of March

Rome: approaching the capitol Caesar Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus, Trebonius, Cinna, Antony, Lepidus, Artemidorus, Publius, - senator Popilus - senator Soothsayer

Artemidorus Tries to warn Caesar with a letter that names the conspirators – Caesar refuses to read it Caesar says, “what touches us ourself shall be last serv’d.”

Each conspirator has a job… Trebonius - Get Antony out of the way so he can’t defend Caesar Metellus Cimber - Distract Caesar by making a petition Casca - stab Caesar first

Caesar’s last words of arrogance… When petitioned by Metellus, Caesar says that he will not change his mind regarding the banishment of Metellus’ brother.

Caesar compares himself to –the Northern Star and –Mount Olympus both grand, famous, and immovable landmarks

Conspirators attack! Casca attacks first Brutus attacks last – When Caesar realizes even his friend had conspired against him he stops trying to defend himself... and dies

After the stabbing, the conspirators have different reactions Cassius – excited and triumphant because he disliked Caesar and was bitter about his success Brutus – calm and proud because he truly believes that he has saved Rome from a tyrannical monarch Metellus – fearful maybe because he feels guilty

Blood Brutus announces, “People and senators, be not affrighted. Fly not; stand still; ambition’s debt is paid.” Brutus leads them as they “bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood” “Let’s all cry, ‘Peace, freedom, and liberty!’”

Antony Sends his servant to see if it is safe to return to the capital. Brutus assures him he will be safe Cassius – expresses concern – he fears Antony! Antony pledges allegiance to Brutus but weeps over Caesar’s body. shakes hands with the conspirators

Antony is willing to die with Caesar Brutus assures him that he can explain why this was necessary.

Antony asks to speak at Caesar’s funeral Cassius doesn’t like the idea

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Brutus agrees to let Antony speak– conditions: “You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, But speak all good you can devise of Caesar, And say you do ’t by our permission. Else shall you not have any hand at all About his funeral. And you shall speak In the same pulpit whereto I am going, After my speech is ended.”

1. may not blame the conspirators 2. speak all good of Caesar 3. say he speaks with the conspirators’ permission 4.speak from the same pulpit as Brutus after Brutus

Conspirators leave Antony alone with Caesar’s body Antony (soliloquy) promises revenge to Caesar’s corpse Plots with Octavius Caesar’s servant (Caesar’s nephew)

Scene ii - Brutus speaks to the people Explains that he did this for the love of Rome! Tells them that Caesar was ambitious Tells them Caesar would have made them slaves (bondmen)

Brutus says… “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. “

People cheer Brutus Brutus leaves Antony takes the pulpit

Right now (after Brutus’ speech), people feel that Brutus is HONORABLE Caesar was AMBITIOUS

What actions describe an AMBITOUS person? Always takes opportunities to advance self Gives nothing to others Has no concern / feelings for others

Antony now speaks to the people He follows the 4 rules Brutus gave him speak from the same pulpit as Brutus after Brutus say he speaks with the conspirators’ permission may not blame the conspirators speak all good of Caesar

Marc Antony’s speech Refers to the conspirators as “honorable” Uses repetition & irony - Caesar refused the crown, Reads from Caesar’s will Shows Caesar’s body

Marc Antony riles the crowd! The commoners leaves to find and kill the murderers of Caesar. Antony: “Mischief thou art afoot,”

The common people now… Support Antony Want to give Caesar royal burial Want to kill conspirators and burn their homes

Octavius Caesar creates a coalition with Antony & Lepidus Brutus & Cassius are run out of the city

Scene iii Mob attacks Cinna the poet – Shows how riotous the crowds are seeking to avenge Caesar’s murder