Act IV

 Metaphor- comparison not using “like” or “as”  Example: Antony compares Lepidus to his horse  Passage of Time- a few months have passed since the assassination of Caesar  theme- author’s main message  Think about the importance of honor in the play  Repetition- elements that recur in the play

Shakespeare is ready to tie up the plot complications that have developed over the three previous acts. This act opens in Rome with a newly formed triumvirate discussing proscription. Members include: Octavius Caesar, heir to the throne; Marc Antony, friend of Julius Caesar; and Lepidus, a senator.

Antony is using Lepidus to take the fall for the deaths that the group proscribes. He dominates Octavius by declaring “I have seen more days than you” (IV, I, 18). They plan to gather armies and march into battle against the troops of Brutus and Cassius. Unrest prevails.

Several months have passes since the assassination. Brutus and Cassius meet at Sardis. From the argumentative onset, it is obvious that the two leaders are not getting along.

Brutus accuses Cassius of having an “itching palm” and of defiling the motives behind the death of Caesar. Cassius accuses Brutus of personal disrespect for he considered himself a soldier “older in practice, abler…to make conditions” (IV, iii, 31-32).

The two take their discussion inside the tent and out of the ear shot of their men. The truth is revealed when we find out that Brutus is really upset with Cassius for failing to send money. Brutus tells Cassius that his honor would not allow him to raise money “by vile means” like Cassius could.

The two continue to argue. Cassius declares that Brutus never loved Cassius as much as Brutus loved Caesar. This sinks in to Brutus, and the two pardon each other.

Brutus mentions that Portia dies. Cassius is overwhelmed with grief. Brutus does not want to discuss it.

Brutus, Titinius, Messala, and Cassius discuss the deaths of senators by proscription and realize they must act quickly.

Brutus wants to move the troops toward Philippi immediately to meet the armies of Antony and Octavius. Cassius wants to stay where they are and wait for the armies to come to them.

Brutus declares “there is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune” (IV, iii, ). Cassius agrees. They plan to move in the morning.

Once again Brutus cannot sleep; all those with him fall asleep as he paces debating the game plan for war. When all is quiet, he is visited by the ghost of Caesar. The ghost declares “thou shalt see me at Philippi” (IV, iii, 281). Brutus is not sure if he imagined the visit. Unrest continues.