A Summary of Each Scene

Cassius begins to plan…

Through the exposition we find out that Julius Caesar returns Triumphant to Rome!!! He has conquered Pompey and his sons. It seems everyone is happy and celebrating until we stumble upon Flavius and Murellus and conflict arises. Both call the commoners two-faced as they had recently cheered for Pompey. The commoners leave and Flavius decides they need to tear down all the items celebrating Caesar’s victory!

 Caesar enters to the ovation of his people!  Antony gets ready to run a ceremonial race because today is the feast of Lupercal. This is important because we now know it is February 15 th ! He must touch Calpurnia to rid her of her sterility.  The Soothsayer says “Be ware the Ides of March!” (March 15 th ) Caesar dismisses him as a “dreamer”.  Cassius and Brutus speak.  Cassius flatters Brutus and they hear cheering and fear Caesar is now king.  The others return and they tell them that Caesar refused the crown 3 times.  Caesar sees Cassius and tells Antony “he has a hungry look”.  Cassius hopes Brutus’ nobleness does not prevent him from being corrupted!

 Casca and Cicero are first to meet that night on the roman streets.  They speak of all the omens they have seen.  They then talk about Caesar going to the capitol the next day. Cicero says men see omens for what they want them to be…Cicero leaves  Cassius enters and tells Casca that he believes these omens show that the gods are angry at Caesar and that they are right and just.  They talk about resistance when Cinna enters.  They talk about how they need Brutus on their side and Cassius gives Cinna letters to leave for Brutus to find.

In the dark of night a plan emerges

Brutus paces in the dark at his orchard, He can not sleep or eat and is not sure what he should do about Caesar. His servant Lucius lets him know it is March 15 th. He has a major soliloquy where he discusses the evils of Caesar having power. Why crush the snake when you can crush the egg first? The other conspirators arrive and they decide to go on with it. They decide not to kill Antony, despite Cassius’ urging. They will meet at Caesar’s house at 8 in the morning.

Caesar says his wife has been awake all night with dreams of him spewing blood. Calpurnia begs for him not to go to the Senate. He tells her he will die when he is meant to die. Finally he reluctantly decides to stay at home. Decius arrives and tells Caesar he is mistaken that the dream shows how he will give “life force” to Rome. Caesar decides he will go so he does not look weak. The conspirators arrive at Caesar’s house at 8, as promised, to lead him to the senate.

Artemidorus decides he will write Caesar a letter warning him that those he considers his friends are not. He names all the conspirators and decides he will give this letter to Caesar in hopes of saving his life.

 Portia, Brutus’ wife begins to freak out.  Portia sends her servant to the senate to see what is happening.  The servant is slower than Portia would like.  A Soothsayer speaks to Portia and foretells of something bad happening to Caesar.

The plan comes together and sides are chosen

This scene begins with Caesar entering the senate. The soothsayer and Artemidorous appear to warn Caesar. Metellus requests that his brother be allowed to return. Caesar refuses the request. The conspirators surround Caesar even bowing at his feet. Casca stabs Caesar first but all join in the stabbing but Brutus is last. Caesar remarks, “Et tu, Brute?” They decide they are heroes and must go tell the people. They bathe their hands in his blood. Antony enters and becomes friends with the conspirators. He ask to know their reason, if he may give Caesar a proper burial, and speak at his funeral. They all agree, Cassius begrudgingly. Antony speaks after all have left and lets the audience know he will avenge Caesar.

Blank verse vs. Prose. Blank verse=unrhymed Iambic Pentameter Pentameter=5 accented syllables per line Prose for the lower class Cassius and Brutus split the crowd and will speak to them. Brutus proves to the crowd that Caesar was a tyrant. The people think he is a hero and offer to raise him on their shoulders. He asks that the people stay and listen to Antony, for he speaks at their will. Antony moves the people and convinces them that Caesar was murdered. He tells them Caesar willed them money and lands and truthfully had no ambition. This stirs the plebeians into a rage!

The crowds get angry and are looking for justice. Cassius and Brutus flee the city and the mob is out to kill any of the conspirators that remain. They mistake Cinna the poet for Cinna the conspirator. When they realize he isn’t the correct Cinna they killed him anyway.

The aftermath of a quick decision. They pick red rover teams

Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus meet to discuss the future. Antony tells Octavius that he thinks Lepidus is dumb and unworthy of being a member of the triumvirate. Octavius states that Lepidus is a good and valiant soldier.

Brutus and Cassius are in camp and begin to quarrel. Brutus persuades Cassius to go into the tent to quarrel so they do not appear divided in front of their men. Cassius accuses Brutus of doing him wrong. Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes. They both end the scene friends and allies.

The battle begins

The two forces meet on the field. Each tries to decide their game plan. Octavius & Antony and Brutus & Cassius meet at the center of the field to discuss the battle to come.

The battle physically begins. Brutus feels a weakness in Octavius’ ranks and decides to take advantage of it.

Cassius and Brutus are in battle. Cassius asks Titinius to ride on his horse towards his tents to see if the soldiers are friends or foe. When Titinius is overtaken Cassius fears the worst. He has his slave Pindarus stab him in the gut…help him commit suicide. Pindarus is not free and leaves. Titinius returns, places the wreath on Cassius’ head and kills himself. Brutus says that he cannot deal with this sorrow right now.

Brutus prepares for another battle. He makes Lucillius get on his horse and pretend he is Brutus. He is taken over and the people soon realize he is not Brutus.

Brutus sits with what remains of his army. Brutus decides he needs to end his life. He asks a friend to hold the sword for him. His friend says no. Strato holds the sword. Brutus kills himself. Antony comes upon the scene and decides that Brutus deserves a heroes death as he was noble.