His wife, Calphurnia, has dreamt about his murder three times. Like Brutus, Caesar has had a troubled night. Brutus assures her that she is his 'true and honourable wife' and that he will explain later. Portia begs him to tell her his ‘cause of grief’. She is worried about him, saying ‘you have some sick offense within your mind'. They arrange to accompany Caesar to the Capitol the next day and the conspirators leave. Cassius argues that Antony should also be killed but Brutus says this will make them seem ‘too bloody’. He believes an ‘oath’ is unnecessary if they are acting as ‘countrymen’ and ‘Romans’. Brutus rejects Cassius’ wish to ‘swear’ their ‘resolution’. One of them is Cassius who introduces the rest. Brutus lets the men, or conspirators, in. His servant tells him that tomorrow is 15 March (the Ides of March) and that several men have arrived with ‘half their faces buried in their cloaks’. He reads a letter that Cassius and Cinna have planted. In a soliloquy, he reveals he can see no way of stopping Caesar except 'by his death’. Left alone with the audience, Cassius points out how easily Brutus’ noble nature can be manipulated.īrutus is in his orchard unable to sleep. He tells Cassius he will give his words thought. Casca adds that Caesar fell down and ‘foamed at the mouth’ and Brutus confirms that Caesar has ‘the falling-sickness’. After Caesar leaves again, Casca tells Brutus and Cassius that Antony offered Caesar a crown three times at the race but that Caesar refused it. Such men are dangerous’ but Antony assures him that Cassius is 'noble'. Cassius reminds Brutus of his reputation and his concern for the good of Rome rather than personal triumph.Ĭaesar and his entourage return after the race and Caesar says to Antony that ‘Cassius has a lean and hungry look. At this, Cassius begins to openly criticise Caesar, recalling times when Caesar showed physical weakness. He fears Caesar is being crowned king and accidentally voices this thought out loud. Cassius begins to flatter Brutus, but Brutus is distracted by shouts he can hear coming from the race. The entourage then leaves to go to a ceremonial race, leaving Brutus, a trusted friend of Caesar’s, and Cassius alone. A Soothsayer in the crowd calls out a warning to Caesar, saying ‘Beware the ides of March’, but Caesar dismisses it. Caesar arrives with his entourage, including his wife Calphurnia and loyal friend Antony.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |