The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

Act V, Scene i

Character ListOctavius Antony Messenger Brutus CassiusLucilius Messala

Setting the Stage Roman legions were best organized and trained fighting forces in history. Types of troops – foot soldiers and cavalry (horsemen), 4000-6000 men in

each legion Soldiers took an oath to obey – even if it meant death; one of every ten

soldiers was executed at random to punish troops (where we get the word decimate)

Battles fought with bows and arrows, swords, spears, and catapults Tactics were as important as courage; often met with opponents to size each

other up In Scene I, a parley (tactical meeting) is about to take place at Philippi in

Oct. 42B.C.; Antony and Octavius meet with Brutus and Cassius

Reading Questions1. How does Antony know what Brutus and Cassius are planning? 2. What does Antony say is the conspirators’ reason for challenging him and

Octavius at Philippi? 3. List two signs that show Antony and Octavius are not getting along. 4. Octavius draws his sword against the conspirators and vows not to sheath it

again until ______________________.5. What sign makes Cassius fear the coming battle? 6. What do Cassius and Brutus agree to do if they lose the battle and why?

Quotes1. “Now, Brutus, you have only yourself to thank.”

Act V, Scene ii

Character ListBrutus

Setting the Stage Most Romans didn’t believe in life after death. They thought pleasure,

wealth, and power in this world were all-important They sometimes welcomed death because it ended their troubles. It was

noble to commit suicide. This may explain Portia’s suicide. She may have been imitating her father. When Cato realized that Ceasar was going to win, he decided to commit

suicide. In Scene ii, Brutus sends Messala to order the troops to attack the enemy

Reading Question1. Why does Brutus order an attack at this time?

Act V, Scene iii

Character ListCassius Titinius Pindarus Messala Brutus Young Cato

Setting the Stage Scene iii opens on another part of the battlefield. Cassius and Titinius are

discussing their position.

Reading Questions1. Who wins the first battle?2. Why does Cassius send Titinius to the battlefield? 3. What does Cassius believe happens to Titinius? 4. How does Pindarus, a prisoner, earn his freedom? 5. According to Titinius, what caused Cassius’ death? 6. Why does Titinius take his own life? 7. Why does Brutus refer to Cassius and Titinius as “the last of all the Romans”?

Quotes1. “I have become the enemy of my own soldiers.”

Act V, Scene iv

Character ListBrutus Young Cato Lucilius1st Soldier 2nd Soldier Antony

Setting the Stage Brutus faces almost certain defeat.. As scene opens, Brutus is shouting encouragement to his troops.

Reading Questions1. What happens to Cato?2. Why does Lucilius pretend to be Brutus? 3. How does Antony order that his captive Lucilius should be treated and why?

Act V, Scene v

Character ListBrutus Clitus Dardanius Volumnius StratoOctavius Messala Antony

Setting the Stage A disheartened Brutus makes an unusual request of his friends.Reading Questions

1. What does Brutus ask Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius to do? How do they respond?

2. How does Brutus die? 3. Why does Octavius invite all of Brutus’ soldiers to join his own men? 4. In what way does Antony honor Brutus? 5. How does Octavius show respect for Brutus?

Quotes1. “Caesar, now your ghost can rest in peace. I did not kill you half so eagerly

as I killed myself.”