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Julius Caesar. Acts IV - V. Important Events – Act IV. Antony unites with Caesar’s brother ( Octavius ) to fight the conspirators Brutus and Cassius start to disagree, causing tension and dissention in the ranks of men Portia commits suicide
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Julius Caesar Acts IV - V
Important Events – Act IV • Antony unites with Caesar’s brother (Octavius) to fight the conspirators • Brutus and Cassius start to disagree, causing tension and dissention in the ranks of men • Portia commits suicide • Brutus and Cassius decide to march to Philippi to meet Antony and Octavius • Brutus sees Caesar’s ghost, who tells him they will meet again in Philippi
Important Events – Act V • Brutus/Cassius and Antony/Octavius meet in Philippi and exchange insults • Brutus/Cassius see bad omens for battle, and swear to die rather than be led to Rome as prisoners, should they lose. • The two sides do battle, with Antony/Octavius eventually gaining momentum • Cassius asks a fellow soldier to kill him with the very sword that killed Caesar, when he believes his friend to be captured/killed • Brutus kills himself with the same sword he used to stab Caesar, when he realizes he cannot win.
Caesar’s ghost • Foreshadows Brutus’ death • Represents Brutus’ guilt
Brutus as tragic hero • Fatal flaw? • Downfall? • High/noble status? • Why isn’t Caesar considered the hero of the play?
Brutus as tragic hero • Fatal flaw = indecision, inability to accept change (Pompey’s death and the new direction of Rome), ambition • Downfall = ironic death as he falls on the same sword that kills Caesar. Being manipulated/persuaded by Cassius leads to his death. He gave Caesar the final blow that killed him. • High/Noble status = Well respected, loved as a true Roman