| 1. What did Antony, Octavius and Lepidus gather to discuss? | They were deciding which Romans should live or die. They wanted to eliminate anyone who could cause them trouble. |
| 2. To what does Antony compare Lepidus? | He compares him to his own horse and calls him an animal to be trained and used. |
| 3. What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved? | Cassius was offended that Brutus did not seriously consider his letters on behalf of Lucius Pella. Brutus said Cassius should not have written on behalf of such a man and he goes on to accuse Cassius of accepting bribes himself. It is resolved (after a great deal of name-calling and threats to fight) by the end of their conversation. Brutus basically holds to his position and lets Cassius talk himself out. |
| 4. What news did Messala bring Brutus? | He brought news that Antony, Octavius and Lepidus have had a hundred Senators killed and that Portia also is dead. |
| 5. For what reasons does Brutus want to lead his armies to Philippi? | (a) They can gather fresh forces as they march to Philippi (b) That the enemy is increasing and his army is at a high point ready to decline, and (c) They are on a “tide” of “fortune” and should strike while they are on a good tide. (Note that it is ironic that Brutus’ decision to move early is the key to his defeat. If he had waited, the outcome may have been different.) |
| 6. What message did Caesar’s ghost bring Brutus? | He said he would see Brutus at Philippi. |
| 1. Why did Pindarus stab Cassius? | Cassius ordered Pindarus to kill Cassius after he believes Titanius has been captured by the enemy. (Note the irony that Titanius was in fact NOT captured; rather, he was being congratulated by his own side.) |
| 2. What causes Titinius to say, “The sun of Rome is set!”? | He learns of Cassius’ death. |
| 3. Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in Scene IV? Who is it really? | They believe they have captured Brutus, but they have actually captured Lucilius. |
| 4. How does Brutus die? | Brutus runs on his own sword. He recognizes defeat and refuses to give Antony the “honor” of killing him. |
| 5. Why did Antony say Brutus was the “noblest Roman of them all”? | All the other conspirators killed Caesar of envy or for personal gain. Brutus truly believed he was doing the right thing for his countrymen. |
Julius Caesar Act IV & V
April 9, 2020