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crisis of the play
leading up to the murder, as Caesar enters the capitol
Caesar enters the capitol with “pomp and show"
ignores the soothsayer
ignores Artemidorus, "matter of self after Rome"
the plan begins, start asking for unbanishment, the murder
Conspirators surround, plead for Publius’ “enfranchisement” (Metellus Cimber’s brother)
Caesar says he's as constant Olympus, as constant as the north star
Casca stabs, everyone follows, Brutus last
“Et tu, Brute? then fall Caesar"
after the murder, Antony grieving
Antony makes peace with the baddies
Antony gains permission to speak with certain limitations
Antony predicts bloodshed and civil war
This scene shows the power of verbal persuasion to achieve political power.
The citizens demand to know why Caesar was murdered.
Brutus calmly explains to the citizens the reasons that made Caesar's death necessary.
Brutus tells the crowd that he loved Caesar but loved Rome even more; he slew Caesar because he was ambitious and would have made slaves of all of them.
Antony's emotional speech describes Caesar's love for Rome and his sympathy for the Romans.
He shows them Caesar's wounds and reads out the contents of his will.
He, so, works upon the mob that Brutus and Cassius are forced to ride like mad men out of Rome.
Brutus fails to win over the crowd because he appeals to their mind;
Antony succeeds because he appeals to their heart.
A small violent scene which highlights the consequences of Antony's speech on the mob.
Cinna, the poet dreamt during the night of feasting with Caesar.
When he comes into the streets, the mob surround him and ask him several questions.
They presume that he is Cinna, the conspirator; so they beat him up and probably kill him.
It is ironic that the conspirators wanted to establish a republican state; but in reality, they turned the republic into an unruly mob.
After the flight of Brutus and Cassius, the Triumvirate (i.e. the joint rule of Antony, Octavius and Lepidus) is gaining political power in Rome.
They are purging Rome of those who led the coup which toppled Caesar.
They are even tossing away the lives of their own relations and friends.
Antony is shown as ruthless, playing with the lives of friends and relations.
He makes use of Lepidus as an asset, intends to usurp his power and finally turn him out.
He has no regard for friendship or principles
This scene takes place in Sardis in Asia Minor.
Brutus and Cassius are in command of their armies.
They are joining at Sardis on their way to meet Antony and Octavius.
Brutus complains that Cassius has offended him; Cassius too accuses Brutus of having wronged him.
The two generals order their subordinates to lead off the armies so that both the armies will not see them quarrelling.
Brutus and Cassius retire to the privacy of the former's tent to sort out their differences.
Brutus and Cassius continue their conversation within the tent.
Cassius complains that Brutus has punished Lucius Pella for accepting bribes.
Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes by selling official positions to men of little merit.
After some argument, Brutus informs Cassius that Portia is dead.
Cassius expresses great sorrow.
The two leaders agree to advance their armies to Philippi and engage Antony and Octavius.
Then Brutus bids good-night to Cassius and others.
Alone at night, Brutus is unable to sleep.
The ghost of Caesar appears and announces that Brutus will see it at Philippi.
Brutus decides to march to Philippi for one of the most decisive battles in history.
On the plain of Philippi, Octavius and Antony with their forces await Brutus, Cassius, and their forces.
Antony rebukes (harshly criticizes) ****Brutus for the murder of Caesar, and then withdraws to prepare for battle.
The taunting between the opposing army generals takes place.
Meanwhile, Cassius confides to Messala that it is his birthday, but he fears it will be his deathday too.
He speaks of bad omens that he has seen which suggest defeat of his side.
Cassius and Brutus make up their minds to die rather than be taken prisoners.
They go to battle with this negative attitude.
The signals are given for the battle to start and the plain of Philippi is alive with troop movements.
Brutus gives to Messala messages for Cassius which urge an immediate attack.
Brutus judgement is based on the belief that Octavius forces are timid and lack fighting spirit, and that a sudden attack will be enough to defeat them.
We learn later that he makes an error by giving the word for the battle too soon.
Brutus' premature attack exposes Cassius to be surrounded by the enemy.
Antony's forces have defeated the army led by Cassius.
Cassius sends Pindarus to the top of a hill to study the situation.
When Pindarus reports more disaster, Cassius orders him (Pindarus) to kill him (Cassius).
Pindarus has made an error of judgement.
In fact, Titinius brings the news that Brutus has been victorious over Octavius.
Finding Cassius dead, Titinius kills himself.
Brutus comes and sees Cassius dead.
He promises to mourn for the death of his friend later when the battle is over.