UNIT
BEFORE YOU READ
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act IV
5
Literary Analysis
Conflict, a struggle between opposing forces, creates drama.
• In an external conflict, a character struggles with an outside force, such as
another character, a group of characters, or a force such as the weather.
• In an internal conflict, the character struggles with his or her own opposing
beliefs, desires, or values.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar involves a number of different conflicts. Internal
and external conflicts are in many cases directly related. For instance, earlier in the
play, the external conflict between Brutus and Caesar creates an internal conflict
for Brutus—he wishes to check Caesar’s ambition, but he also considers Caesar a
friend.
Reading Skill
When reading Shakespearean drama, you need to read between the lines to find
the deeper meaning of a character’s words or actions.
• Keep the larger situation in mind as you read. For instance, early in Act IV,
Antony describes Lepidus as “Meet to be sent on errands.” Note that Antony has
been deciding which of his political rivals will die and which will share power.
Between the lines, he is saying, “Fit to run errands—and nothing else.”
• Follow indirect references. For example, when Lucilius reports on Cassius,
Brutus says, “Thou has described / A hot friend cooling.” “A hot friend” refers to
Cassius, whom Brutus worries is no longer his ally.
Use the chart below to read between the lines.
What Does It Say?
Lepidus is fit to run
errands—and nothing
else.
Why Is It Important?
Antony is deciding who
will die and who will gain
power.
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“Meet to be sent on
errands”
What Does It Mean?
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar 371
MAKING CONNECTIONS
The Tragedy of
Julius Caesar, Act IV
William Shakespeare
Summary Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus
meet in Rome to decide who will live and
who will die. Brutus and Cassius feel
wronged by each other, and the two argue.
Brutus learns of Portia’s suicide. Brutus and
Cassius disagree about military strategy.
Caesar’s ghost visits Brutus and hints at
dangers to come.
Note-taking Guide
Use the diagram to record the reasons for the
conflict between Brutus and Cassius.
Causes
Cassius
Brutus
Effect
Cooling of friendship
© Pearson Education
372 Reader’s Notebook