“…Julius Caesar” Notes Act IV
Act IV Scene i
Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus will now form the triumvirate to rule Rome. Antony
doesn’t feel that Lepidus is worthy enough to rule Rome, but Octavius says that
Lepidus is a valiant man. Brutus and Cassius have now gathered an army outside
Rome. Antony and Octavius plan to confront them to halt their power.
Act IV scene ii-iii
Brutus and Cassius begin to argue about loyalty. Cassius is mad at Brutus for
condemning a man for taking a bribe after Cassius spoke on his behalf. Brutus says
that he can’t be a part of such things, because that was the reason he killed
Caesar. The two men continue to insult each other and level accusations at one
another. Cassius then pulls a dagger and tells Brutus to kill him because ha has lost
his closest ally. Brutus has him put the dagger away and says they are both illtempered, and that he will try to remember that Cassius is always so emotional.
Brutus confesses he is under terrible stress because his wife, Portia, has killed
herself. Messala enters with word that the triumvirate has put several senators
to death. Brutus wants to march to Philippi to meet the enemy and Cassius thinks
that is a bad idea. After much debate, Cassius relents and agrees to march. That
night, as everyone falls asleep, Brutus sees the ghost of Caesar. The ghost
promises to see him in Philippi. Brutus asks if anyone else saw the ghost, but no
one else did.