UNIT
BEFORE YOU READ
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act V
5
Literary Analysis
Traditionally, a tragic hero is a person, usually of noble birth, who
suffers a catastrophe. The hero’s choices leading to the catastrophe may reflect a
personal shortcoming, such as pride, called a tragic flaw. While Shakespeare’s
tragic heroes incorporate these traditional elements, he develops them in new
ways:
• He adds complexity to his heroes, who may have opposing desires and who may
suffer hesitation and doubt before acting.
• He presents a character’s inner turmoil directly, through devices like the
soliloquy, a speech in which a character thinks aloud.
• He focuses on the choices characters make rather than on fate.
• His characters’ problems often concern the difference between the reasons for
an action and its outcome. For example, Brutus acts for reasons of honor—the
right reasons—but in a world of men who are less than honorable, the results
are disastrous.
Reading Skill
Shakespeare may emphasize the important qualities of one character by presenting
another character with contrasting qualities. When reading Shakespearean drama,
you can often gain understanding by comparing and contrasting characters.
Look for similarities and differences in the characters’ personalities, situations,
behavior, and attitudes. Use the chart below to compare and contrast characters as
you read Act V.
Brutus
Cassius
nobleman
idealistic
practical
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nobleman
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar 375
MAKING CONNECTIONS
The Tragedy of
Julius Caesar, Act V
William Shakespeare
Summary Brutus and Cassius meet Antony
and Octavius on the battlefield. Cassius
thinks that his best friend, Titinius, has
been captured. Cassius kills himself as a
result. Brutus kills himself when he sees that
Antony is winning the battle at the end.
Note-taking Guide
Use this cause-and-effect chart to record
events and their results in Act V.
Cause
Brutus and Cassius
bring their army to
Philippi.
Effect/Cause
Effect/Cause
They
exchange
insults with
Antony and Octavius.
Effect/Cause
Effect
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376 Reader’s Notebook