G10U5_ST_Shakespeare IV_150-153.fm Page 150 Thursday, March 13, 2008 7:55 PM
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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act IV, by William Shakespeare
Literary Analysis: Conflict in Drama
Conflict, the struggle between opposing forces, creates drama. In literature, a conflict may
take one of two forms:
• In an external conflict, a character struggles with an outside force, such as another character, a group of characters, or a natural force such as the weather.
• In an internal conflict, the character struggles with his or her own opposing beliefs,
desires, or values.
In Act IV, there are several external conflicts among the main characters in the play. In
addition, Brutus continues to feel internal conflicts about his participation in the conspiracy
against Caesar.
A. DIRECTIONS: For each of the following external conflicts, tell what issue the two characters
disagree about. Explain the reasons each character gives for his view.
External Conflicts
1. Antony vs. Octavius: Act IV, Scene i, ll. 12–40
Issue:
Antony’s view/reasons:
Octavius’ view/reasons:
2. Brutus vs. Cassius: Act IV, Scene iii, ll. 7–32
Issue:
Brutus’ view/reasons:
Cassius’ view/reasons:
B. DIRECTIONS: Describe the internal conflict Brutus may be feeling in each passage.
Internal Conflict
1. Act IV, Scene ii, ll. 6–27:
2. Act IV, Scene iii, ll. 274–289:
Unit 5 Resources: Drama
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