Act 3 Julius Caesar

Caesar’s last words, “Et tu, Brute?- Then fall, Caesar” (3.1.79), are among the most famous lines in any play. Explain the meaning and why it’s so powerful.

“And you Brutus.’’
The meaning behind it is that Brutus betrayed Julius Caesar and it’s his betrayal that kills him.

What message is Brutus trying to convey by having the conspirators go out in public smeared with Caesar’s blood?

To be transparent with their actions.
To let people know they did it proudly and that they have restored Rome’s “Peace, Freedom, and Liberty.’’

As Antony enters the scene, he anticipates hostility from the conspirators due to his association with Caesar. What does he propose they do to him if they hold a grudge and why?

To kill him with the same dagger that killed Caesar and to let him die with Caesar.

Brutus, in his attempt to justify Caesar’s murder to Antony, declares a prerequisite. What is this condition that he insists on fulfilling before explaining his actions?

That Brutus has to make the speech before Antony does, not blame the conspirators, and to speak with the Conspirators permission.

What does Antony request of Brutus in lines 232-235? How does Brutus respond?

To bring Caesar’s casket to the market place and to make a speech at his funeral.

Brutus agrees but with specific conditions.

Cassius doesn’t agree with Brutus’s response to Antony’s request. Why doesn’t he think Antony should speak at Caesar’s funeral?

Antony could whine and use his oratory skills to turn Rome against the Conspirators.

What rules must Antony follow to speak at Caesar’s funeral, as outlined by Brutus starting at line 250?

Not to blame them, Speaking Positively about them/Caesar, and to not say anything negative about the Conspirators.

When all the Conspirators leave the stage and Antony is alone, he can speak truthfully. His soliloquy what he really thinks. What does he think of the murder and the men who committed it? What does he intend to do?

He’s mad, wants to go against, speak negative, and the truth about the Conspirators.
Unleash Hell on Earth
Carry on a Civil War

A servant of Octavius Caesar comes on scene after Antony’s soliloquy. Octavius Caesar is an important senator who was not in Rome at the time of Caesar’s murder. He is coming back to Rome upon Caesar’s request, not knowing that Caesar has actually been murdered. What does Antony instruct the servant to do?

Antony tells Octavius to wait after the speech to witness the crowd’s reaction, warns him about how Rome is unsafe, and to report back on the people’s anger/prepare for chaos.