1a. About what are Lepidus, Antony, and Octavius deciding at the beginning of act 4? What does Antony want to do about the promises in Cæsar's will?
2a. What do Brutus and Cassius argue about in scene 3?
3a. What tragic news does Brutus share with Cassius in scene 3?
1b. What does it tell you about Antony and Lepidus that they are willing to sacrifice relatives who oppose their political plans? What does Antony's plan for Cæsar's legacy tell you about his character?
2b. Are Cassius and Brutus arguing over important matters? Why do you think they are arguing in this manner?
3b. How has this news affected Brutus? How does it affect Cassius and his relationship with Brutus?
4a. In scene 3, Brutus and Cassius disagree over whether to confront the army of Antony and Octavius at Philippi or to wait for the enemy to come to them, near Sardis. Outline the arguments on either side of this question.
4b. Which argument seems more persuasive to you? How do the appearance of Cæsar's ghost and his words to Brutus affect your answer?
5a. Evaluate the nature of the relationship between Brutus and Cassius. Would you call it friendship or more of a working partnership? Support your conclusion with evidence from the text. The relationship between the two men suffers some severe strain in act 4. What do you predict for their relationship in act 5?
5b. Upon hearing that Cassius seems less friendly, Brutus observes, "When love begins to sicken and decay / It useth an enforced ceremony." Do you agree? Have you ever noticed people behaving in a forced and coldly civil manner as their friendship fades? Has this behavior ever occurred with one of your friendships?
Plot and Falling Action.What misfortunes does Brutus suffer in this act? What has happened to his relationship with Cassius? What has happened to his wife? What immediate threat does he face?
Foreshadowing.What do you think the appearance of the ghost foreshadows? If the ghost is not real, what does its appearance to Brutus tell you about Brutus's state of mind? Why might he be feeling this way?
1. Write an epitaph for Portia, who has killed herself in act 4. Give thought to what you know of her character, and write a brief epitaph that conveys something important about her life.
2. Brutus's words in scene 3, lines 218–223 are often quoted. Study these lines and paraphrase them. Be sure to capture the meaning while using your own, modern English.
3. If you were Brutus, sitting alone in your tent the night before the battle with Octavius and Antony, your mind would likely be filled with thoughts of what has happened thus far and speculation about the outcome of the next day's battle. What would you say to Cæsar if you had opportunity to speak with him? Write an imaginary dialogue with Cæsar, telling him what is on your mind. .
Researching Stoicism. Using Internet and library resources, research the philosophy of Stoicism advocated by Brutus. When was it first introduced? Which philosophers are linked to Stoicism? What elements of Stoicism do you like and dislike? Use the research log below to record your findings and to note the sources you consulted in your research. Then, on your own paper, write a report on your findings.
Research Log
Research Findings on Stoicism:
Sources Used:
Researching Ancient Rome. Research the geography of ancient Rome and the surrounding lands. Note the locations of Philippi and Sardis, including the topography of the area. What conclusions can you draw about the decision made by Brutus and Cassius to march to Philippi and do battle with Antony and Octavius there, as opposed to waiting at Sardis? Use the research log below to record your findings and to note the sources you consulted in your research.
Research Findings on Ancient Rome and its Surroundings:
