The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Acts IV - V

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act IV

Brutus' GhostCaesar has died. Brutus and Mark Antony have both given their orations. These speeches cause great unrest among the conspirators. For a moment put yourself in one of the conspirator's shoes. You have just murdered the leader of Rome. How will the people react? Will they be forgiving? How will the other conspirators act? Who will they blame for the assassination of Caesar? Act IV focuses on the dynamics of the conspirators’ relationships and the members of the Second Triumvirate after the death of Caesar.  They are on the brink of civil war, but they must contend with their issues of trust and vulnerability.  Internal and external conflicts are at an all-time high.  As you read Act IV, think about the following questions:

  • What internal and external conflicts are present in Act IV?
  • How does Shakespeare use figurative language as a tool of persuasion?

 

Reading IconRead Act IV Scenes I - III of William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. As you read the falling action, think about the dynamics of the conspirators' relationships. Also, look for evidence of internal and external conflicts.

 

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act V

Death of Brutus“O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet!”  It is within Act V that Caesar’s death is avenged.  There is a total breakdown within the conspirators and army as they enter into war.  Fear of the outcome of this war leads to contemplation of death. It is a time of intense uncertainty as the fate of the conspirators is revealed. As you read Act IV, think about the following questions:

  • Based on the characters’ actions and thoughts and the unraveling of the plot, what major themes are present?
  • What elements of persuasion are found in Act V?

 

Reading IconRead Act V Scenes I - V of William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. As you read the falling action, think about the dynamics of the conspirators' relationships. Also, look for evidence of internal and external conflicts.

 

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Acts IV - V Review

Self-CheckThe Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Acts IV - V ReviewAre you ready to test your knowledge? Can you match the character to the correct quote? In this non-graded interactivity, read each quote from The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, then select the corresponding speaker of the quote and click SUBMIT. Click the player button to get started.