Scene III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Betrayal and Loyalty

  Artemidorus's loyalty to Caesar contrasts with the betrayal of the conspirators, whom he names in his warning.

• Fate vs. Free Will

  Artemidorus's attempt to intervene reflects the tension between human agency and the foretold outcome, as he hopes to alter Caesar's fate.

Characters to notice

• Artemidorus

  Writes and reads a warning letter to Caesar, listing the conspirators and vowing to deliver it as a suitor.

• Julius Caesar

  The target of the conspiracy; Artemidorus hopes to warn him of the danger.

• Marcus Brutus

  Named in the warning as one of the conspirators to beware of.

• Caius Cassius

  Named in the warning as one of the conspirators to beware of.

• Casca

  Named in the warning as one of the conspirators to beware of.

Key passages

• “Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius; come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust not Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber: Decius Brutus loves thee not: thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius.”

  Caesar, watch out for Brutus, be cautious of Cassius, stay away from Casca, keep an eye on Cinna, don't trust Trebonius, pay attention to Metellus Cimber: Decius Brutus is not your friend, and you have offended Caius Ligarius.

  Artemidorus lists the conspirators in his warning letter to Caesar.

• “If thou beest not immortal, look about you: security gives way to conspiracy.”

  If you are not immortal, be vigilant: overconfidence opens the door to conspiracy.

  Artemidorus warns Caesar that his sense of security makes him vulnerable to the plot.

• “If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live; If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.”

  If you read this, Caesar, you might survive; if you don't, fate is working with the traitors against you.

  Artemidorus expresses hope that his warning will save Caesar, but acknowledges the role of fate.