Scene I explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Ambition and Power

  Caesar's refusal to repeal Cimber's banishment and his claim to be 'constant as the northern star' highlight his unchecked ambition and desire for absolute power.

• Betrayal and Loyalty

  Brutus's betrayal of Caesar, whom he loved, is central; Antony's feigned loyalty to the conspirators contrasts with his true intent.

• Manipulation and Rhetoric

  Antony's skillful manipulation of the conspirators through flattery and his secret vow for revenge foreshadow his later rhetorical triumph.

Characters to notice

• Julius Caesar

  Assassinated by the conspirators in the Senate.

• Marcus Brutus

  Leads the conspiracy and stabs Caesar; later speaks with Antony.

• Caius Cassius

  Key conspirator; expresses distrust of Antony.

• Mark Antony

  Returns to the conspirators, shakes their hands, and secretly plans revenge.

• Casca

  First to stab Caesar; urges Brutus to speak to the crowd.

• Decius Brutus

  Conspirator who helped lure Caesar to the Senate.

• Metellus Cimber

  Petitions Caesar for his brother's pardon before the attack.

• Trebonius

  Leads Mark Antony away from the Senate before the assassination.

Key passages

• “Et tu, Brute! Then fall, Caesar.”

  Even you, Brutus? Then I give up and die.

  Caesar's shock at Brutus's betrayal, marking his final surrender.

• “Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence / Shall this our lofty scene be acted over / In states unborn and accents yet unknown!”

  Bend down and wash your hands. This dramatic moment will be reenacted for centuries in future nations and languages.

  Cassius foresees the historical and theatrical significance of Caesar's assassination.

• “O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, / That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!”

  Forgive me, Caesar's corpse, for being so mild and polite to these murderers.

  Antony's private lament, revealing his true feelings of rage and grief.