# Scene I explained — Julius Caesar

> Chapter companion for Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus meet to draw up a list of proscribed enemies who must die. Lepidus agrees to the death of his own brother, and Antony agrees to the death of his sister's son. Antony then sends Lepidus on an errand and belittles him as a mere tool, while Octavius defends his worth. They then turn to the threat posed by Brutus and Cassius, who are raising armies, and agree to unite their forces and hold council.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Power

Antony and Octavius coldly decide the fates of their political enemies, including their own relatives, demonstrating ruthless ambition to consolidate power.

### Betrayal and Loyalty

Lepidus betrays his own brother by consenting to his death, while Antony and Octavius show conditional loyalty, viewing Lepidus as a disposable tool.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Antony

Leads the proscription, dismisses Lepidus as a mere property, and strategizes against Brutus and Cassius.

### Octavius Caesar

Participates in the proscription, defends Lepidus's worth, and agrees to unite against their enemies.

### Lepidus

Consents to his brother's death and is sent to fetch Caesar's will, but is scorned by Antony as a mere errand-runner.

## Key lines

> These many, then, shall die; their names are prick’d.

We have marked down many people who must be killed.

_Antony announces the proscription list, showing the triumvirs' cold-blooded approach to eliminating enemies._

> He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, To groan and sweat under the business, Either led or driven, as we point the way; And having brought our treasure where we will, Then take we down his load, and turn him off, Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears, And graze in commons.

Lepidus is like a donkey carrying gold—he will do the heavy work, but once we have what we want, we will discard him.

_Antony dismisses Lepidus as a mere beast of burden, useful only for menial tasks and easily cast aside._

> Let us do so: for we are at the stake, And bay’d about with many enemies; And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, Millions of mischiefs.

We must act quickly because we are surrounded by enemies, and even those who appear friendly may be plotting against us.

_Octavius expresses the urgency and paranoia of their position, aware of hidden threats._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/julius_caesar_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/julius_caesar_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/julius_caesar_se/chapters