Download The Fall of Julius Caesar - Mrs. Anthony`s English 2

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The Fall of Julius Caesar
By William Shakespeare
From The Tragedy of Julius Caesar  1599
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is a play by William Shakespeare that was written in 1599. The play
portrays the conspiracy against the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, who was assassinated on The Ides of
March (March 15th) in Rome in 44 B.C. just before he was due to appear in front of the Senate. As you
read, look for evidence to answer this important question: What drives a person to betray?
Characters
Caesar – Julius Caesar, Tyrant of Rome
Metellus, Cassius, and Cinna – Senators of Rome
Brutus – A senator of Rome and a friend of Caesar
Plebeians – Supporters of Julius Caesar
Scene 1
Caesar has banished Publius Cimber from Rome. In this
scene, the senators ask Caesar to let Publius return.
[The senate sits in the Capitol, waiting for Caesar to
appear. A flourish of trumpets. Enter Caesar, with
Brutus and Cassius.]
Caesar:
Are we all ready? What is now wrong
That Caesar and his Senate must make right?
Metellus:
Most high, most mighty, and most powerful Caesar,
Metellus throws before your seat
A humble heart.
[Kneeling.]
Caesar:
I must stop you, Metellus.
This bowing and scraping
Might excite ordinary men
And change what has already been decided
Like children change their minds.
Do not be foolish
And think that Caesar's heart has such weak blood
Your brother is banished by law.
You must know that Caesar does not make mistakes.
Metellus:
Isn't there a voice any better than mine
To speak more successfully to Caesar
For the return of my banished brother?
Brutus:
I kiss your hand, Caesar,
Asking that Publius Cimber may
Immediately have the right to return to Rome.
Cassius:
Pardon me, Caesar!
Cassius falls as low as your foot
To beg for freedom for Publius Cimber.
Caesar:
I could be well moved, if I were like you;
If I could beg others to be moved, then begging would move me;
But I am as steady as the Northern Star,
Let me show you, even in this example,
That I was firm that Cimber should be banished.
And I am still firm to keep him that way.
Cinna:
O Caesar!
Metellus:
Great Caesar!
[The Senators begin to crowd around Julius Caesar.]
Caesar:
Get away! Will you lift up Mt. Olympus?
Can't you see that even Brutus' kneeling doesn't influence me?
Cassius:
My hands will speak for me!
[Cassius stabs Caesar. Then the other senators stab Caesar. Brutus is the last senator to stab Caesar.]
Caesar:
Et tu, Brute? 1
[Caesar dies.]
1
Et tu, Brute? (Latin) You too, Brutus?
Cinna:
Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run from here, tell the news, shout it on the streets!
Scene 2
Although Julius Caesar was a tyrant, he was popular with the plebeians. He had a successful
army and his plebeian soldiers made a lot of money by fighting for him. The plebeians are upset
about his death, so the senators need to explain.
[Enter Brutus and a throng of plebeians, disturbed by the death of Caesar.]
Plebeians:
We want an explanation! Give us an explanation!
Brutus:
Then follow me and listen to me, friends.
And I will tell the people of our reasons for killing Caesar.
First Plebeian:
I will listen to Brutus.
Second Plebeian:
The noble Brutus has reached the pulpit. Silence!
Brutus:
Be patient until the end.
Romans, countrymen, and dear friends,
hear me for my cause,
and be silent, so that you can hear.
Believe me because of my honor,
If there is anyone in this crowd, any dear friend of Caesar's,
to him I say that Brutus was as concerned about Caesar as he was.
If that friend then demands to know why Brutus turned against Caesar,
This is my answer:
Not because I cared for Caesar less,
but because I cared for Rome more.
Would you rather Caesar were living, and you all die slaves,
than that Caesar were dead, and you all live as freemen?
Which of you is so low that you would prefer to be a slave?
Which of you is so uncivilized that you would prefer not to be a Roman?
Plebeians:
None, Brutus, none!
Brutus:
Then I have offended none.
I killed my best friend for the good of Rome.
Text-Dependent Questions:
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Describe Caesar just before he was assassinated.
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2. Do you think Caesar’s assassination was planned? Cite evidence from the text to prove
your answer.
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3. In this excerpt, who was betrayed? Why?
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4. What drives a person to betray? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, or
other art, literature, or history in your answer.
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