Statement of Focus:  I wish to examine the political nature of war in Julius Caesar, particularly Brutus and Cassius’ misunderstanding of the political ramifications that accompany the decisions they make regarding the war.

 

 

 

 

Antony:

     And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,

     With Ate by his side come hot from hell,

     Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice

     Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war...

(III, iii, 296-299)

 

Cassius:

     That you have wronged me doth appear in this:

     You have condemned and noted Lucius Pella

     For taking bribes here of the Sardians...

(IV, iii, 1-3)

 

Brutus:

     ...I did send

     To you for gold to pay my legions,

     Which you denied me...    (IV, iii, 83-85)

 

Cassius:

     ‘Tis better that the enemy seek us;

     So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers,

     Doing himself offense, whilst we, lying still,

     Are full of rest, defense, and nimbleness.

Brutus:

     Good reasons must of force give place to better.

     The people ‘twixt Philippi and this ground

     Do stand but in a forced affection,

     For they have grudged us contribution.

                                                (IV, iii, 229-236)

 

Octavius:

     Now, Antony, our hopes are answered.

     You said the enemy would not come down

     But keep the hills and upper regions.

(V, i, 1-3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cassius:

                                                Antony,

     The posture of your blows are yet unknown,

     But, for your words, they rob the Hybla bees

     And leave them honeyless.

Antony:

     Not stingless too.

Brutus:

     O yes, and soundless too,

     For you have stolen their buzzing Antony,

     And very wisely threat before you sting.

(V, i, 34-41)

Titinius:

     O Cassius, Brutus, gave the word too early,

     Who, having some advantage on Octavius,

     Took it too eagerly.  His soldiers fell to spoil,

     Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed.

                                                (V, iii, 5-8)

 

Pindarus:

     Titinius is enclosed round about

     With horsemen that make to him on the spur,

     Yet he spurs on.  Now they are almost on him.

     Now Titinius!  Now some light.  O, he lights too.

 

Titinius:

     Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius?

     Did I not meet thy friends and did not they

     Put on my brows this wreath of victory

     And bid me give it thee?  Didst thou not hear

their shouts?

     Alas, thou hast misconstrued everything.

                                                (V, iii, 89-94)