F = will it 385 Lucius spelled Lucus in F

5.1.44 teeth = F3. F = teethes 91 steads spelled steeds in F

5.3.103 whe’er = Ed. F = where 105 fare = Ed. F = far 107 more = Ed. F = mo 110 Thasos = Ed (after Plutarch). F = Tharsus 114 Flavius = F2. F = Flavio

5.4.7 SH LUCILIUS = Ed. Not in F 12 SH FIRST SOLDIER = Ed. F = Sold.

18 tell the = Ed. F = tell thee 31 whe’er = Ed. F = where

SCENE-BY-SCENE ANALYSIS

ACT 1 SCENE 1

Flavius and Murellus tell the commoners they should be working and that they should carry the “sign” of their “profession” with them at all times. The cobbler explains that they are going to see Caesar make his triumphant return after defeating Pompey. Murellus is scornful, pointing out that Caesar brings back no “conquest” or “tributaries.” He reminds the commoners of their previous allegiance to Pompey, drawing attention to the shifting loyalties/betrayal of the times. Murellus’ speech also introduces the significance of rhetoric and the power of language, particularly in public address. Flavius commands the commoners to “weep” into the Tiber for Pompey, accusing them of being “tongue-tied in their guiltiness,” again drawing our attention to the importance of language/speech, but also to guilt/complicity. Flavius suggests that he and Murellus remove the adornments from the statues of Caesar, warning that Caesar “would soar above the view of men” to keep the people of Rome “in servile fearfulness.”

ACT 1 SCENE 2

Lines 1–28: Caesar and others prepare to watch a course run as part of the feast of Lupercal. Antony is to run the course, and Caesar tells Calpurnia to stand where Antony can reach her, as it is believed the touch of a runner in the “holy chase” can cure sterility. He reminds Antony of this, and Antony replies, “When Caesar says, ‘Do this’ it is performed,” demonstrating Antony’s loyalty and Caesar’s authority. A soothsayer calls out to Caesar, “Beware the Ides of March,” and repeats his warning, but Caesar dismisses it, perhaps revealing his arrogance. In any case, it is the first of many complicated incidents in the play which seem concerned with the tensions between fate and free will and the significance of omens and prophecies.

Lines 29–183: As the others leave to watch the course, Cassius and Brutus remain. Cassius suggests that Brutus has grown distant, reminding him of their past friendship. Brutus assures him that if he has recently “veiled” his looks, it is only because he is “with himself at war,” and “Vexed” inside, introducing the conflict of public and private. Cassius tells Brutus that the most respected citizens of Rome, “groaning underneath this age’s yoke,” admire him and look to him. Brutus is wary, saying that Cassius is asking him to recognize a quality within himself that he does not possess, but Cassius continues to flatter, offering to be Brutus’ “glass,” so that he can “discover” these qualities within himself. As they talk, a fanfare and shouting are heard and Brutus says he fears the people have made Caesar king. Cassius seizes on this and asks whether or not this is what Brutus would want, forcing him to acknowledge that, despite his love for Caesar, he does not want him as king. He questions whether what Cassius has to say relates to “the general good,” revealing genuine concern for the welfare of Rome. He assures Cassius that he loves “honour” more than he fears death. Cassius says that this shows Brutus’ “virtue” and argues that they were both “born free as Caesar” and that he cannot bring himself to be “In awe of such a thing as I myself,” complaining that Caesar has “now become a god,” despite his many weaknesses.

They hear another shout, and Brutus suggests that “new honours” are being “heaped on Caesar.” Cassius argues that Caesar is now a “Colossus,” while they are merely “petty men.” He adds that “Men at some time are masters of their fates,” drawing attention again to the conflict between free will and fate. He returns to the subject of Rome, playing on Brutus’ concerns for the civic good rather than personal triumph.