Julius Caesar Read Online Free PDF

tells his fellow conspirators to “stoop” and “bathe” their hands in Caesar’s blood, echoing Calpurnia’s dream. They plan to walk to the marketplace, showing their bloody hands and swords and declaring “Peace, freedom and liberty!” In a moment of metatheater, they imagine their “lofty scene” being acted out in years to come, with themselves portrayed as “The men that gave their country liberty.” A servant brings a message from Antony.Casting himself at their feet, he says that Antony “bid” him to say that “Brutus is noble, wise, valiant and honest” and that he asks to be allowed to approach in safety and be given reasons for Caesar’s murder. Despite Cassius’ misgivings, Brutus agrees and gives his word that Antony shall not be harmed.
    Lines 160–272: Antony arrives and addresses his first words to “mighty” Caesar’s body, before saying that if they intend to kill him too, they should do so now with their swords, “made rich / With the most noble blood of all this world.” Brutus assures him that although their hands seem “bloody and cruel,” their hearts are “pitiful.” He asks Antony to wait until they have reassured the frightened crowd and promises to explain why he killed Caesar even though he loved him. Antony shakes hands with each conspirator in turn then addresses Caesar’s corpse again, ensuring that the audience’s attention and sympathy are with Caesar as he describes himself as “Shaking the bloody fingers” of Caesar’s “foes,” comparing them to hunters and Caesar to a slaughtered deer. Cassius insists that they do not blame Antony for praising Caesar, but that they want to know whether they can count him as a friend. He reassures them but asks again for their “reasons,” and that he may be allowed to carry Caesar’s body to the marketplace and to speak at his funeral. Brutus agrees but Cassius is concerned. Cassius advises Brutus not to allow Antony to speak as the people will be “moved” by him. Brutus decides that he will address the crowd first, telling them that Antony is speaking with his permission. Antony agrees to this and they leave him with Caesar’s body.
    Lines 273–316: Antony apologizes to Caesar for being “meek and gentle with these butchers,” revealing his true pain and anger. He makes a prophecy that there will be “fierce civil strife” throughout Italy. He paints a bloody and violent picture, claiming that “Caesar’s spirit” will roam looking for “revenge.” A Servant arrives from Octavius Caesar, bringing news of his imminent arrival. The Servant sees Caesar’s body and begins to weep, causing Antony to shed tears as well. He asks the Servant to inform Octavius of events and to warn him that Rome is dangerous, but first to stay and hear him speak at the funeral.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
    Lines 1–62: In the Forum, the plebeians demand an explanation. Brutus announces that he will speak to some of the crowd, while Cassius addresses others elsewhere. Brutus’ speech combines rhetorical devices with prose to appeal to his plebeian audience. He argues that he loved Rome more than Caesar, and asks them whether they would rather Caesar was living and that they were “slaves,” or that they were free and Caesar dead. The crowd are swayed and, as Antony enters with Caesar’s body, call out for Brutus to be “crowned.” Brutus silences them, and, before he leaves, asks that they stay to hear Antony, who has the senate’s “permission” to address them.
    Lines 63–172: The crowd is hostile, but Antony’s speech is powerful and emotive, and his rhetoric more sophisticated. He praises Brutus, reiterating that he is “an honourable man,” although his repetition seems to undermine rather than reinforce the statement. He reminds them of Caesar’s qualities and his previous refusal of the “kingly crown.” He breaks off, apparently overcome with emotion, and the crowd show how his words have moved them, declaring that