Act 4 SC 3

Act 4: Sc 3
Setting
 The scene is set in Brutus' tent in a military camp near Sardis.
Key Events
1. Argument between Brutus and Cassius:
o The scene begins with a heated argument between Brutus and
Cassius. Brutus accuses Cassius of accepting bribes and not
supplying him with the funds needed to pay his soldiers.
o Cassius defends himself, claiming that Brutus has wronged him by
condemning Lucius Pella, one of Cassius’ men, for taking bribes
without consulting him.
2. Brutus' Moral Stance:
o Brutus emphasizes his moral superiority, insisting that he has
never engaged in corrupt practices and that their cause should be
pure.
3. Reconciliation:
o Despite the intensity of the argument, Brutus and Cassius
eventually reconcile. Cassius offers his dagger to Brutus, asking
him to kill him if he no longer loves him. Moved by this gesture,
Brutus forgives Cassius, and they reaffirm their friendship.
4. News of Portia's Death:
o Brutus reveals that his wife, Portia, has died by swallowing hot
coals. This news adds to the tragic tone of the scene and
underscores Brutus' personal sacrifices.
o Cassius tries to comfort Brutus, but Brutus downplays his grief,
trying to remain stoic and focused on the upcoming battle.
5. The Appearance of Caesar's Ghost:
o After Cassius leaves, Brutus is visited by the ghost of Julius Caesar,
who tells him that they will meet again at Philippi.
o This supernatural element foreshadows Brutus’ downfall and adds
a sense of impending doom to the play.
Themes
 Conflict and Reconciliation: The scene explores the conflict between
personal loyalty and political ideology, ultimately showing the fragile
nature of alliances.
 Moral Integrity vs. Pragmatism: Brutus’ moral integrity is contrasted
with Cassius' pragmatism, highlighting the complexities of leadership and
the consequences of their actions.
 Fate and Supernatural: The appearance of Caesar’s ghost introduces the
theme of fate, suggesting that the consequences of their actions are
inescapable.
Significance
 Act 4, Scene 3 is crucial as it sets the stage for the final act of the play.
The strained relationship between Brutus and Cassius, combined with
the ominous appearance of Caesar’s ghost, foreshadows the tragic
events to come.
Q1. Why does Cassius feel that they should not argue in ‘such a time’?
Ans: Cassius feels that in such a time as this when their enemies are collecting
armies and are ready to attack they should not keep arguing on such a small
matter as writing a letter in favour of one person.
Q2. Explain- “It is not meet that every offense should bear his comment”.
Ans: This means that times are hard. Their enemies are collecting forces and
can attack anytime. At such a time it is not proper that they should take every
little fault into account so seriously.
Q3.Explain- You shall digest the venom of your spleen/Though it do split you.
Ans: The lines are spoken scornfully. Brutus means that Cassius will have to
swallow the poison of his anger and bad temper even if it kills him.
Q4. What is the main cause of the argument between Brutus and Cassius?
Ans: The argument between Brutus and Cassius starts because Brutus accuses
Cassius of being corrupt by accepting bribes. Brutus has "condemned and
noted Lucius Pella for taking bribes in the Sardis. Cassius is angry because he
sent Brutus letters pleading for Lucius Pella and feels Brutus has "slighted off"
the letters.
Q5. What supernatural event occurs at the end of this scene, and what is its
significance?
Ans: At the end of the scene, Brutus sees the ghost of Caesar, who tells him
that they will meet again at Philippi. This supernatural event foreshadows
Brutus’s defeat and death. It signifies that Caesar's spirit, or the consequences
of his assassination, still haunts the conspirators and will ultimately lead to
their downfall.
Q6. How does Brutus compare the voyage of life to the voyage at sea?
Ans: Just like the tide in the sea, there is a tide in the life of men. If the ship
misses the tide it is bound to be stuck up. Similarly, if human beings miss the
opportunity, the voyage of life becomes sorrowful. They loss the battle of life.
He speaks figuratively of a “tide” in the lives of human beings: if one takes
advantage of the high tide, one may float out to sea and travel far; if one
misses this chance, the “voyage” that one’s life comprises will remain forever
confined to the shallows.

Act 4 SC 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Act 4 SC 3

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Act 4 SC 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Act 4: Sc 3

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.