10/18 Write Now:

Friendship is a major theme in the play. Explore this theme by answering the following questions:

How far would you go to stop a friend from harming your country?

How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend?

Is there anything for which you would betray a friend?

Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?

Act III, Scene i

Senators just outside the CapitolArtemidorus and the letterPopilius gives conspirators some stress Metellus comes to JC with requestJC refuses

But I am constant as the northern star,Of whose true-fixed and resting qualityThere is no fellow in the firmament. (III,i,60-62)

Act III, Scene i

Conspirators attackEt tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar! (III,i,79)

Brutus reassures others “ambition’s debt is paid”

Antony has run to his house, and citizens are freaking out

Brutus tells them to cover arms and swords with Caesar's blood; walk through the streets declaring “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

Act III, Scene i

Antony meets with conspiratorsHe invites them to kill him

Brutus promises to explain their reasonsAntony asks to speak at JC’s funeral

Brutus agrees; Cassius warns againstBrutus will speak first at funeral, and he makes Antony promise to be nice

Antony’s soliloquyOctavius on his way

Brutus’s Speech

Act III, Scene ii

Brutus delivers earnest, honest, and simple speech

Yes, he killed JC… not because he didn’t love JC, but because he loved Rome more

JC had to die for his ambition

If JC had lived, they’d all be slaves

Crowd totally supportive of Brutus

Antony’s Speech

Act III, Scene ii

Antony shows up with JC’s body, and Brutus leaves

Antony’s speechConspirators are “honorable men”

Was JC ambitious?

JC devoted to his citizens

You don’t want to see JC’s will!

Act III, Scenes ii and iii

Mob ready for chaosOctavius has arrived; Brutus and Cassius have fled The mob questions poet named Cinna

Same name as a conspiratorCinna pleads they have the wrong guy“Tear him for his bad verses”

Mob heading to houses of conspirators