Detailed Explanation of Act 4 – Julius Caesar
Act 4, Scene 1
This scene opens with the newly formed Second Triumvirate: Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus. They
are now in power after Caesar’s assassination and are preparing to eliminate their enemies.
Together, they create a list of Romans to be killed, including relatives. For example, Lepidus agrees to
the death of his own brother in exchange for Antony allowing the death of a relative of his.
Antony sends Lepidus on a mission and, once he leaves, mocks him by comparing him to a donkey
and a horse—useful only for carrying burdens. He says Lepidus is not equal in power and is just a
temporary helper. This reveals Antony's ambition and cunning nature. Octavius, however, seems
more respectful toward Lepidus but still allows Antony to manipulate the situation.
This scene reveals how power has corrupted the new leaders. They are now cold, calculating, and
ready to kill for political gain—just like the men they opposed.
Key Themes: Ruthlessness in politics, betrayal, manipulation, ambition
Important Quote:
"This is a slight unmeritable man, meet to be sent on errands." – Antony
Meaning: Antony sees Lepidus as useless and only good for small tasks, not as a true partner.
Act 4, Scene 2
This scene shifts the focus to the conspirators Brutus and Cassius, who are building their army to
fight Antony and Octavius. When Cassius arrives, Brutus seems cold and serious. It’s clear there’s a
conflict between them. Brutus accuses Cassius of accepting bribes—something Brutus finds morally
wrong. He believes the killing of Caesar was done to stop corruption, not to start new corruption.
Brutus asks to take the argument inside the tent so their soldiers don’t hear them fighting. This
shows his leadership skills and awareness of morale. Cassius, on the other hand, feels betrayed by
Brutus’s lack of trust.
This scene prepares us for the emotional confrontation in Scene 3.
Key Themes: Distrust among allies, moral values vs. survival, internal conflict
Important Quote:
"Let us not wrangle. Bid them move away. Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs." – Brutus
Meaning: Brutus wants to settle the disagreement in private and keep unity in front of their troops.
Act 4, Scene 3
This is the longest and most intense scene of Act 4. It starts with a fiery argument between Brutus
and Cassius. Brutus is angry because Cassius ignored his request for money to pay soldiers. He also
accuses Cassius of corruption. Cassius defends himself and even offers his dagger to Brutus, showing
how hurt he is. After the heated exchange, both men realize they still care for each other and forgive
each other. This restores their friendship.
Then, Brutus shares tragic news: Portia, his wife, has committed suicide. She killed herself by
swallowing hot coals, unable to bear the grief and anxiety of the war. This shows the deep emotional
cost of the political chaos.
Later, a soldier brings news that Antony and Octavius are marching toward Philippi. Cassius advises
against going there, but Brutus insists on taking the fight to the enemy. This decision shows Brutus’s
sense of honor but also his lack of military judgment.
That night, Brutus is unable to sleep. He is visited by the Ghost of Caesar, who says, “Thou shalt see
me at Philippi.” This haunting vision shows Brutus's guilt and foreshadows his death. It also
symbolizes Caesar’s revenge and destiny catching up with Brutus.
Key Themes: Loyalty and conflict, personal grief, foreshadowing, supernatural, guilt
Important Quotes:
“Strike as thou didst at Caesar; for I know, when thou didst hate him worst, thou lovedst him
better than ever thou lovedst Cassius.” – Cassius
Meaning: Cassius feels deeply hurt that Brutus suspects him of wrongdoing.
“Thou shalt see me at Philippi.” – Ghost of Caesar
Meaning: This is a warning that Brutus’s death is near and that Caesar’s spirit still haunts the
world.
Overall Summary of Act 4:
Act 4 shows how both sides—Antony’s and Brutus’s—are falling into corruption, mistrust, and
emotional collapse. On one hand, Antony is manipulating alliances for power. On the other, Brutus
and Cassius are breaking apart under pressure and grief. The visit of Caesar’s ghost adds a
supernatural warning, showing that the guilt of betrayal and murder cannot be easily erased.
