Jul 24, 2008

Julius Caesar | Act III, Scene 1: Summary and Analysis

New Characters:
Lepidus: one of the three rulers of Rome after Caesar’s death

Publius: elderly Roman senator who escorts Caesar to the Senate

Popilius Lena: senator who wishes success to Cassius

Servant: messenger from Octavius

Summary
Caesar arrives at the Senate House on the ides of March. Artemidorus tries to give Caesar his warning letter, as Decius offers Caesar a petition. Artemidorus presses Caesar to read his letter first because it “touches Caesar nearer.” (7) Caesar responds, “What touches us ourself shall be last served.” (8) In other words,...