Julius Caesar Group

Question:

luv2snowboard
luv2snowboard
Student
High School - 10th Grade

In Julius Caesar, Act 4, Scene 3, what is the tone of the plot development, and how does the argument advance the plot?

Julius Caesar Act 4 scene 3 when Brutus and Cassius are fighting

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Posted by luv2snowboard on Saturday March 7, 2009 at 11:28 AM and tagged with brutus, caesar, cassius, julius caesar, plot, tone.

Answers:


  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    Remember that tone is the author's attitude toward his subject; so Shakespeare includes this argument between Brutus and Cassius to demonstrate a petty, biting tone.

    The argument serves several purposes.  First, Shakespeare regularly promotes the theme of chaos breaking out when those in power are deposed.  Julius Caesar is no different.  Ever since Act 3, when the conspirators assassinate Caesar, Rome has been chaotic--full of political corruption, murders, and riots.  Brutus and Cassius's argument also demonstrates this chaos.  They no longer have a common goal, and cannot bring order back to their own plot to rule Rome.

    The argument also foreshadows the events of Act 5.  Because Brutus and Cassius both are guilty of miscommunication in Act 4, the audience is not surprised in Act 5 when miscommunication ultimately leads to Cassius's death.

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    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Monday March 30, 2009 at 3:43 PM