Discussion Topic
The members and dynamics of the Second Triumvirate in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
Summary:
The Second Triumvirate in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar consists of Mark Antony, Octavius Caesar, and Lepidus. This political alliance is formed to consolidate power and avenge Julius Caesar's assassination. The dynamics among the three are tense, with Antony and Octavius often sidelining Lepidus, viewing him as the weakest link and merely a tool to achieve their ends.
In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act 4, Scene 1, who are the members of the Second Triumvirate?
The Second Tiumvirate was formed after the assassination of Julius Caesar; it consisted of Caesar Octavius (later known as Augustus Caesar), Marc Antony, and Marcus Aerilius Lepidus. After the assassination, they set out to punish the murderers of Caesar, Brutus and Cassius, who were defeated in two battles fought at Phillippi.
After this battle, the Triumvirate agreed to divide the provinces of the Republic into spheres of influence. Octavian took the West, Antony the East, and Lepidus Hispania and Africa. In September 40 B.C. a Pact was enacted.
In Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," the play ends with the death of noble Brutus and the country is separated. Act Four, Scene I foreshadows the envy of the men for each other. In this scene Antony callously compiles a list of men in a proscription which will deal death to some. Antony suggests letting Lepidus go. However, Octavius argues that
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your will;But he's a gried and valiant soldier.
But, Marc Antony will not hear such an objection:
So is my horse, Octavius, and for that /I do appoint him stor of provender.
At this point, Octavius begins to worry about others. Here the moral flaw in Marc Antony's character can also be seen. An unflattering picture of the great Antony as well as a warning of civil war.