Immediately after the senators assassinate Julius Caesar, Brutus declares that Caesar has paid for his ambition and considers his death a victory for Rome. The senators then proceed to bathe their arms in Caesar's blood in order to take full responsibility for their actions. As they smear themselves with Caesar's blood, Cassius triumphantly comments,
"How many ages hence Shall this our lofty scene be acted over In states unborn and accents yet unknown" (Shakespeare, 3.1.122-124).
Cassius is essentially asking how many years from now will this historic event be reenacted in countries that have not yet been founded and reproduced in languages that are not yet known . Cassius has faith that people will celebrate and reenact Julius Caesar's assassination far into the future. Interestingly, Cassius's words ring true as he correctly predicts that people will reenact Caesar's assassination, which is continually reproduced in Shakespeare's classic play throughout the...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
ages. Ironically, the Roman citizens do not share Cassius's enthusiasm regarding Caesar's death and begin to riot, which sparks a civil war.
These lines are spoken by Cassius after he and the other conspirators have assassinated Julius Caesar. Since there is a panic that follows this act, Brutus, as leader of the conspirators, reassures them, "Ambition's debt is paid" (3.1.91). In order to mark themselves as the men who have given Rome "Peace, freedom, and liberty" (3.1.89), Brutus instructs the men to "bathe" their hands in Caesar's blood and "besmear" their swords before they walk to the market place. Then, in the thrill of this moment of glory for them, Cassius encourages the others to follow Brutus's directions. His words indicate that he believes that they will be praised by the Romans for relieving them of a tyrant, and in recognition of the greatness of the conspirators, their act of freeing Rome from the rule of Julius Caesar will be reenacted throughout the world. Of course, Cassius's declaration is ironic as Antony turns the Romans against the conspirators and they riot, causing a civil war that is far worse than the rule of Julius Caesar.