10 18 Write Now Friendship is a major theme

10/18 Write Now: Friendship is a major theme in the play. Explore this theme by answering the following questions: How far would you go to stop a friend from harming your country? How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend? Is there anything for which you would betray a friend? Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?

Act III, Scene i Senators just outside the Capitol Artemidorus and the letter Popilius gives conspirators some stress Metellus comes to JC with request JC refuses But I am constant as the northern star, Of whose true-fixed and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. (III, i, 60 -62)

Act III, Scene i Conspirators attack Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar! (III, i, 79) Brutus reassures others “ambition’s debt is paid” Antony has run to his house, and citizens are freaking out Brutus tells them to cover arms and swords with Caesar's blood; walk through the streets declaring “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

Act III, Scene i Antony meets with conspirators He invites them to kill him Brutus promises to explain their reasons Antony asks to speak at JC’s funeral Brutus agrees; Cassius warns against Brutus will speak first at funeral, and he makes Antony promise to be nice Antony’s soliloquy Octavius on his way

Brutus’s Speech

Act III, Scene ii Brutus delivers earnest, honest, and simple speech Yes, he killed JC… not because he didn’t love JC, but because he loved Rome more JC had to die for his ambition If JC had lived, they’d all be slaves Crowd totally supportive of Brutus

Antony’s Speech

Act III, Scene ii Antony shows up with JC’s body, and Brutus leaves Antony’s speech Conspirators are “honorable men” Was JC ambitious? JC devoted to his citizens You don’t want to see JC’s will!

Act III, Scenes ii and iii Mob ready for chaos Octavius has arrived; Brutus and Cassius have fled The mob questions poet named Cinna Same name as a conspirator Cinna pleads they have the wrong guy “Tear him for his bad verses” Mob heading to houses of conspirators