Julius Caesar | Act V, Scene 1: Summary and Analysis
Summary
The setting is on the battlefield at Philippi. Antony and Octavius, at the head of their
armies, are preparing to begin the battle. Through spies Antony knows the enemy is not
ready for the fight. A messenger brings word that the battle is at hand. Before the combat,
Antony and Octavius go into the field to exchange insults with Brutus and Cassius. They
call each other traitors to Rome. Cassius says to Brutus that Antony would not be alive if
Cassius had his way on the ides of March. They break off and plan to settle matters with
their swords.
Cassius confides in Messala that he is reluctant to fight this battle on his birthday. He has
seen signs that have convinced him that they are going to lose. But he is resigned to face
whatever comes. Cassius and Brutus discuss what they will do if they are defeated. Both
agree that they will not be led as captives back to Rome. Although Brutus is opposed to
suicide, he will die before he is taken prisoner. They say their final good-byes and
prepare for the battle.
Analysis
The battle to decide the fate of Rome is at hand. The growing conflict between Antony
and young Octavius is foreshadowed by their exchange prior to the battle. Antony tries to
tell Octavius to fight on the left side of the field, but Octavius asserts himself and refuses
to be ordered by Antony. When Antony asks him why he opposes him, Octavius
responds, “I do not cross you, but I will do so.” (21)
In the play the four generals never face one another in a decisive battle or even a fight.
Instead, their confrontation is one of words, insults, and accusations, before the war
begins. When Antony attacks Brutus and Cassius as villains and flatterers, Cassius takes
the opportunity to tell Brutus, “I told you so.” “Now, Brutus, thank yourself! / This
tongue had not offended so today / If Cassius might have ruled.” (49–51) His instincts
about Antony are proven to be correct.
Superstition manifests itself again in this scene, as Cassius tells Messala that although he
“held Epicurus strong” (did not believe in the supernatural influence on human affairs) he
knows they are going to lose the battle because of the omens he has observed. The
mighty eagles once perched on their battle ensigns, fed by his soldiers, have been
replaced by ravens, crows and kites, scavengers that feast on corpses and “Fly o’er our
heads and downward look on us / As we were sickly prey.” (93–4)
The farewell between Brutus and Cassius is the last time Brutus will see his brother-inlaw alive. Time is running out for both of them. Cassius speaks of the worst case
scenario, and both agree that they will kill themselves rather than face defeat at the hands
of Antony and Octavius. But win or lose, Brutus is content that whatever the outcome of
the day’s events, it will end what began on the ides of March.