Julius Cesar Quotes
O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood! Over thy wounds now do I prophesy,-- Which, like dumb mouths, do open their ruby lips, To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue-- A curse shall light upon the limbs of men; (III, i, 254-262)
Speaker: Antony Context: The people that killed caesar walk away and antony is standing over caesar's body talking about what he thinks about the men that killed caesar and what he wants to do about them. Analysis: The speech shows how Antony actually hates everyone for what they have done to caesar he wants revenge and to convince the citizens of the cruelty of the men. It shows that not even the manipulative brutus' speech could convince Antony that the men were in the right. It is mostly important because it is showing that antony now wants revenge on them.
Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabbed; And as he plucked his cursed steel away, Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it, As rushing out of doors, to be resolved If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no; For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! (III, ii, 173-179)
Speaker: Antony Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Antony is speaking out to the citizens of Rome holding Caesar's cloak that he wore when he was stabbed. He was essentially telling them where each person stabbed Caesar in the cloak. analysis/significance: A metaphor is used as Antony describes Brutus stabbing Caesar as someone rudely banging on someone's door and the blood flowing out of Caesar (when the knife came out) like the person running to the door to see who it is (blood ¨running¨ rushing out).
1. And do you now put on your best attire? And do you now cull out a holiday? And do you now strew flowers in his way That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? Be gone! Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague That needs must light on this ingratitude. (I, i, 48-55)
Speaker: Marullus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Marullus angry at the commoners because they are celebrating caesar's victory, he is specifically angry about how the citizens have completely filled their allegiance round, as before they loved/ supported Pompey analysis/significance: Uses repetition(anaphora), or parallelism, and asks questions
Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it; It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. You are not wood, you are not stones, but men; And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar, It will inflame you, it will make you mad: 'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs; For, if you should, O, what would come of it! (III, ii, 137-143)
Speaker: Antony Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Antony is speaking out to the people about Caesar's will. analysis/significance: This moment is similar to a metaphor as antony tells the citizens that they are not wood or stones. Antony is implying that they are not wood or stones because people carve their names into stones and wood like how a name is written ("carved") into a will. He is implying that the contents of the will would make the citizens angry because most likely, the citizens do not anything out of caesar's will.
Line preceding this: Octavius: "But he's a tried a valiant soldier." So is my horse, Octavius; and for that I do appoint him store of provender: It is a creature that I teach to fight, To wind, to stop, to run directly on, His corporal motion govern'd by my spirit. And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so; He must be taught and train'd and bid go forth; A barren-spirited fellow:... (IV, i, 29-36)
Speaker: Antony Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Antony is speaking to octavius just after Lepidus leaves. The conversation revolves around the idea that Antony does not think that Lepidus is valuable to them. analysis/significance: A metaphor is used in the entire speech Antony gives as the entire time he is comparing Lepidus to his horse saying that like his horse Lepidus needs to be taught and trained (because right now he is not valuable). Antony also alludes to the idea that like his horse, Lepidus will follow and do whatever Antony asks of him.
I tell you that which you yourselves do know, Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus, And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue In every wound of Caesar that should move The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny. (III, ii, 220-226)
Speaker: Antony Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Antony speaking to the citizens of Rome after he discusses (to get the people to join him) getting revenge on the men that killed his friend Caesar. analysis/significance: In this moment Antony reveals Caesars body to the crowd and everyone is in shock at the sight of his dead bloody body. The use of personification is used at Antony tells the people that Brutus is essentially manipulative with his words and convincing others and could even get the stones of Rome to rise up and rebel against Caesar's supporters. Obviously the stones are not going to rise up, but it instills the fact that Brutus´ words are very powerful and effective on the people of Rome, and while Antony knows this he hopes that the people will take his side.
O Antony, beg not your death of us! Though now we must appear bloody and cruel, As by our hands and this present act You see we do, yet see you but our hands And this the bleeding business they have done. Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful; And pity to the general wrong of Rome (As fire drives out fire, so pity pity) Hath done this deed on Caesar. (III, i, 164-172)
Speaker: Brutus Context: After antony says that he would be honored to be killed (because he thinks there are harsh feelings towards him), brutus says not to ask them to kill him because he claims they are not actually bad people after killing caesar though it may seem like that. Analysis: It is ironic because Brutus is trying so hard to convince Antony that they are all good people and that he needs to look at their "good hearts" and not their bloody hands that they just used to STAB SOMEONE TO DEATH. Brutus says he feels bad kind of but something had to be done to save Rome.
But let not, therefore, my good friends be grieved-- Among which number, Cassius, be you one-- Nor construe any further my neglect, Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men. (I, ii, 43-47)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Brutus and Cassius are outside of the coliseum as the games are going on discussing their friendship. analysis/significance: The significance of the quote is that Brutus is describing how highly he thinks of Cassius as a friend, which shows how Brutus is allowing Cassius to manipulate Brutus without knowing.
Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is likely to lay upon us. (I, ii, 172-175)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Brutus is talking with Cassius, right after Cassius tried to convince him Caesar is not good for Rome. analysis/significance: Brutus falls for Cassius's plot in killing Caesar as he puts Rome's goals first ahead of his friendship with Caesar. The flattery and praise from Cassius foreshadows how Brutus will become part of the plot to kill Caesar, even though he is one of Caesar's closest friends.
Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth, as which of you shall not? With this I depart, that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death. (III, ii, 36-41)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Marc antony is entering while Brutus is talking to the civilians of rome (holding caesars body) analysis/significance: Brutus is saying that he will kill himself (the man who did not even want to kill caesar now feels good about his choice) and will kill himself if it will benefit rome. This is a different perception of the idea of killing from what we saw when Brutus was so worried and not sleeping over the thought of killing someone else but all of a sudden he says he will commit suicide if it will benefit rome.
Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel Will bear no color for the thing he is, Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented, Would run to these and these extremities; And therefore think him as a serpent's egg, Which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous, And kill him in the shell. (II, i, 28-35)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Speaking to himself and comparing Caesar to a snake in its' egg, to justify killing him now, so he can't become bad later. analysis/significance: Brutus is justifying to himself killing Caesar. He compares Caesar to a snake saying that (simile) he is like the serpent's egg that when it hatches it becomes a dangerous serpent. The comparison is saying that right now Caesar has won the peoples hearts but brutus knows that when he has full power he will be evil and vicious like a serpent. Therefore, Caesar must be killed before he "hatches" into the serpent.
Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar, I have not slept. Between the acting of a dreadful thing and the first motion, All the interim is like phantasma or a hideous dream. The genius and mortal instruments. Are then in council, and the state of man. Like to a little kingdom, suffers then. The nature of an insurrection. (II, i, 61-69)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Speaking to himself. Considering the anonymous letter he just got, asking him to kill Caesar. analysis/significance: This shows Brutus is still unsure if he should kill Caesar, and compares everything to being a bad dream saying that from the moment he decided to do this with cassis everything has felt awful and unreal like a bad dream (simile).
Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, To cut the head off and then hack the limbs, Like wrath in death and envy afterwards, For Antony is but a limb of Caesar. Let us be sacrificers but not butchers, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, And in the spirit of men there is no blood. (II, ii, 162-168)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Speaking with the conspirators; Cassius suggests killing Marc Antony (supporter of Caesar) along w killing Caesar. analysis/significance: Brutus only wants to "revolt" against Caesar and not actually kill Caesar. All of a sudden Brutus is becoming soft and saying not to kill Marc Antony or Caesar. He does not want anything to seem too bloody or like they were jealous of Caesar and his followers. "For antony is but a limb of Caesar" is a good metaphor because it suggests Marc Antony is only one of Caesar's followers (parts that make up how strong he is); therefore what good would killing Marc antony even do.
There is tears for his love; joy for his Fortune; honor for his valor; and death for his ambition. Who is Here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, Speak, for him have I offended. Who here is so vile that will not Love his country? If any, speak, for him I have offended. I pause For a reply. (III, ii, 24-30)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Brutus is speaking out to the people. He is saying that the people either want to be a slave or they must agree with him (he is speaking out to the common people and of course they will believe him). analysis/significance: He is trying to convince the people that he killed caesar because he loved rome it is not that he did not love caesar because he loved him but he loved rome more. He claims he killed him because he was ambitious and if he were still here that everyone would be slaves. He almost wants pity which is very ironic because he stabbed someone to death and he is seeking followers now... wow..kind of dumb.
What, shall one of us That struck the foremost man of all this world But for supporting robbers, shall we now Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, And sell the mighty space of our large honours For so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, Than such a Roman. (IV, iii, 21-28)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Brutus is speaking to Cassius about supporting crooks and not being an honorable friend / being greedy (because he did not aid Brutus by sending him gold to support his army). analysis/significance: This is a significant moment because it is in this moment that Brutus calls out cassius about Caesar's death and says that all of the men stabbed Caesar for justice (to not be Caesars slaves in Rome), all except for Cassius who was the only one who did not stab Caesar for justice, but instead because Caesar did not support robbers and criminals. Brutus is saying he does not want to live the crooked lifestyle cassius lives; he would rather be a dog howling at the moon than that kind of a Roman.
Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe. The enemy increaseth every day. We, at the height, are ready to decline. There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves Or lose our ventures. (IV, iii, 215-224)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Brutus is speaking to Cassius about what the plan will be in the ¨revolt¨ against Antony and octavius who they heard are coming after them in seek of revenge for Caesar's death. analysis/significance: Brutus uses a metaphor to describe why they need to go forth and just attack by marching into Phillipi (not just waiting for them come to B and C like C suggested). The metaphor is comparing the fact that Brutus feels the men are ready to attack NOW to a tidal wave. He is saying that right now their wave is basically at its highest tidal meaning they are ready and they have all of the skill and tools to fight, but if they wait any longer (the wave will just crash ((go down)) they will lose all of the might they have right now; the more days they let pass doing nothing the weaker they become (the smaller the wave becomes until it crashes on the shore).
Thou hast described A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius, When love begins to sicken and decay, It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith; But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show and promise of their mettle; But when they should endure the bloody spur, They fall their crests, and, like deceitful jades, Sink in the trial. (IV, ii, 18-27)
Speaker: Brutus Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Brutus pulls Lucillius aside right before meeting Pindarus. Brutus asked Lucillius if Cassius treats Lucillius badly. (Brutus is basically saying that remember when people get sick of you they treat you artificially like nothing special at all; fake). analysis/significance: A simile is used (¨But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show and promise of their mettle¨). In those lines Brutus is comparing men that try to show off and act all powerful from the start (like Cassius who acts all cool but then later treats his men like crap) to horses that try to show off and jump around right before the start of a race. He is almost telling Lucillius that Cassius is that exact same way and that Cassius is almost too prideful sometimes and to remember that when he is mean to him to just let it go (bc brutus knows he will treat him like crap in the end).
I could be well moved, if I were as you: If I could pray to move, prayers would move me: But I am constant as the northern star, Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. (III, i, 58-62)
Speaker: Caesar Context: Caesar is talking to cassius about how cassius can change people's minds and reason with people while caesar discusses that he cannot change his mind and reason. Analysis: A simile is used as caesar compares himself to be like the Northern star because the Northern star never moves and he compares it to how he always sticks with his decisions and never changes his mind.
Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once, Of all the wonders that yet have heard, It seems to me more strange than men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come. (II, ii, 32-37)
Speaker: Caesar Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): This occurs after Calpurnia says the omens predict Caesar's death. analysis/significance: It shows significance because Caesar seems to be okay with the idea of death, though he wants to know how to avoid death, he is okay with it as he discusses that he finds it odd that people are so scared of death because death is inevitable and can happen whenever. He almost brushes off the idea of dying.
By all the gods that Romans bow before, I here discard my sickness! Soul of Rome! Brave son, derived from honourable loins! Thou, like an exorcist, hast conjured up My mortified spirit. Now bid me run, And I will strive with things impossible; Yea, get the better of them. What's to do? (II, i, 320-326)
Speaker: Caius Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Caius is speaking to Brutus after Brutus talks to Portia. analysis/significance: Caius says him being sick doesn't matter, because he is a Roman and is ready to do anything that Brutus needs him to do. Shows how important Brutus is and how people are beginning to follow him in the way the others follow caesar (shows brutus' power).
Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see Thy honorable mettle may be wrought From that is disposed. Therefore it is meet That noble minds keep ever with their likes; For who so firm that cannot be seduced? (I, ii, 301-305)
Speaker: Cassius Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Cassius had been talking to Casca about convincing Brutus, so he makes an aside in which he mentions that Brutus will be easily convinced. analysis/significance: Cassius is still trying to seduce Brutus into dethroning Caesar. He tells him to just focus on what is best for Rome for right now. He sees that Brutus' "honorable" qualities are actually flawed meaning that anyone could technically get Brutus to believe them. Brutus has been hanging around men like Cassius that simply seduce his mind into getting what they want for themselves.
And why should Caesar be a tyrant then? Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf But that he sees the Romans are but sheep; He were no lion, were not Romans hinds. Those that with haste will make a mighty fire Begin it with weak straw. What trash is Rome, What rubbish and what offal, when it serves For the base matter to illuminate So vile as thing as cesar! O grief
Speaker: Cassius Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Convincing Casca to help kill Caesar analysis/significance: Romans have become weak, so Caesar appears strong only by comparison. Roman civilians are encouraging Caesars ambitions. It is significant because Cassius is trying to persuade Casca that Caesar is not really as powerful and strong as he seems.
"Brutus" and "Caesar": what should be in that 'Caesar'? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together, yours is as fair a name; Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em, "Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Caesar". (I, ii, 142-147)
Speaker: Cassius Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Speaking to Brutus analysis/significance: Cassius is trying to convince Brutus into betraying Caesar and taking the throne for himself. He is hyping Brutus up and saying that people hype caesar up too much and that their names "weigh the same" and they are equal therefore, brutus is perfectly capable of taking Caesar down.
I know where I will wear this dagger then; Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius. Therein, ye gods, make the weak most strong; Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat. (I, iii, 89-92)
Speaker: Cassius Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): speaking to casca after casca tells him that caesar is going to be crowned king tomorrow. analysis/significance: Cassius says that he is going to kill himself in order to escape the slavery of Caesar's rule. It then says that suicide makes the weak strong. This is significant because
No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I, And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness. (l, ii, 252-253)
Speaker: Cassius Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Talking with Brutus and Casca, after Casca explained how Caesar refused the crown of Rome three times, but seemed to want it. And Caesar fell over analysis/significance: They are sick because they are willing to "Fall" under the rule of Caesar. "No, Caesar doesn't have epilepsy. You and I, and honest Casca, we have epilepsy—we've fallen."
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit That could be moved to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart's ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. (I, ii, 205-210)
Speaker: Ceaser Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Talking to Antony about Cassius, who Caesar is suspicious of, after leaving the race and denying the crown of Rome. analysis/significance:Caesar is suspicious of Cassius yet his arrogance is demonstrated in his character as he does not take action on these suspicions.
These growing feathers pluck'd from Caesar's wing Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, Who else would soar above the view of men And keep us all in servile fearfulness. (I, i, 72-75)
Speaker: Flavius Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): Speaking to Marullus about Caesar after they disperse the crowd of commoners who are celebrating the return of Caesar and Lupercal Analysis/Significance: It is a foreshadowing of Cassius is able to convince and turn Caesar's supporters against him to team together to kill Caesar. This is discussed through a small extended metaphor of Caesar to a bird.
(Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest) Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me; But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? When the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honorable man. (III, ii, 81-91)
Speaker: Marc Antony Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?): He is speaking at Caesar's funeral, but he seems to be showing recognition to Brutus?? Confused here *** analysis/significance:
. It will not let you eat nor talk nor sleep, And could it work so much upon your shape As it hath much prevailed on your condition, I should not know you Brutus. Dear my lord, Make me acquainted with your cause of grief. (II, i, 252-256)
Speaker: Portia Context (When, specifically, in the play? To whom is s/he speaking?):Portia is speaking to Brutus about how he's been acting differently. analysis/significance: It shows significance because now Brutus is beginning to act differently; the idea of killing Caesar is getting to Brutus' head so much that he is not eating or sleeping; if he keeps going on like this portia won't even recognize him.