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CASSIUS:
Messala,
This is my birthday . . . .
Now I change my mind,
And partly credit things that do presage. . . .
Two mighty eagles fell . . . .
And in their steads do ravens, crows, and kites
Fly o’er our heads and downward look on us,
As we are sickly prey. Their shadows seem
A canopy most fatal under which
Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.
How does Cassius’ use of figurative language in the bolded lines foreshadow the possible fate of his and Brutus’ army?
By using figurative language, Shakespeare creates a visual image of Octavius’ army overtaking them like inescapable death. Cassius’ words foreshadow later events in act 5.
That heaven hath infused them with these spirits
To make them instruments of fear and warning
Unto some monstrous state.
ANTONY:
If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
You all do know this mantle1. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on.
‘Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii2.
Look, in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through.
See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabbed;
1. A cloak.
2. One of Caesar’s military conquests.
Which rhetorical appeal does Mark Antony use in the above excerpt?
BRUTUS:
No, Cassius, no.
Think not, thou noble Roman,
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome.
He bears too great a mind. But this same day
Must end that work the ides of March begun;
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
Therefore our everlasting farewell take.
For ever and for ever farewell, Cassius.
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile.
If not, why then, this parting was well made.
CASSIUS:
For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus.
If we do meet again, we’ll smile indeed.
If not, ’tis true this parting was well made.
Which theme do Brutus and Cassius explore in saying farewell to each other before they begin the battle with Octavius’ army?
BRUTUS:
No, Cassius, no.
Think not, thou noble Roman,
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome.
He bears too great a mind. But this same day
Must end that work the ides of March begun;
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
Therefore our everlasting farewell take.
For ever and for ever farewell, Cassius.
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile.
If not, why then, this parting was well made.
CASSIUS:
For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus.
If we do meet again, we’ll smile indeed.
If not, ’tis true this parting was well made.
What is the tone of this exchange between Brutus and Cassius? Give specific examples of words that support your answer.
Students may identify the tone as any of the following choices: sincere, serious, honest, stoic. Example:
The tone of this exchange is sincere. These two friends face the potentiality of their deaths, acknowledge it, and say goodbye. Brutus’ sincerity is shown in his use of these words: “everlasting farewell take/For ever and for ever farewell, Cassius./If we do meet again, why, we shall smile.” Cassius echoes his words: “For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus./If we do meet again, we’ll smile indeed.”
During a play, Emily needs to convey her innermost thoughts about her deep love for Richard. She moves to her bedroom on the stage, away from the ears of other characters. The audience listens as she begins to express her emotions in a speech.
Which type of speech fits this scenario best?
