Hope you're enjoying ACT V's tragic exclamation points. As you read, think about our discussions of ambition, power, and idealism. Why do Brutus and Cassius plan to kill themselves? Do they meet their ends in similar or different fashions? What omens (think birds) does Cassius see on the way to battle, and how do they cause him to reflect on his life? What do Brutus' last few lines suggest about the people he trusted and his own values? What about his character suggests that Brutus, and not Caesar, is the true tragic hero?
You are welcome to post comments with any questions or ideas about the reading for each other (and me, and whoever else reads this) to consider. This is not a formal assignment, just an opportunity for three periods of Honors students to give/get feedback. Reminder: Don't be shy, but-- since you don't know who'll be in the audience-- please be professional, especially if/when you disagree.
Question 3) The two "mighty/strong" birds that Cassius saw could have represented the soldiers/Cassius?Brutus' confidence and hope that the battle will be theirs. The birds leaving could be a sign that that same hope has left. Cassius goes on to say that the affairs of men are uncertain and always expect the worse. Cassius expects the worse and is willing to kill self so as to not be taken back to Rome as a prisoner. Do you guys (students) agree?
ReplyDeleteYa that sounds about right.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1)Brutus and Cassius plan to kill themselves because they would rather take their own lives than be marched through the streets of Rome in disgrace. They would rather be martyrs than prisoners, right?
Ya, riight.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2) Both Brutus and Cassius kill themselves by flinging themselves on a sword. Brutus had the opportunity to say adios to his fellow comrads and Cassius just said adios to his servant, right?
More so, both Brutus and Cassius had their servants help kill them as well.
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ReplyDeleteDoes anybody know what question #4 exactly means? In the last couple of lines that Brutus says, is he talking about the good men he has met in his life or something about Caesar? Im really not sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure, I didn't get it either.
ReplyDeleteWell, uhm... Brutus says that "Caesar, now be still." In other words, Caesar rest now knowing that those who conspired against you are dead-his soul can rest in peace... When Brutus' says, "I killed not thee with half so good a will." I think he meant that he didn't fully want to kill Caesar but he was pressured in a way...
ReplyDeleteI hope that helps..
Question 5: Brutus’ noble personality qualifies him to be the tragic hero. He never tried to intentionally deceive someone or hurt someone. Even when he killed Caesar he was being noble because he was doing it for Rome, not out of envy like the other conspirators. His tragic flaw is being naïve and unsuspecting towards things. Examples: Because he never betrayed anyone, he expected that no one would ever betray him, which in the end leads to his own death when he decides to kill himself rather than be taken as a prisoner into Rome. He believes the conspirators when they tell him that they must kill Caesar for the good of Rome and joins them. He also allows Marc Antony to speak at Caesars funeral, not knowing that his words would bring the crowd to believing the conspirators are all horrible people, and cause a war.
ReplyDeleteDon’t know if this is entirely correct, it’s just what I think and got from it. I’d love to hear comments :)
oh and what I got from Brutus saying "I killed not thee with half so good a will" was that he was more sure of killing himself, than he was of killing Caesar.
ReplyDeleteTomatocup...I love your response with good points and examples... Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteWow that was an amazing comment, who is this if you dont mind me asking?
ReplyDeleteThis is Iliana haha..... and thankyou! Can someone help on question four? Just the part about the people he trusted and his own values.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Can I know who all of you are haha?
If you would'nt mind making another amazing comment, what do you think of #4?
ReplyDeleteWow Tomato Cup. It sounds like you must be Acing this class. Very smart interpretation. I love that kids our age can be intelligient. I wish to be like you Tomato Cup.
ReplyDeleteHow come I couldn't think of that. Good Job Iliana
ReplyDeleteWhy thankya! And again, I'm not sure about number four. I was hoping for help from you guys on that one.
ReplyDeleteHmm... When Brutus says
ReplyDelete"My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
I found no man but he was true to me.
I shall have glory by this losing day
More than Octavius and Mark Antony." I think he meant that he is happy that he has known no other men except good loyal men...He is victorious for having such good friends-even better loyal friends than Octavius and Brutus. He rejoices even in the face of death...
I'm Felicitas...nice to meet you guys!
Awesome. Thankyou :)
ReplyDeleteAnd nice to meet you too :D
Thats exactly what I was thinking Felicitas, thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteBrutus's tragic flaw was that he was too trusting, because he trusted Cassius and the other conspiriters to quickly, right?
ReplyDeleteOh and it's me Ryan N.
Thank you guys for commenting and brainstorming...I thought I was going to be the only...Good luck on the quiz!
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