Act V

Scene 1

1. Why are Octavius’ hopes answered? 2. What is the real reason the rebel armies have come to Philippi, according to Antony? 3. What do Antony and Octavius argue over on page 81? 4. How does Antony use Brutus’ own words against Brutus? 5. How does Cassius insult Antony on page 82? 6. What does Brutus mean when he says,”Caesar, thou canst not die by traitor’s hands, unless thou bring’st them with thee”? 7. How does Cassius insult Octavius and Antony on page 83? 8. Whose birthday is it? 9. a) How have Cassius’ views on omens changed? Give evidence from the play to support your ideas. b) What accompanied the soldiers on the way to Philippi? 10. What are Brutus’ views on suicide? 11. What are Brutus and Cassius discussing at the end of this scene?

Scene 2

1. What evidence is there to suggest that Brutus is optimistic about the battle in the beginning of this scene?

Scene 3

1. Why does Cassius say,”Myself have to mine own turn’d enemy”? 2. What tactical error has Brutus made? 3. What does Cassius send Titinius to do? 4. Who says, “My life has run his compass”? What does this line mean? 5. What news does Pindarus convey to Cassius? 6. What does Cassius ask Pindarus to do? 7. Paraphrase line 47. 8. How is Brutus fairing in his battle against Octavius? 9. Paraphrase lines 60-65. 10. What does Messala mean when he speaks about error? (Lines 66-71) 11. What happens to Titinius at the end of this scene? 12. Why does Brutus say that Caesar is “mighty yet”? 13. What does Brutus request that Cato do with Cassius’ body?

Scene 4

1. What act of bravery does Lucilius perform? Why? 2. What does Antony want the soldiers to do with Lucilius? Why?

Scene 5

1. What evidence is there to suggest that that the battle is not going well for Brutus? 2. What does Brutus whisper into the ears of Clitus and Dardanius? 3. Paraphrase lines 24-25. 4. Paraphrase lines 34-40. 5. What image is used to symbolize death in line 41? 6. Who helps Brutus to die? 7. What does Brutus say as he runs into his sword? 8. Who “overcame himself”? What does this mean? 9. What is Lucilius referring to on lines 57-58? 10. What are Antony’s views about Brutus at the end of this scene? 11. What kind of funeral will Brutus have?