OCTAVIUS:
“Now, Antony, our hopes are answerèd. You said the enemy would not come down But keep the hills and upper regions. It proves not so; their battles are at hand. They mean to warn us at Philippi here, Answering before we do demand of them.”
- Meaning: Octavius expresses that their expectations (of the enemy staying in the high ground) have been contradicted. The battle is imminent, and the enemy has approached sooner than anticipated.
- Analysis: Octavius is pleased to see that the enemy is indeed coming down to face them, which validates his previous beliefs. He also suggests that the enemy is forcing the action and will engage in battle on their own terms.
- Device: Dramatic Irony – Octavius speaks confidently, but the outcome of the battle is still uncertain.
ANTONY:
“Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know Wherefore they do it. They could be content To visit other places, and come down With fearful bravery, thinking by this face To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage. But ’tis not so.”
- Meaning: Antony is saying that he understands the enemy’s strategy. They are coming down with an exaggerated show of bravery to make it seem like they are confident, but Antony believes this is just a facade.
- Analysis: Antony sees through the enemy’s tactics. He believes that their “bravery” is just an act meant to deceive them.
- Device: Metaphor – “I am in their bosoms” means Antony understands their thoughts and plans intimately, as if he’s in their hearts.
Enter a Messenger.
- Analysis: The messenger brings important news, further building tension. The enemy is approaching in full force, setting the stage for the battle.
MESSENGER:
“Prepare you, generals. The enemy comes on in gallant show. Their bloody sign of battle is hung out, And something to be done immediately.”
- Meaning: The messenger warns the generals that the enemy is approaching in full display of strength, and the battle will soon begin.
- Analysis: The imagery of a “bloody sign” heightens the urgency and seriousness of the situation, signaling the imminent start of the battle.
- Device: Imagery – “Bloody sign” and “gallant show” evoke the seriousness and grandeur of war.
ANTONY:
“Octavius, lead your battle softly on Upon the left hand of the even field.”
- Meaning: Antony gives Octavius the command to lead their troops on the left side of the battlefield.
- Analysis: Antony is directing the battle tactics, ensuring that they maintain control of the battlefield positions.
- Device: Leadership/Command – Antony’s strategic thinking is evident here.
OCTAVIUS:
“Upon the right hand, I; keep thou the left.”
- Meaning: Octavius agrees to Antony’s plan, taking command of the right side of the battlefield.
- Analysis: The division of the battlefield shows both their military expertise and their ability to work as a team.
ANTONY:
“Why do you cross me in this exigent?”
- Meaning: Antony questions why Octavius is changing the plan at such a critical moment.
- Analysis: Antony’s frustration with Octavius’s decisions reveals some tension between them. It reflects the difficulties in their alliance despite working together.
- Device: Conflict – Even in a moment of crisis, their relationship is strained.
OCTAVIUS:
“I do not cross you, but I will do so. March.”
- Meaning: Octavius reassures Antony that he is not opposing him but simply following his own plan, and gives the order to march.
- Analysis: Octavius stands firm in his decision, demonstrating his own confidence and leadership style.
- Device: Assertion – Octavius asserts his position as a leader.
Enter Brutus, Cassius, and their army including Lucilius, Titinius, and Messala.
- Analysis: The arrival of Brutus and Cassius signals the start of the final confrontation, setting the stage for the conflict between the two sides.
BRUTUS:
“They stand and would have parley.”
- Meaning: Brutus indicates that the enemy is ready to talk, and they should consider negotiating before the battle begins.
- Analysis: Brutus is open to dialogue, suggesting that he believes in resolving things through speech rather than immediately resorting to violence.
CASSIUS:
“Stand fast, Titinius. We must out and talk.”
- Meaning: Cassius tells Titinius to stand firm while they go out and converse with the enemy.
- Analysis: Cassius’s order shows that he too wants to explore the possibility of negotiations before the battle escalates.
OCTAVIUS:
“Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?”
- Meaning: Octavius asks Antony whether they should give the signal to begin the fight.
- Analysis: Octavius is eager to start the battle, showing his readiness to fight and his confidence in victory.
ANTONY:
“No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge. Make forth. The Generals would have some words.”
- Meaning: Antony refuses to give the signal to fight immediately. Instead, they will wait for the enemy to charge first and engage them in battle.
- Analysis: Antony is adopting a more cautious approach, showing strategic thinking and patience.
OCTAVIUS (to his Officers):
“Stir not until the signal.”
- Meaning: Octavius orders his officers to remain still and not act until they receive the signal.
- Analysis: This command demonstrates discipline and control, as Octavius wants to make sure his forces are organized and ready at the right moment.
The Generals step forward.
- Analysis: The generals of both sides prepare for a confrontation, setting the stage for the verbal exchange that will follow.
BRUTUS:
“Words before blows; is it so, countrymen?”
- Meaning: Brutus questions whether the battle will begin with words or immediately with violence.
- Analysis: Brutus seeks to resolve things diplomatically and questions the necessity of violence, reflecting his philosophy of seeking peace.
OCTAVIUS:
“Not that we love words better, as you do.”
- Meaning: Octavius responds, implying that while they do not prefer words, they are not afraid to fight.
- Analysis: Octavius dismisses Brutus’s call for diplomacy and shows readiness for the physical confrontation.
BRUTUS:
“Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.”
- Meaning: Brutus defends the power of speech over violence, believing that it is better to reason with someone than to strike them.
- Analysis: Brutus places value on rational discourse, positioning himself as a more thoughtful leader than Octavius.
ANTONY:
“In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words. Witness the hole you made in Caesar’s heart, Crying ‘Long live, hail, Caesar!’”
- Meaning: Antony points out the irony in Brutus’s stance, accusing him of hypocrisy for stabbing Caesar, the very man he claimed to honor.
- Analysis: Antony uses irony to challenge Brutus’s moral high ground, exposing the contradiction in his actions.
CASSIUS:
“Antony, The posture of your blows are yet unknown, But, for your words, they rob the Hybla bees And leave them honeyless.”
- Meaning: Cassius criticizes Antony’s words, claiming they are sweet but ultimately empty, comparing them to bees that steal honey.
- Analysis: Cassius uses metaphor to attack Antony’s verbal eloquence, suggesting that words alone are ineffective without action.
ANTONY:
“Not stingless too.”
- Meaning: Antony responds sharply, claiming that his words do indeed have impact and power.
- Analysis: Antony’s comeback shows his confidence and wit, and he is not easily deterred by Cassius’s taunts.
BRUTUS:
“O yes, and soundless too, For you have stolen their buzzing, Antony, And very wisely threat before you sting.”
- Meaning: Brutus accuses Antony of being deceptive with his words, likening him to a bee that threatens but never actually strikes.
- Analysis: Brutus uses a metaphor to suggest that Antony’s threats are ineffective, just as an empty threat from a bee is harmless.
ANTONY:
“Villains, you did not so when your vile daggers Hacked one another in the sides of Caesar. You showed your teeth like apes and fawned like hounds And bowed like bondmen, kissing Caesar’s feet, Whilst damnèd Casca, like a cur, behind Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers!”
- Meaning: Antony accuses Brutus and Cassius of hypocrisy, recalling how they betrayed Caesar with deceit and false flattery.
- Analysis: Antony condemns the conspirators for their dishonorable actions, painting them as animals in a vivid metaphor.
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