“Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala.”

• Context: The scene opens with an “Alarum,” which signifies the sound of battle. Brutus and Messala enter, indicating they are in the middle of a tense battle.
• Language Device: Alarum is a stage direction indicating a sense of urgency and immediate danger.

“BRUTUS: Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills Unto the legions on the other side!”

• Context: Brutus is instructing Messala to urgently deliver important orders or messages (the “bills”) to the other legions (soldiers) on the opposite side of the battlefield.
• Language Device:
  • Repetition: The repeated use of “ride” emphasizes urgency and the need for speed. It suggests that time is of the essence.
  • Imperative tone: Brutus uses the command form of the verb, indicating authority and decisiveness.
  • Metaphor/Imagery: “Bills” may refer to written orders or communications, adding a strategic and organized element to the scene.

“He hands Messala papers.”

• Context: This is a brief action stage direction indicating that Brutus hands Messala the papers, which are crucial for the military strategy.
• Language Device:
  • Stage direction: The handing over of papers serves as a physical action that reinforces the strategic nature of the dialogue.

“Loud alarum.”

• Context: The continuation of the battle, symbolized by a loud alarm. It suggests chaos and escalating tension in the conflict.
• Language Device:
  • Onomatopoeia: “Alarum” mimics the sound of the battle, adding intensity and creating a sense of immediacy.

“Let them set on at once, for I perceive But cold demeanor in Octavius’ wing, And sudden push gives them the overthrow.”

• Context: Brutus is analyzing the situation and instructing Messala to act quickly. He believes that Octavius’ forces are showing weakness (“cold demeanor”) and that a sudden attack (“push”) will defeat them.
• Language Device:
  • Metaphor: “Cold demeanor” suggests a lack of enthusiasm, aggression, or confidence on the part of Octavius’ forces, implying a possible vulnerability.
  • Antithesis: “Cold demeanor” vs. “sudden push” contrasts two opposite elements: inactivity versus action, showing Brutus’ strategic thinking.
  • Foreshadowing: The mention of “overthrow” hints at the potential defeat of Octavius’ forces, setting the tone for the battle outcome.

“Ride, ride, Messala! Let them all come down.”

• Context: Brutus repeats his command for Messala to ride, emphasizing the urgency of the moment. He wants the full force of his own army to advance (“come down”).
• Language Device:
  • Repetition: Again, the repetition of “ride” stresses the urgency and importance of swift action.
  • Imperative tone: Commands like “Let them all come down” reinforce Brutus’ leadership and resolve.

“They exit.”

• Context: This marks the end of the scene as Brutus and Messala exit, signaling their next move in the battle.
• Language Device:
  • Stage direction: The exit signifies a transition in the play’s action, indicating that the battle is continuing to unfold, and the fate of the characters will soon be decided.