Tuesday, November 15, 2016

What is the mood of the crowd when Brutus first appears to speak to them in Act III of Julius Caesar?

When Brutus first appears, the angry crowd demands an explanation of what has happened and why it occurred.


After Brutus steps forward, one of the plebeians shouts, "We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!" (3.2.1) Brutus instructs the crowd to follow him or Cassius and "public reasons shall be rendered/Of Caesar's death" (3.2.7-8). So, the crowd divides as some go with Cassius; Brutus then ascends the steps in order to speak to those assembled before him. 
He tells these plebeians that he has killed Caesar not because he did not love him, but because he loves Rome more. Passionately, he asks the crowd if they would rather that Caesar were living and they would all die as slaves, or that Caesar die and they could live as free men. Further, Brutus declares that while he honors Caesar for his valor, he has slain him because Caesar was ambitious. The crowd believes Brutus because they know that Caesar has previously defeated Pompey with whom he contended for the leadership of Rome. Brutus further appeals to his listeners: 



Who is here so base, that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. (3.2.31-32)



When the crowd replies "none," Brutus declares that Caesar's life has been evaluated both for his faults and his virtues. Then, Mark Antony enters with Caesar's body, and Brutus explains that Antony has had nothing to do with the assassination; therefore, he should be included in the new government. The crowd is in agreement with Brutus, cheering Brutus and urging that he should be put in Caesar's place; in fact, they want to carry him to his home in triumph.

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