Act 4, Scene 1 Summary
Summary
In Julius Caesar, Act 4, Scene 1 opens in Antony's house with Antony, Octavius and Lepidus. They are the Triumvirs who acquired the power to rule the Roman Republic after Caesar's assassination. They immediately start to pick out names of the people they need to execute to maintain power.
Octavius asks Lepidus permission as they need to kill his brother. Lepidus consents and adds his brother's name to the list. He then enquiries Mark Antony about his sister's son. Mark Antony replies by stating that he too shall now live. Antony does not spare anyone, he is ready to take down anyone that might be a potential threat to his power.
This is proved when they are consenting and bargaining to kill one's own kin. This is a commentary on what 'power' can do to one person. To maintain one's power they are willing to sacrifice and murder their own blood.
Antony then asks Lepidus to go fetch Caesar's will to 'cut off some charges in legacies'. This means, he would like to take some of their expenses out of the legacies in Caesar's will. Antony is using Lepidus as a tool. Lepidus does not question and obeys the orders and leaves.
Once Lepidus leaves, Antony tells Octavius that he is a 'unmeritable man' only fit to be 'sent on errands'. Thereby, displaying the real side of Mark Antony. He is also equally problematic as the conspired. At the same time Octavius is aware of Antony and his shrewdness and is vigilant.
Antony goes on to tell Octavious that he has seen more days than him and he can understand and evaluate things better due to his experience. Antony then acknowledges that they are bestowing honours upon Lepidus not out of genuine respect but to relieve themselves of guilt and slander. Then Antony goes on to compare Lepidus to a donkey that bears gold. Implying that Lepidus will carry the weight of their plans without any real power or agency. Once they have achieved their goals—symbolised by bringing their "treasure", they intend to discard Lepidus like 'an empty beast of burden'. He concludes the metaphor by stating that Lepidus will be left empty and free to graze like a common donkey in public spaces.
Octavious responds by stating that Antopny can do as he pleases but Lepidus is a 'valiant soldier'.
Antony compares Lepidus to his horse, suggesting that just as he provides food for his horse to maintain its strength for battle, he gives Lepidus honours and responsibilities to serve their purposes. Through the phrase 'govern'd by my spirit' Antony emphasises his control over both his horse and Lepidus. He trains his horse to perform specific tasks in battle, just as he believes Lepidus must be directed and controlled in their political manoeuvres. Lepidus, 'a barren-spirited fellow', lacks independent thought, agency, ambition or substance. Antony points out that Lepidus adopts ideas or styles that have become outdated or stale because they were once used by others. Antony instructs Octavius not to regard Lepidus as an equal or a person with dignity but merely as a 'property'—a tool for their political ends. Antony then shifts focus to the pressing threat posed by Brutus and Cassius. He calls for unity among themselves (the Triumvirate) and the strengthening of alliances as they prepare for conflict against Brutus and Cassius.
Octavius responds by acknowledging the precarious situation they are in, surrounded by many enemies. He expresses his concern that those who appear friendly may harbour malicious intentions, suggesting a deep mistrust of their allies. Octavius emphasises the need for unity and strategic planning to confront the threats posed by Brutus and Cassius, highlighting the urgency of their situation and the importance of consolidating their power against potential betrayal.
Significance of this Scene
Act 4, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar is significant as it marks the emergence of Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus as a ruthless triumvirate intent on consolidating power through violence. The scene reveals their cold-blooded nature as they create a hit list of political enemies, including friends and family, showcasing their willingness to betray even those closest to them for personal gain. Antony's contempt for Lepidus underscores the theme of manipulation and the dehumanisation of allies in the pursuit of power. It also highlights Antony's transformation into a shrewd political player who prioritises ambition over loyalty, setting the stage for further conflict in the play.
This scene sets the stage for escalating conflict within the play, foreshadowing the civil war between the triumvirate and the conspirators, ultimately highlighting the chaos and moral decay that follows Caesar's assassination.
Important Quotes
"He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, / To groan and sweat under the business." –Antony
Here, Antony compares Lepidus to a donkey that bears gold, implying that Lepidus will carry the weight of their plans without any real power or agency.
"Do not talk of him / But as a property." –Antony
Antony instructs Octavius not to regard Lepidus as an equal or a person with dignity but merely as a "property"—a tool for their political ends.
"You may do four will/ But he's a tried and valiant soldier." – Octavius
In this line Octavius is reminding Antony that Lepidus is also a valiant soldier
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