21 January 2015

"Julius Caesar" Act IV Reaction

- - -  Why does Brutus insist that his army move towards Phillipi despite the warning from the ghost of Caesar?  Keep in mind that Brutus was aware of the Ides of March prophecy.

- - -  What is the significance of Portia's death?

46 comments:

  1. Brutus insists that his army move towards Philippi despite the warning from the ghost of Caesar, because he and Cassius have the Roman army, not the people. Octavius and Antony have the Roman people. If they reach Philippi first, the Octavius and Antony could gain the support of those people as well. Brutus was a part of the Ides of March prophecy, but he does not fear what this ghost tells him. Brutus' power of the army is becoming another tragic flaw and clouding his vision.

    Portia's death is significant, because it shows how Brutus' depression is seeping into his authoritative role. He assumed power, but Antony took over. Brutus is becoming less of a human and focusing on "the good of the Roman people" when they do not even want his guidance anymore. Brutus has let his initial plan control him and forget his wife.

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  2. Brutus is very persistent in arguing his point with Cassius. One topic Brutus argues is that he believes his army should advance to Philippi and confront Mark Anthony's army. Even after Caesar's ghost warns Brutus, Brutus insists he will march to Philippi. Brutus insists this for two reasons. The stated reason is that the people between Brutus and Philippi are against the conspirators. We know this, because Brutus says, " The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground Do not stand but in a forced affection, For they have grudges us contribution. The enemy, marching along by them, By them shall make a fuller number up". Brutus says that if the enemy reaches past Philippi in pursuit of them, they will assuredly become stronger. The second reason Brutus chooses to go, is that he needs to go in order for his tragic hero cycle to continue. Part of Brutus's tragic flaw is that he is too trustworthy. Brutus believes he is making a great decision by going to Philippi. Brutus trusts himself too much, and believes that he is still correct after his confrontation with Caesar's ghost.

    Portia's death is significant, because it is the self discovery sequence in Brutus's tragic hero cycle. The beginning of this sequence is Brutus's realization that the people are plotting against him under the rule of Mark Anthony. The final realization that allows Brutus to know he messed up is the death of his wife. Portia commits suicide, because she is afraid that Mark Anthony has become too strong. She then accidentally swallows hot coals. This means that Portia was distracted by how worried she is for Brutus. Brutus likely assumes this, and realizes that the conspiracy has gained nothing good as was expected. The people have done the opposite of their projected response, and now Caesar and his wife are dead.

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  3. Even though Brutus is warned from the ghost of Caesar and the ides of march prophecy, he is still insistent on going to Phillipi. Brutus does this to show his strength, he does not want to seem weak to his people so he wants to go even with warning. This reveals a tragic flaw of his showing his stubborness and caring to much about what the people think about him. He is putting himself and the people at risk just to prove his power and strength. Portia's death is significant dealing with this. He casually tells Cassius about her death and plays it of as though it is no big deal and he makes it seem as though it does not effect him and his work.

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  4. Brutus continually insists on going to Phillipi because he doesn't want to be seem weak by being scared into hiding by a ghost that only he saw. He need his army to believe in him, and he would have a hard time trying to lead them if they thought he was insane. He also has to be weary of the thought of what the other members of the Senate can do. He knows how this took down Caesar and he also fears for his own life. Another reason for him insisting on going to Phillipi is Brutus now believing he is above all. In a way he is like Caesar in acting this way. "But i am constant as the northern star." (Act III,scene i, 65) "I'll use you for my mirth,yea, for my laughter, /when you are waspish." (Act IV, scene iii,51-52) In many incidents both men have shown how they believe they are of a higher powers then others.

    Portia's death is important because it brings out who Brutus truly is. His reaction to how Portia dies is a huge character revealing because he acts as if he could careless about this. "Why, farewell, Portia. We must die Messala." When receiving the new of his wife's death, he merely tells Messala that death is a part of life. He also isn't even phased by exactly how she dies, by her eating hot coal, she was sending the message that even swallowing coal was more bearable then being with Brutus. This expresses that if Brutus can't even take care of his wife, him taking of Rome is not for the reasons he says he wants to but for power instead.

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  5. Question 1: Brutus sends commands to send out the troops to Phillipi because he wants to believe that it was his imagination or a servant speaking. After the apparition incident, Brutus asks his servants if they were the ones speaking in their sleep. Brutus does not want to believe it because he wants to keep his power. He wants to believe that nothing will harm him. We see, though, that Brutus is a little hesitant to go to the battle himself. He orders Cassius to go first because he is afraid. As common in Shakespearian tragedies, the characters believe in the supernatural. He does not want to die and believes that he can reverse his fate. If he sends Cassius first, it is more likely that Cassius will die and not him.
    Question 2: The death of Portia is quite significant. It shows the current personality of Brutus. When he talks of Portia's death, he does not seem upset. This shows that Brutus is more focused on his power and ruling Rome than his own wife. This is a large change in Brutus from the beginning, where he appears to not care about power. The death of Portia also allows Brutus to share his depression with the audience. It shows the audience that Brutus is still depressed, verifying that it is his tragic flaw. Portia's death is significant in that it shows the personality of Brutus and shows how he has changed.

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  6. Brutus wants to go forward because, he believes while this tide Is high we need to jump on it and ride or we lose everything we worked for. Brutus is arguing this point that they have to do this, even though he is aware of the Ides of March. Brutus was showing his authority over Caesar, by not listening to the prophecy.

    The significances of Portia's death was, she was the reason for Brutus to live. It takes the element of fear away from him to a degree, when he decides to go in war.

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  7. Brutus still wants the army to move towards Phillipi because the ghost promised to see him again. From the ghost saying he would be at Phillipi, Brutus most likely believed that this was a sign to go to Phillipi, as it is the right thing to do. He did not seem to remember the Ides of March prophecy and didn't think the ghost's visit was a warning of any kind. Brutus believed the ghost of Caesar was encouraging him to move his army forward and continue the pursuit to gain control of the Romans.

    Portia's death is significant because it shows how insignificant women are at during this time period. Women are not thought of as strong beings, and their mental and/or physical strengths are overlooked by most men. Brutus never allowed Portia to know any of his business, and he hardly wanted her to be around. Finally, her death did not cause him any grief, and by these actions, the reader can interpret that he is almost relieved she is no longer nagging him to know his business.

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  8. Brutus insists on moving forwards to Phillipi because he wants to prove to Roman's that he is not afraid. Brutus is purposely ignoring the ghost of Caesar because the only thing he is focused on is winning the battle. He wants to be seen as a authority figure that is not afraid of anything. He is more worried about appearance to the Roman's then he is to the warnings from the ghost. The significance of her death is that Brutus does not seem fazed by it. If brought up he just simply says Portia is dead and dismisses it and moves on with his plans to attack Phillipi. Brutus was already depressed before Portia died but when she did his emotions did not shift at all.

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  9. Portia's death is significant because it adds to Brutus' tragic cycle. Her death can be categorized in the tragic chain of events or reversal of fortunes portion of the cycle. Brutus has gained power through the assassination of Caesar. This could show his fortunes turning. Currently he is in a crisis. The people of Rome have gone against the conspirators and Marc Antony is on his way with his people to attack. This crisis is leading into the tragic chain of events. Within this segment of time Portia dies and Brutus ignores the warnings of a ghost. Both of these things are leading to Brutus' tragic end. Portia's death also helps to signify changes in Brutus' character. Prior to this point in the play the audience had only seen Portia once. During this time, Brutus would not inform her of what was happening and was some what cold. Then once she dies the audience sees almost no reaction from Brutus. He has lost some of his humanity and faith in himself. Brutus was a good hearted person who wanted the well being of Rome. After Caesar's death, Brutus has become more contemplative and doubting. He believes that he may have killed a man for no reason. The people of Rome rejected him. He has reasons to doubt his actions and who he has become. This change is signified with the death of Portia. He barely cares that she died and shows less humanity. The death of Portia helps to reveal changes in Brutus along with where he is on the tragic cycle.
    Brutus insists that his army move towards Phillipi because he holds arrogance. His hubris is getting in the way of his judgement. Brutus believes that he is greater than Caesar. He took Caesar down so why should he not believe he can take down any other threat. The audience sees some of Brutus' arrogance when he speaks down towards Cassius. He completely waves off any thing Cassius has against him. When Cassius threatens his life, Brutus calls him a little man. This shows that Brutus does not believe in his own fatality. He thinks he can overcome any obstacle in front of him. His dismissal of the threats signifies his descent in the tragic cycle, he is coming to his tragic end through his own actions. Brutus must go to Phillipi because he is a tragic hero. He has to meet his tragic end. Brutus goes in spite of the warning because his arrogance and hubris have clouded his judgement. He is no longer the pensive man looking for justice but a man looking to regain lost power.

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  10. Brutus wants to move towards Phillipi because he is afraid that the people there might side with Marc Antony and this would give Antony a greater chance to kill Brutus and Cassius. Brutus wants to get their fist so maybe they can go on Brutus' side and give them more men or he just doesn't want the people to join Marc Antony and beat them to Phillipi. The significance of her death is that it showed that his wife really did not love him the way he thought she did. it also showed that Brutus thinks that the reason she died was his absents but we know she did not really love him.

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  11. Brutus feels as though he has gone against his best friend in sight of Rome's approval, yet he still is not embraced by the people. They now are looking to kill him because they figured out that Caesar's death was not acceptable. Brutus does not know of any other way to clear his guilt of Caesar's death, so he chooses to go and fight in Phillipi. Either way, he will win. If he wins the war, he will gain Rome's understanding and if he loses he will die in return for his wrong decisions. Portia's death is foreshadowing the death of Brutus. He begins losing the only people around him that truly show they care for him, so he no longer has anyone to prevent him from the war. If he dies he will not leave anyone in grief. Brutus does not act sympathetic towards her death, because it is opening up a new option for him. This is why he immediately wants to go to Phillipi to fight.

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  12. 1, Brutus insists that his army moves toward Phillipi despite the warning from the ghost Caesar because Brutus needs to talk to the ghost. He works up the courage to speak with the ghost but then the ghost disappears. Brutus needs to speak with Caesar and he is relying on the ghost to appear before him at Phillipi. Brutus was confronted with a prophecy and like Caesar he is willing to meet this prophecy because ot comes from a higher power.
    2. Portia's death is significant because now Brutus has a reason to almost want revenge towards Antony and Octavius, He says she committed suicide because of his absence and because they were combining forces. Brutus handles the news of her death very well. He says nonchalantly she is dead and Cassius is more taken by this than Brutus. Brutus takes the news moves on and is ready to face his enemies in the field of battle.

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  13. Brutus insists that his army move toward Phillipi because like Caesar he needs to be publicly seen to his army as brave,so their moral stays solid. He knows he made his bed killing Caesar ,but Brutus wants to see this through because he truly believes he's doing what is best for Rome as the triumvirate could be worse than the conspirators assumed by their ruthless killing spree of senators. For this reason, Brutus wants the advantages of recruiting new men along the way, and denying Antony time to build a bigger fire. Despite the ghost's warning, Brutus wants to appear composed and prove himself not delusional ,so Brutus insists for his army to move towards Phillipi, yet he's also cautious telling Cassius army to March ahead.

    Portia has been representing Brutus doubts while he does not trusts her or wants to protect her from the conspiracy back firing on her yet it did. When Portia dies, so does Brutus' second guessing disappears as he makes the rash decision to move their armies towards Phillipi. This decision shows that he is in this to the end. Portia's death's effect on Brutus privately and publicly may differ because publicly he wants to be seen as in control but privately he may want revenge her reason for death. Lastly Portia's death represents situational irony since Brutus killed Caesar hurting Antony, and Portia killed herself because of the triumvirate hurting Brutus. In all Portia's death's significance is mainly all the change that has occurred in Brutus' character and the plot.

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  14. Portia's death can be taken in many different views. Most which can be positive or negative.based on the way you look at it. Being that Portia was the only one who stressed and wanted to talk about the conspiracy showed she had a conscience about it. With the death of Portia its almost like Brutus' conscience on the matter has died with her. Now that she has passed he can move on from the conspiracy and become the leader that Rome needs and that he wants to be. The death of Portia also signifies what can come from the conspiracy to kill Caesar. Now that we have seen one person pass that cared for Caesar and who was an all around good person we can infer that there are more terrible things to come that have resulted from Caesar's death.

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  15. Brutus makes the argument that his and Cassius' army is at its peak and will gather no further strength, yet Antony and Octavius' army will only grow and garner more support. Therefore, they will have the best opportunity of success if they strike at this time. Caesar's ghost only convinces Brutus that this is the right action to take because he has begun, like Caesar, to believe himself invincible.
    Portia's death is a means of further developing Brutus' character. Though everyone expects Brutus' demeanor to change, the event prompts barely any reaction from him. This results from Brutus' resolution to push away his emotions, just as he had with Portia before the murder of Caesar. Emotions, especially sorrow, are a sign of femininity, and therefore weakness, to him. He consequently chooses to act strictly militarily. Such a front will cement his troops' support of such a seemingly "invincible" ruler, for he knows he will need loyalty and trust from his army if he is to carry out deeds for the good of the people. As a tragic hero, this is part of his tragic flaw. If it is for the general welfare, Brutus will sacrifice his own well-being, ignoring his feelings to the point of a detached numbness.

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  16. Brutus insists that his army move towards Phillipi despite the warning from the ghost of Caesar because he feels guilty of Caesars death. The ghost clearly warns Brutus that going will bring defeat and death. Brutus is a miserable man, and he feels that him killing his good friend Caesar has not positively impacted Rome like he had expected. Brutus feels guilt and despair, and goes to into battle knowing, and willing of his defeat because he believes he deserves it.

    The death of Portia is significant because of its affect of Brutus. He seems to be unaffected by her death, and does not show grief or despair. When asked about Portia, he dismisses it and makes it his public image that he is not affected. He seems to care more about how he is looked at by his men, and planning to take back Rome.

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  17. Brutus might feel that this is his chance to prove himself since Caesar is dead.
    Portia's death could show how focused Brutus is with his plan for the roman people. Her death appeared to not have impacted Brutus at all which could show how nothing can shake him at this point.

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  18. He explains how he would prefer for Antony to come to them instead. He wants this to happen so that his troops can keep rested for the battle.\
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    I think that Portia's death could make Brutas feel more guilty than anything. He would not tell Portia about his plans to kill ceasar it makes Portia feel that she means nothing to him. We can assume that she would be very mad and feel even more unloved when she finds out what the secret was. If Brutas would have at least told her what his plans were she either could have made him change his mind or at least be ok with what he is doing. In those 2 hypothetical situations Portia more than likely would not have ended up committing suicide. I think that since Brutas is a leader he knows he need to act like one he hides his emotions to do this

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  19. Although Brutus is warned by the ghost of Caesar, Brutus insists to move his army towards Phillipi because he has his mind set on it. Brutus is talking with Cassius when he suggests to march to Phillipi to meet the enemy. Cassius turns down the idea and Brutus still insists on this happening. Brutus says, "The enemy increaseth everyday;" which means Brutus wants to beat the enemy before they grow too strong. Brutus will go against the ghost of Caesar because he believes he can overcome any obstacle that is thrown his way. Brutus wants to act now before his army turns on him. Portia's death allows readers to feel for the way women were treated and how they were thought of in the era of this play. This also shows the way Shakespeare portrayed woman characters. Portia is portrayed as weak and vulnerable. Brutus say, "She fell distract." This makes Portia seem as though she is just insane and had no reason to die. Portia's death also reveals Brutus as a character and how he acts when he is speaking with others in public. He keeps himself together and acts as though nothing is bothering him when Portia dies as he talks to people such as Messala.

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  20. Even though Brutus was warned by the ghost of Caesar, he still insists on moving towards Phillipi because he believes that his own actions and choices will change his fate. He’s aware of Caesar’s prophecy and how it turned up, but he believes that he can overcome what is supposedly planned for him. When talking to Cassius he says “The enemy increaseth everyday;/We, at the height, are ready to decline.” Brutus knows that if they don’t act soon they will be overpowered by Antony’s forces. He wants to act now while they have their armies behind them.
    Portia’s death reflects how Brutus emotions when he’s by himself and when he’s in the eyes of the public. When speaking with Cassius, it is obvious that something is bothering him. Brutus admits that Portia had died from swallowing coals because of the recent events in Rome. Later when Messala mentions the subject to Brutus he says, “Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala.” He tells the men that he is strong enough to move past her death, but when he’s talking to Cassius he admits how he’s grieving her. This pride that Brutus has is shown by how he reacts to Portia’s death in the presence of certain people.

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  21. In this case, Brutus insists that going to Phillipi is a correct reason for several possible reasons. First of which is his tragic flaw being that he is obligated to act upon what is right for Rome in his mind. That, when Cassius refutes his decision, is one possible reason that he insists on moving towards Phillipi. An obvious reason that he thought that this would be best is because he felt he should attack before their opponent became too strong. He even talked about this in the play, saying that they were losing numbers and the enemies were quickly gaining them. One other potential reason is to show dominance and strength towards Cassius. Even though they were co-conspirators and they are together in their final goal, it seems as though they have battles to see who is more masculine. As a result, Brutus may be too hard-headed to think logically because he desires to overrule Cassius.
    Portia's death seems to be an event that should have a greater magnitude than Brutus makes it out to be. This shows significance because it clears up the fact that Brutus is not grim because of his wife's death. In fact, when he tells Cassius, he seems to show more emotion than Brutus does. I think is also exemplifies how much Brutus cared for Portia. Obviously if he had not emotion to her death then he had no significant feelings for her, which may have partially fueled his depression.

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  22. Brutus is aware of the Ides of March prophecy and sees how fate has already claimed Caesar. If the beloved, almighty and untouchable Caesar is a mere pawn in the game of fate, what will become of Brutus? He is rejected by the roman people and loosing his grip on power every second he waits to attack Phillipi. Caesar's ghost has now pushed Brutus's eagerness to meet his fate, just like Caesar, no matter what it may actually be.

    Portia's death is significant because it shows that Brutus is so wrapped up in the depressing state he is in to even care about something so horrible. Whether he is doing it to seem stronger or simply to numb himself and ignore what has really happened is unsure. However, the fact that his own wife killing herself by swallowing coals has not affected him shows that he is so utterly trapped in all his guilt and desperation that he can't take a moment to show some morning.

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  23. Brutus insists on moving his army towards Phillipi because he does not want Antony to grow stronger than he already is. Brutus says that if Antony comes towards them, that he will gain followers on the way. Brutus also insists on going to Phillipi because of his tragic flaw. Brutus's tragic flaw is his honor, and by moving his army towards Antony, he believes that he is showing his honor. After the ghost of Caesar leaves him, he says the following: "Now I have taken heart thou vanishest. Ill spirit I would hold more to talk with thee." This quote shows that the appearance of Caesar's ghost has made Brutus more confident with his decision.

    Portia's death is significant because it reveals Brutus' tragic flaw and develops his place in the tragic hero cycle. Brutus' reaction to her death shows the negative side of his honor. When explaining her death, he says: "Impatient of my absence, and grief that young Octavian and Mark Antony have made themselves so strong-..." In this quote, Brutus explains that Portia killed herself because he was away. This shows how Brutus honors himself, which is one aspect of his tragic flaw. Her death also allows the reader to see the progress Brutus has made in the tragic hero cycle. He has transitioned into the tragic chain of events phase, and Portia's death is one part of the chain of events leading into the rest of the cycle.

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  24. Brutus moves his army forward because he believes in the power of will over fate. Even though Brutus was given a "warning" by the ghost of Caesar, he believes that the time is right to move forward. Brutus is confident in his decision, but is disturbed by the vision of Caesar's ghost. Brutus suggests that both fate and power of will exist and that one should take advantage of fate by asserting one’s will. With past events showing the power of fate, Brutus' individual actions make him out to be a man of deep reflection.

    The significance of Portia's death is that Brutus is a different between his men and his friends. When he is alone with Cassius, he admits his distress, but before his men he appears dispassionate about her death. This shows that Brutus has too much pride for anyone, except the ones he trusts, to show that he can be weak.

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  25. Brutus, being a superstitious person like Caesar, made a surprising decision to continue to march the army forward after seeing the ghost of Caesar. This one decision can really help the reader understand what is going on in the character’s mind. Even though Brutus believed in foretelling of the future, he believed that since he knew what was going to happen in the future (unlike Caesar did), he could change it through his will power. This was one of his tragic flaws: making irrational decisions. He saw what happened to Caesar when he ignored his fortunes, yet Brutus thought he was strong enough to overcome his. He made a decision he thought was best and won’t let anything get in his way. Pretty respectable and admirable he might have thought; that is until it’s his turn for a tragic death.

    Portia’s death developed the plot in a few ways. Firstly, it, in a way, foreshadowed the upcoming tragic events for Brutus, but more importantly, it continued this theme of a double personality that Brutus exhibits. Portia’s death was stated twice in Act IV, scene ii. First, when Brutus was alone with Cassius, he showed the one side of his personality where he was very distraught and depressed in the death of his wife. But when he was around his men and told about his wife’s death for the second time, he brushes it off as if it were nothing. This double personality of his is very important to see here, because it, yet again, exposes his tragic flaw: making irrational decisions. If he weren’t trying to lead and impress his people, like Caesar did, then he wouldn’t be as quick to make the statements and decisions that he does that he knows may not be the best for him.

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  26. Brutus insists that his army moves towards Philippi because he believes that this is the perfect time to strike and the ghost of Caesar poses no threat. Since he so strongly believes that right now is the most opportune time to strike, nothing can sway him. Brutus also does this to prove to Caesar that he is no longer in charge, that he is insignificant and has no power here anymore. Brutus could also believe that the ghost of Caesar is attempting to help Antony win this fight so he can successfully have revenge on Brutus and all the conspirators.

    Portia’s death is significant because it shows how little Brutus cares for her. When he was having a meeting with the conspirators in his home, he would not even let Portia know what was going on. She was completely naïve to the whole killing of Caesar, and now with her dead, Brutus still does not show much care for her.

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  27. 1. Brutus insists that he moves his army towards Phillipi even through he was warned because its part of his fatal flaw, he doesn't really care too much about anything. First with telling Portia about his "guilt" when he was planing to kill Caesar, then with killing Caesar, with Portia's death, and with trying to get control of Rome. This also has to do with the idea of fate and with the character not being able to control his/her fatal flaw. With Caesar, it was his arrogance that led him to his death.
    2. Portia's death shows Brutus' fatal flaw, his lack of care, his lack of drive.

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  28. Brutus insists that his army move towards Philipi despite the warning from the ghost of Caesar because he wants to meet his enemy. Even though Cassius wanted to let their enemy come to him, Brutus believes that it is the perfect opportunity to attack and that the ghost of Caesar is no threat to him. After Brutus and Cassius argue about this topic, Cassius realizes that he cannot change Brutus' mind and gives into his plan. Brutus may believe that the ghost of Caesar is trying to help Antony win to get revenge on him and the other conspirators, although, he wants to prove to the ghost of Caesar that he is no longer the powerful leader of Rome anymore.

    The significance of Portia's death is to show two sides of Brutus, the side he shows to the public and the side he keeps private. When he is only with Cassius, he confesses that he has anxiety from his wife dying. Brutus does not show he is depressed over killing his friend, Caesar. He only wanted to do what benefited the Roman people, however, he realizes that the people wanted Caesar and not him. On the other hand, when he is in front of his people, he shows no sympathy and is calm about Portia's death. He wants to appear strong and stoic in front of Messala and Titinius because he knows they will share with others that he shows courage and is a strong leader.

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  29. 1.Brutus wants to move towards phillip because Brutus and his army are loosing allies and people that follow him in his army. If Brutus does not move and surprise antony and octavious' army then they will most likely loose the battle and loose everything.

    2. The significant of Portia's death shows that Brutus is more focused on his work and how insignificant women are. When Portia dies Brutus doesn't even care. Most people would be sad and mourne over the death of a lost spouse. Not only that but, earlier in the play Portia asks about what has been bothering him and he blows her off and basically tells her shes too dumb to understand.

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  30. 1. Brutus insists that his army should move towards Phillipi despite the warning from the ghost of Caesar because the more they wait, the weaker their army gets from people are changing sides.

    2. The significance of Portia's death is to show how unstable Rome is after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Brutus and Cassius promised that it was for the greater good of the Roman people, but the situation is not looking as good as he promised the Roman people.

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  31. Brutus insists that his army moves towards Phillipi despite the warning from the ghost of Caesar because doesn't want his army to turn on him once they receive word of Marc Antony's speech. Also, being aware of the Idea of March and what happened to Caesar, he thinks the ghost is lying to him as it is the ghost of Caesar. This may be the way Caesar tries to seek revenge. He also decides to continue to move them because the army would not be able to take the time to focus on creating a plan to overthrow Brutus.

    The significance of Portia's death is it symbolizes how although Brutus planned his actions for the better of Rome but he is becoming selfish along the way which would contradicts his reason. One of the main components of a Greek Tragedy is "Story involves a chain of private guilt and punishment." Brutus' internal conflicts and decisions based on his own opinion are starting to affect the way people view him which can foreshadow how Brutus may face punishment soon.

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  32. Part 1-
    Brutus is insisting on following through with the plan to move in on Phillipi anyways because he is confident enough that his army will overcome anything they are up against. They are overconfident and i think that will be the downfall of Brutus and his army.

    Part 2-
    Portia's death is significant because it is showing the emotions of Brutus. The death of Portia also allows us to see that Brutus might care more then he lets on. I believe it may be possible that the first part of the blog is a hidden answer here as well. Brutus loves his wife and wants to avenge her, but does not let on that he does. That could be a reason for him pushing on to Phillipi.

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  33. Brutus keeps his army on the move towards Phillipi because of what the ghost said. He said that he would see Brutus at Phillipi. Brutus is a curious person, and he is also stubborn. Brutus thinks that advancing his army will be the right thing to do. What Brutus can not see is his tragic flaw. Brutus is so caught up in what He thinks that he does not listen to the ghost. Just as Cesar did not listen to the “fortune tellers.” This will lead to one of two things. Either Brutus wins the battle because he is right, or more likely he loses the battle because of his tragic flaw.

    The death Portia’s is significant because it shows some of the consequences of Brutus's flaws. But it also causes Brutus to be somewhat emotionally distressed. This may cause Brutus to not be fit to act as a general. This can be seen in his bickering with Cassius. Although this is not out of the ordinary. This fight is somewhat more substantial. Although most of all it shows that Brutus’s tragic flaw is pride. This is due to the fact that he cannot open up to his wife. Therefore pushing her away, because he feels he can do everything on his own. So it continues to cycle in which misfortune falls upon tragic hero. Portia’s death is significant because it shows us some of the consequences of Brutus’s is flaw.

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  34. 1. Even though Caesar's ghost warns him not to go to Phillipi he does because he wants to change his fate and the outcome of his future. He knows that Caesar's prophecy was right but he wants to prove that his is wrong. Brutus and Anthony butt heads in the scene, they disagree on a big point. Brutus wants them to go and attack, but Cassius wants them to stay and let Anthony come them. Brutus also wants to prove that he is better than Cesar, Cesar got beaten by his prophecy but Brutus wants to beat his fortune.

    2. Portia's death shows how Brutus reflects his emotions. He holds a lot of things in. Portia's apparently swallowed hot coals and that caused her death. Brutus hides his said emotions, towards her death. He also hides them against the public to show his mental strength, with the hard times with the Romans.

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  35. 1. Even though Caesar's ghost warns him not to go to Phillipi he does because he wants to change his fate and the outcome of his future. He knows that Caesar's prophecy was right but he wants to prove that his is wrong. Brutus and Anthony butt heads in the scene, they disagree on a big point. Brutus wants them to go and attack, but Cassius wants them to stay and let Anthony come them. Brutus also wants to prove that he is better than Cesar, Cesar got beaten by his prophecy but Brutus wants to beat his fortune.

    2. Portia's death shows how Brutus reflects his emotions. He holds a lot of things in. Portia's apparently swallowed hot coals and that caused her death. Brutus hides his said emotions, towards her death. He also hides them against the public to show his mental strength, with the hard times with the Romans.

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  36. Brutus’ incentive to move his army towards Philippi despite previous warning is driven by his guilt of killing Caesar. When first noticing the ghost, Brutus is terrified. But as the conversation goes on, Brutus’ responses have a measured tone and does not appear to sound concerned about the ghost’s warnings. This is one of the times Brutus’ displays a rare show of emotions, guilt. During his argument with Cassius, he retells the event that occurred on the Ides of March and called Caesar one of the most powerful men in the whole world. This hints at the idea that after all that has happened he feels remorse for the actions he had made. Brutus’ short and uninterested responses tells he is willing to meet his faith, no matter what it entails.
    The significance of Portia’s death is to portray the flaws in understanding human emotions. Brutus knowledge of his wife’s death gains a reaction of an unattached and emotionally distant response. Throughout the play Brutus mentally deteriorates at a slow pace. Caesar’s killing contained both mental and physical consequences that Brutus knew he would have to endure. The assassination of Caesar and Portia’s suicide displays Brutus’ lack of emotional control. Brutus has a disconnection with stable human emotions. In situations, he has a hard time determining which emotions to convey. Portia’s death conveys the Brutus’ emotional disability and impending downfall.

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  37. Brutus insists his armies move because he does not believe in the supernatural. He may of known about the Ides of March prophecy, but only saw it only as a hindrance to their plan. When he sees Caesar’s ghost, he asks if anyone had called out in their sleep, looking for an explanation. He moves his army to Phillipi because it was logical. Their army is at its height and they are short on funds. Octavius and Marc Antony are still forming an army and also looking for extra funds. Brutus remains to trust his logic over the supernatural.
    Portia’s death is significant because it shows the difference in character between Cassius and Brutus. Cassius dwells on her death more than Brutus does. Brutus is stoic and unemotional. Brutus does what is best for Rome and only what is best for Rome. He knows they have larger issues and dismisses his own wife’s death. Portia was an insignificant character and her death is used to show and develop character.

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  38. Brutus insists his armies move because he does not believe in the supernatural. He may of known about the Ides of March prophecy, but only saw it only as a hindrance to their plan. When he sees Caesar’s ghost, he asks if anyone had called out in their sleep, looking for an explanation. He moves his army to Phillipi because it was logical. Their army is at its height and they are short on funds. Octavius and Marc Antony are still forming an army and also looking for extra funds. Brutus remains to trust his logic over the supernatural.
    Portia’s death is significant because it shows the difference in character between Cassius and Brutus. Cassius dwells on her death more than Brutus does. Brutus is stoic and unemotional. Brutus does what is best for Rome and only what is best for Rome. He knows they have larger issues and dismisses his own wife’s death. Portia was an insignificant character and her death is used to show and develop character.

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  39. In act 4 of Julius Ceasar we see a conversation between Brutus and Cassious. This conversation is dealing with Brutus’ plans to march toward Phillipi. He wants to move towards Phillipi because the people between the camp and Phillipi are loyal to Rome so he feels that there won’t be any danger. Later in the scene the ghost of Ceasar appears to tell Brutus that he will be seen again at Phillipi. This most likely ignites Brutus’s desire to go to Phillipi as he tries to leave as soon as possible. As we saw earlier in the play, a prophesy can come true such as that of the Ides of March.
    Portia’s death is significant because it shows that there can be chaos in Rome. We can infer that due to the fact that the wife of the next leader in line kills herself, the citizens in Rome want Ceasar as their king. This shows that Antony’s plan to change the citizen’s perspective has succeeded.

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  40. Brutus insists that his army should move towards Phillipi despite the warning from Caesar's ghost because this is an example of his tragic flaw. His flaw includes his idealism. He believes he can win everyone over just because of who he is when he really has no control over just about anything. The ghost is upfront telling him that he will lose but he still doesn't listen because he can't swallow his pride. His tragic flaw will eventually lead to a crisis, which will be at Phillipi. Their fate will soon be redirected for the worse.

    The significance of Portia's death is to show the public and private life of Brutus. He is genuinely depressed at his wife's death when talking to Cassius in private. He does not show much concern over Caesar's death to the public even after he realized what he did was wrong. The Roman people wanted Caesar not him, even though Brutus attempted to do what was in the people's best interest. He is calm when talking about Portia's death in public to prove that he is strong and stoic, which in turn be a trustworthy leader.

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  41. Brutus believes that his army is at the strongest point. He sees that the men are rallied behind him at this point despite Cassius suggestions on having the enemy come to them. Brutus is afraid that if they do not move now despite the prophecy and the ghost warning, he is convinced that the people between him and Mark Anthony will take to their side. This is why Brutus is so eager. The death of Portia's adds to the tragic hereo cycle of Brutus. It shows us his reactions and from that we can see his fate.

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  42. Brutus believes that Caesar's army will recruit more men as they advance towards Brutus' camp. Brutus, from a strategic point, must advance while his army still has men. Brutus disregards Caesar's warning, which symbolizes his new position and actions, that are similar to that of Caesar himself. He also always stands opposed to Cassius, and it would be against his nature and character to stand with him.

    Portia's death is a foreshadow of the death of Brutus' army. Her death also shows Brutus' arrogance and love for himself, and represents an inner turmoil. Portia's violent death shows the way in which Brutus' death will occur is violent. All signs point to Brutus having a violent death and losing the battle against Anthony.

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  43. Brutus wants his army to go to Philipi, disregarding the warnings that Caesars ghost gave him. Brutus wants to go attack the enemy while Cassius wants the enemy to come to him. Brutus wants to make himself seem almighty against the ghost of Julius Caesar.

    The significance of Portia's death and to see 2 sides of Brutus. He is open with Cassius about his anxiety about Portia dying but he still tries to hide it like it doesn't affect him. He wants to prove himself as a strong leader that can't be affected by emotions.

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  44. It shows Brutus' tragic flaw, which is ignorance, because he insists on continuing even though he got a warning from Caesars ghost. Also he should have listened to the ghost because when Caesar was told not to go out on the Ides of March because he was going to be murdered, he didn't believe it, went out, and then was killed. So Brutus witnessed first hand that he should listen to things like that but he was too into himself to care.
    Portias death exposed one of Brutus' flaws. He said Portia killed herself due to his constant absence and that she couldn't live with out him. Brutus was very full of himself and also didn't seem to care very much that his wife died.

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  45. At this point, Brutus is aware of what can happen if his army moves towards Phillipi. He isn't afraid of death and he does not show his emotions to people. Brutus does not fear death. His wife is already dead, and he is not afraid to die. He wants to make a shot of conquering Anthony no matter what the steaks are.

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  46. Brutus insists his army move toward Phillipi because once his army hears Marc Antony's speech he doesn't want them to go against him. Brutus believes the ghost is lying to him. I think Caesar is being vindictive and wants revenge.
    The significance of Portia's death shows that Brutus has become selfish. He says he killed Caesar for the better of Rome. Brutus makes bad decisions and internal conflicts that the people see. The people begin to view him differently and see the "real" Brutus, which may hurt him if they want to punish him.

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