ICSE Class 10 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Summary, Theme, Explanation along with difficult word meanings
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ICSE Class 10 Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1
By William Shakespeare
In Act 4, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus meet to decide which Romans they will execute for opposing them. This shows they are forming a ruthless new ruling group. Antony sends Lepidus to retrieve Caesar’s will to secure funds for their armies. After Lepidus leaves, Antony expresses his disdain for him, calling him a mere tool. They agree to use Lepidus as a figurehead while they plan their attacks against Brutus and Cassius.
- Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Summary
- Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Summary in Hindi
- Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Theme
- Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Explanation
Related:
- Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Question Answers
- Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Character Sketch
- ICSE Class 10 English Lesson Notes
Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Summary
In Act 4, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar, the Second Triumvirate, consisting of Mark Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, meets to decide which men must be killed to secure their power. The scene opens with them listing names for their proscription, a list of people condemned to die.
The conversation quickly reveals the ruthless nature of the men’s alliance. Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are cold-bloodedly deciding the fate of their enemies. Octavius asks Lepidus if he agrees to the death of his own brother, to which Lepidus consents. In return, Lepidus asks for the death of Antony’s nephew, Publius, and Antony agrees without hesitation. This shocking exchange highlights their willingness to sacrifice family members for political gain and demonstrates their complete lack of mercy.
Once Lepidus leaves to retrieve Caesar’s will, Antony and Octavius reveal their true opinions of him. Antony scoffs at Lepidus, calling him a ‘slight unmeritable man’ only fit for running errands. He questions whether Lepidus deserves to be one of the three rulers of the Roman world. Octavius, however, defends Lepidus as a ‘tried and valiant soldier’.
Antony dismisses Octavius’s defense with a cruel analogy. He compares Lepidus to a donkey or a horse, a beast of burden that simply carries the weight of their decisions. Antony states that once Lepidus has served his purpose of carrying the ‘sland’rous loads’ and taking the blame for their actions, he’ll be cast aside and left to ‘graze in commons’. Antony’s comparison of Lepidus to an animal shows his contempt for him and emphasizes his view of Lepidus as a mere tool to be used and discarded.
The scene concludes with Antony and Octavius turning their attention to the more pressing matter at hand: the need to prepare for war against Brutus and Cassius, who are gathering forces. They agree to form a united front, combine their resources, and prepare for the battle that will decide the fate of Rome. The scene sets the stage for the conflict to come, establishing the tension and lack of trust within the Triumvirate itself, as well as the external threat they face from their enemies.
Summary of Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 in Hindi
अधिनियम 4 में, जूलियस सीज़र के दृश्य 1 में, मार्क एंटनी, ऑक्टेवियस और लेपिडस से मिलकर दूसरा ट्रायमवीरेट यह तय करने के लिए मिलता है कि उनकी शक्ति को सुरक्षित करने के लिए किन लोगों को मार दिया जाना चाहिए। दृश्य शुरू होता है जब वे अपने प्रतिबंध के लिए नामों को सूचीबद्ध करते हैं, उन लोगों की सूची जिन्हें मरने की सजा दी गई है।
बातचीत से पुरुषों के गठबंधन की क्रूर प्रकृति का पता चलता है। एंटनी, ऑक्टेवियस और लेपिडस ठंडे खून से अपने दुश्मनों के भाग्य का फैसला कर रहे हैं। ऑक्टेवियस लेपिडस से पूछता है कि क्या वह अपने ही भाई की मृत्यु के लिए सहमत है, जिसके लिए लेपिडस सहमत होता है। बदले में, लेपिडस एंटनी के भतीजे, पब्लियस की मृत्यु के लिए पूछता है, और एंटनी बिना किसी हिचकिचाहट के सहमत हो जाता है। यह चौंकाने वाला आदान-प्रदान राजनीतिक लाभ के लिए परिवार के सदस्यों का बलिदान करने की उनकी इच्छा को उजागर करता है और उनकी दया की पूरी कमी को दर्शाता है।
एक बार जब लेपिडस सीज़र की वसीयत को पुनः प्राप्त करने के लिए निकल जाता है, तो एंटनी और ऑक्टेवियस उसके बारे में अपनी सच्ची राय प्रकट करते हैं। एंटनी लेपिडस का मज़ाक उड़ाते हैं और उन्हें एक ‘मामूली अपरिवर्तनीय व्यक्ति’ कहते हैं जो केवल काम करने के लिए उपयुक्त है। वह सवाल करता है कि क्या लेपिडस रोमन दुनिया के तीन शासकों में से एक होने का हकदार है। ऑक्टेवियस, हालांकि, लेपिडस का बचाव एक ‘आजमाया हुआ और बहादुर सैनिक’ के रूप में करता है।
एंटनी ऑक्टेवियस के बचाव को एक क्रूर सादृश्य के साथ खारिज कर देता है। वह लेपिडस की तुलना एक गधे या घोड़े से करता है, एक बोझ का जानवर जो बस उनके निर्णयों का भार वहन करता है। एंटनी का कहना है कि एक बार लेपिडस ने ‘निंदनीय भार’ उठाने और उनके कार्यों के लिए दोष लेने के अपने उद्देश्य को पूरा कर लिया है, तो उसे एक तरफ फेंक दिया जाएगा और ‘आम तौर पर चरने’ के लिए छोड़ दिया जाएगा। एंटनी द्वारा लेपिडस की तुलना एक जानवर से करना उसके प्रति उसकी अवमानना को दर्शाता है और लेपिडस के बारे में उसके दृष्टिकोण को केवल एक उपकरण के रूप में उपयोग करने और त्यागने पर जोर देता है।
दृश्य का समापन एंटनी और ऑक्टेवियस के हाथ में अधिक दबाव वाली बात पर अपना ध्यान केंद्रित करने के साथ होता हैः ब्रूटस और कैसियस के खिलाफ युद्ध की तैयारी करने की आवश्यकता, जो सेना को इकट्ठा कर रहे हैं। वे एक संयुक्त मोर्चा बनाने, अपने संसाधनों को संयोजित करने और उस युद्ध की तैयारी करने के लिए सहमत हैं जो रोम के भाग्य का फैसला करेगा। यह दृश्य आने वाले संघर्ष के लिए मंच तैयार करता है, जिससे ट्रायमवीरेट के भीतर तनाव और विश्वास की कमी के साथ-साथ अपने दुश्मनों से बाहरी खतरे का सामना करना पड़ता है।
Theme of Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1
Power and Ruthlessness
Act 4, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar is a grim portrayal of political ruthlessness. The scene opens with the triumvirs i.e. Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, coldly deciding who to kill to consolidate their power. The act of ‘pricking down’ names for proscription, including family members like Antony’s nephew and Lepidus’s brother, demonstrates their willingness to sacrifice personal bonds for political gain. This shows that the lust for power corrupts and turns men into merciless, calculating individuals.
Deception and Mistrust
The scene highlights the theme of deception and mistrust, particularly within the triumvirate itself. When Lepidus leaves, Antony immediately reveals his true feelings, calling him a ‘slight unmeritable man’. Antony’s comparison of Lepidus to an ass, a beast of burden to be used and discarded, exposes the complete lack of trust and respect among the allies. Octavius, though he tries to defend Lepidus, is eventually swayed by Antony’s argument, showing that their alliance is one of convenience, not genuine loyalty. The smiles of some of their ‘enemies’ that have ‘millions of mischiefs’ in their hearts further underlines the play’s focus on betrayal and the difficulty of discerning friend from foe.
The Price of Ambition
The scene also explores the theme of the price of ambition. The triumvirs’ ambition to rule Rome forces them into a morally compromising position where they must eliminate all opposition. This act of proscription isn’t a sign of strength but of paranoia and fear, as they feel ‘bayed about with many enemies’. The scene shows that while ambition can lead to power, it also brings great burdens and moral decay. The men’s ruthless actions are a direct consequence of their desire for absolute control, illustrating the high cost of such an intense pursuit.
Setting of the Scene
The setting of Act 4, Scene 1 is a simple, indoor space, likely Antony’s house in Rome. The scene features only three characters: Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, seated at a table.
This simple setting is very important because it focuses all the attention on the dialogue. There are no crowds, no public speeches, and no grand Roman buildings. It’s a private, contained space where the new leaders of Rome are making cold, calculating decisions behind closed doors.
The quiet, domestic setting contrasts sharply with the terrible things the men are discussing i.e. signing a list of people to be killed, including their own family members. It creates a feeling of quiet horror and highlights the ruthless and secretive nature of power.
Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 1 Explanation
Play
ANTONY, OCTAVIUS, and LEPIDUS enter.
ANTONY
These many, then, shall die. Their names are pricked.
OCTAVIUS
[to LEPIDUS]
Your brother too must die. Consent you, Lepidus?
LEPIDUS
I do consent—
OCTAVIUS
Prick him down, Antony.
LEPIDUS
Upon condition Publius shall not live,
Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony.
ANTONY
He shall not live. Look, with a spot I damn him.|
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house.
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies.
Word Meanings
Pricked: it means marked on a list with a ‘prick’ or a small dot, signifying that the person is condemned to death.
Consent: To agree to something or give permission for it to happen.
Damn: To condemn or sentence someone to a terrible fate. Here, Antony is sentencing his nephew to death with a simple mark on the list.
Hither: To this place; here.
Determine: To decide or conclude.
Cut off some charge in legacies: To reduce the cost of the money or property left to people in a will.
Explanation of the above dialogues— Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus entered a room. Antony declared that many men must die and that their names were already marked on a list. Octavius then asked Lepidus if he would consent to his own brother’s death. Lepidus agreed to this, but only on the condition that Mark Antony’s nephew, Publius, would also be killed. Antony readily consented to this, claiming that he would ‘damn him with a spot’. He then instructed Lepidus to go to Caesar’s house to fetch his will so that they could decide how to cut down on the money left in legacies. Lepidus asked if he would find them there upon his return, to which Octavius replied that they would be there or at the Capitol. This short scene is a chilling display of political ruthlessness and the complete erosion of moral values among the new rulers of Rome. The cold, transactional nature of the conversation is shocking, as the men discuss killing their own family members as a form of negotiation. Lepidus consents to his brother’s death and demands Antony’s nephew’s life in return, showing that loyalty to family is secondary to securing political power.
Play
LEPIDUS
What, shall I find you here?
OCTAVIUS
Or here, or at the Capitol.
LEPIDUS exits.
ANTONY
This is a slight, unmeritable man,
Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit,
The threefold world divided, he should stand
One of the three to share it?
OCTAVIUS
So you thought him.
And took his voice who should be pricked to die
In our black sentence and proscription.
Word Meanings
Slight: it means insignificant or unimportant.
Unmeritable: Lacking worth or merit; undeserving.
Meet: Suitable or fit for a particular purpose.
The threefold world divided: The world is to be divided into three parts, to be ruled by Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.
Pricked: Marked or selected, as in a list for execution.
Proscription: The act of officially forbidding something, especially the act of condemning a person to death or exile.
Explanation of the above dialogues— When Lepidus asks Antony and Octavius if he would find them there, Octavius replies that they would either be there or at the Capitol. After Lepidus exits, Antony states that Lepidus is a worthless man fit only for running errands and questions if it is right for him to be one of the three to rule the world. Octavius reminds Antony that he himself had considered Lepidus fit enough to choose who should be put on their black list of people condemned to die. The moment Lepidus leaves, Antony discards his public show of camaraderie and reveals his true contempt for his ally. He sees Lepidus as a mere tool to be used and discarded, highlighting a deep lack of loyalty and respect within the Second Triumvirate. Octavius’s sharp reply shows that he is not a simple follower but a shrewd observer who can hold Antony accountable for his hypocrisy. The conversation underscores the theme of political opportunism and the moral decay that accompanies the pursuit of power, as the triumvirate is willing to betray each other even as they condemn others to death.
Play
ANTONY
Octavius, I have seen more days than you.
And though we lay these honors on this man
To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads,
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold,
To groan and sweat under the business,
Either led or driven, as we point the way.
And having brought our treasure where we will,
Then take we down his load and turn him off,
Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears
And graze in commons.
OCTAVIUS
You may do your will,But he’s a tried and valiant soldier.
Word Meanings
Slanderous: Spreading false and damaging statements; here, it means shameful or disgraceful.|
Loads: Burdens; here, it refers to the responsibilities and blame that the triumvirate wishes to avoid.
Ass: A donkey; a beast of burden.
Groan: To make a low, mournful sound in response to pain or effort.
Sweat: To perspire from physical exertion.
Commons: Public land used by everyone; here, it means to be turned out into a field to graze.
Valiant: Possessing or showing courage or determination.
Explanation of the above dialogues— Antony told Octavius that he was older and had more experience than him. He continued by saying that even though they were bestowing honors upon Lepidus, it was only to shift the blame for their controversial decisions onto him. Antony explained that Lepidus would bear these responsibilities like an ass carries gold, groaning and sweating under the burden, and that he would be completely controlled by them. After Lepidus had served his purpose by bringing their ‘treasure’ to the desired location, they would remove his load and cast him aside, like an empty ass left to shake its ears and graze in the fields. Octavius replied that Antony could do as he pleased, but he insisted that Lepidus was a proven and courageous soldier. The central metaphor of the ass bearing gold is a powerful illustration of Antony’s cunning and cruelty. The gold represents the political burden and public backlash from their ruthless acts, which Antony plans to transfer to Lepidus. Antony’s language is completely devoid of empathy; he reduces a man to an animal, a mere tool to be used and discarded. Octavius is more pragmatic and less openly cruel. He values military skill and effectiveness, whereas Antony sees everyone, including fellow leaders, as a means to an end.
Play
ANTONY
So is my horse, Octavius, and for that
I do appoint him store of provender.
It is a creature that I teach to fight,
To wind, to stop, to run directly on,
His corporal motion governed by my spirit,
And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so.
He must be taught and trained and bid go forth,
A barren-spirited fellow, one that feeds
On objects, arts, and imitations,
Which, out of use and staled by other men,
Begin his fashion. Do not talk of him
But as a property. And now, Octavius,
Listen great things. Brutus and Cassius
Are levying powers. We must straight make head.
Therefore let our alliance be combined,
Our best friends made, our means stretched.
And let us presently go sit in council
How covert matters may be best disclosed,
And open perils surest answered.
OCTAVIUS
Let us do so. For we are at the stake
And bayed about with many enemies.
And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear,
Millions of mischiefs.
They exit.
Word Meanings
Provender: Food for livestock.
Corporal: Relating to the body.
Barren-spirited: Lacking originality or creativity; having an empty mind.
Abjects, orts: Scraps or discarded refuse. In this context, it refers to worthless ideas or things.
Staled: Grew stale or old; lost its freshness or originality.
Levying powers: Raising an army; gathering military forces.
Straight make head: Immediately prepare for battle.
At the stake: A reference to bear-baiting, where a bear is tied to a stake and attacked by dogs. It means they are trapped and surrounded by enemies.
Bayed about: Surrounded and attacked by barking dogs. Here, it means they are surrounded by their enemies.
Mischiefs: Harms, injuries, or treacherous acts.
Explanation of the above dialogues— After Octavius defends Lepidus as a ‘tried and valiant soldier’, Antony dismisses his praise by saying that his own horse is also a soldier and, for its service, he provides it with ample food. He explains that a horse is a creature that he teaches to fight, to turn, to stop, and to run straight ahead, with its physical movements completely controlled by him. Antony continues, saying that Lepidus is exactly the same, in a way. He must be taught, trained, and told what to do because he is an unoriginal person who adopts outdated ideas, art, and imitations that have been rejected and grown stale by others. Antony tells Octavius that they should not talk about Lepidus as anything more than a possession. Then, shifting the topic, Antony urges Octavius to listen to something of greater importance. He states that Brutus and Cassius are raising an army, and they must quickly prepare for battle. Therefore, Antony suggests they should unite their forces, gather their allies, and stretch their resources. He proposes that they immediately hold a council to discuss how they can uncover secret threats and best respond to obvious dangers. Octavius agrees, saying they must do so because they are like a bear tied to a stake, surrounded by many enemies, and he fears that some of those who appear friendly have treacherous intentions. This passage is crucial because it shatters any illusion of unity or honor within the Second Triumvirate. Antony’s extended metaphor of the horse to dehumanize Lepidus completely, reducing him from a respected political leader to a mere beast of burden. This reveals Antony’s profound arrogance and his cold, calculating nature. He is a master manipulator who views people as tools to be used and discarded.
Conclusion
In Act 4, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus meet to decide which Romans they will execute for opposing them. This shows they are forming a ruthless new ruling group. Antony sends Lepidus to retrieve Caesar’s will to secure funds for their armies. After Lepidus leaves, Antony expresses his disdain for him, calling him a mere tool. They agree to use Lepidus as a figurehead while they plan their attacks against Brutus and Cassius. Students can take help from this post to understand Act 4, Scene 1 and also learn the difficult word meanings to get a better grasp of Julius Caesar. This post includes a summary of Julius Caesar, which will help students of ICSE class 10, to get a quick recap of the play.