ACT 3, SCENE 1

Summary

As a crowd gathers in front of the Capitol, Caesar arrives at the Senate House. Spotting the
soothsayer, Caesar tells him the Ides of March have come, implying that the soothsayer’s
foreboding was false. However, the soothsayer reminds Caesar that the day is not yet over.
When Artemidorus tries to give Caesar his warning letter, Decius diverts Caesar’s attention to
a petition. When Artemidorus insists Caesar read his letter first because it is a suit that is
more important for Caesar, Caesar says that “what touches us ourself shall be last served.”
Dismissing Artemidorus, Cesar enters the Capitol. In an aside, the senator Popilius wishes
Cassius luck for his “enterprise,” which makes Cassius fear their conspiracy has been
uncovered. Accordingly, he asks Casca to “be sudden”—that is, to act quickly before they are
discovered.

The conspiracy moves swiftly from this point forward. As previously decided among the
conspirators, Trebonius removes Antony from the scene. Metellus Cimber approaches Caesar
with a request to repeal the banishment of Publius Cimber, his brother. Displeased by
Metellus’s flattery, Caesar announces that “base spaniel fawning” cannot sway him. Brutus
approaches Caesar under the guise of advocating for Publius, and the other conspirators join
him, circling a bewildered Caesar. Casca, who has been tasked to “be the first to raise” his
hand, stabs Caesar, followed by the others, with Brutus going last. When he discovers that
Brutus is one of his attackers, Caesar collapses to his death, saying:

Et tu, Bruté?—Then fall, Caesar.

As the senators and commoners flee in panic, the conspirators bathe their hands and swords
in Caesar’s blood, just like in Calpurnia’s dream. Announcing that their deed has unshackled
liberty from tyranny, they prepare to move to the streets to influence the public in their
favour. Antony’s servant makes an appearance, requesting an audience for Antony. Brutus
allows Antony into the Capitol, referring to him as a “wise and valiant Roman.” Cassius
remarks to Brutus that he still has “a mind / That fears [Antony] much.” Overwhelmed with
piteous grief at the sight of the fallen Caesar, Antony, arriving on the scene, tells the
conspirators they can kill him as well, while their “purpled hands do reek and smoke.”
However, Brutus assures Antony of the nobility of the conspirators’ intentions, however
“bloody and cruel” they may seem. Antony will remain unharmed, Brutus asserts. Appearing
relieved, Antony asks Brutus for permission to bring Caesar’s body to the marketplace and
speak at Caesar’s funeral. As before, Brutus is quick to agree, and Cassius is equally quick to
express his objection to Brutus privately. But Brutus tells Cassius he intends to address the
public himself before Antony to cement the conspirators’ case. He allows Antony to address
the public with some caveats: Antony must not rail against the conspirators, but he can praise
Caesar.

After Brutus and the other conspirators leave Antony alone with Caesar’s corpse, Anthony
reveals his true feelings. He apologizes to Caesar’s body for being “gentle with these
butchers,” or the men who slayed Caesar. Antony assures Caesar that he will avenge his death
and prophesizes that Caesar’s death will have devastating consequences, unleashing civil
strife and a reign of blood. Caesar’s vengeful spirit itself will “let slip the dogs of war.”

Eduventures English Class Grade 10: 2025-26 Summary: Act 3, Scene 1

Octavius Caesar’s servant enters and informs Antony that Octavius Caesar, Caesar’s nephew,
has arrived “within seven leagues (21 miles) of Rome.” Antony asks the messenger to inform
Octavius about “what hath chanced (what events have occurred)” and to tell Octavius not to
enter Rome until Antony has addressed the people at Caesar’s funeral.

WHAT DO WE LEARN

▪ The fears and prophecies of the Soothsayer and Calpurnia have come true.

▪ Cassius’ confidence can be shaken easily.

▪ Antony is a dangerous threat to Brutus and the conspirators.

▪ Caesar’s great-nephew, Octavius, is joining forces with Antony.

The sequence of events in the scene:

1. Arrival at the Senate: Caesar arrives at the Senate, seemingly unaware of the plot
against him. The conspirators have strategically positioned themselves around him.

2. Metellus Cimber's Petition: Metellus Cimber, one of the conspirators, approaches

Caesar and kneels, requesting the repeal of his brother's banishment. This serves as a
pretence for the other conspirators to gather closer to Caesar.

3. Caesar's Refusal: Caesar firmly refuses Metellus Cimber's petition, demonstrating his
unwavering and seemingly arrogant nature. This refusal is crucial, as it provides the
justification the conspirators need in their minds (however flawed) to proceed with the
assassination.

4. Casca's First Blow: Casca strikes the first blow against Caesar, from behind. This
signals the start of the assassination.

5. The Stabbing Frenzy: One by one, the other conspirators, including Brutus, stab
Caesar. The scene becomes chaotic and bloody.

6. "Et tu, Brute?": Perhaps the most famous line in the play. When Caesar sees Brutus, his
trusted friend, among the assassins, he utters, "Et tu, Brute?" (You too, Brutus?). This
signifies the profound shock and betrayal Caesar feels, and perhaps the finality of his
fate.

7. Caesar's Fall: Caesar, overwhelmed by the numerous wounds, falls at the base of
Pompey's statue. This is symbolically significant, as Pompey was a former rival of
Caesar.

8. Bathing in Blood: The conspirators, in a chilling and symbolic act, bathe their hands in
Caesar's blood. This act signifies their collective responsibility for the assassination and
their attempt to claim it as a righteous act of liberation.

9. Antony's Arrival: Mark Antony, Caesar's loyal friend and right-hand man, arrives at the
Senate. He is shocked and horrified by what he sees.

Eduventures English Class Grade 10: 2025-26 Summary: Act 3, Scene 1

10. Conspirators' Explanation: The conspirators, led by Brutus, attempt to justify their
actions to Antony, claiming they killed Caesar for the good of Rome, to prevent him
from becoming a tyrant.

11. Antony's Request: Antony, concealing his true feelings of grief and rage, requests to
speak at Caesar's funeral. This is a pivotal moment, as it sets the stage for Antony's
powerful and manipulative funeral oration in the next scene.

12. Brutus's Agreement (and Cassius's Doubt): Brutus, believing in his own righteousness
and the power of reason, grants Antony permission to speak. Cassius, more astute,
senses danger and warns against it, but Brutus overrules him. This decision proves to
be a fatal mistake for the conspirators.

Eduventures English Class Grade 10: 2025-26 Summary: Act 3, Scene 1