Foundation first: how a tragedy ends
A tragedy usually ends with three things: the death of the hero, a judgement on his life, and the restoration of order. In Act V the death is Brutus's; the judgement is Antony's ("This was the noblest Roman of them all"); the order is Octavius's ("According to his virtue let us use him … call the field to rest").
- It completes the revenge of Caesar's spirit: Cassius and Brutus die by the swords that killed Caesar, and each acknowledges Caesar as he dies.
- It brings the tragedy of Brutus to its end: a noble man who made a terrible mistake, honoured even by his enemies.
- It shows Cassius's tragic error, born of a gloomy nature and poor sight — "melancholy's child".
- It shows loyalty at its finest: Titinius, Lucilius, Strato, Young Cato.
- It shows the new order: Octavius, cool and commanding, takes control.
Worked examples
Example 1 (MCQ, 1 mark). Which of the following does NOT happen in Act V? (a) Cassius is stabbed by Pindarus. (b) Titinius places a wreath on Cassius's head. (c) Brutus fights a duel with Antony. (d) Lucilius pretends to be Brutus.
Model answer. (c). Brutus never fights Antony. He runs on his own sword.
Why this scores: with "NOT" questions, check each option against the act.
Example 2 (short answer, 2 marks). What does Act V show about loyalty?
Model answer. Several characters are loyal to the death. Titinius dies for Cassius, Lucilius risks his life to protect Brutus, and Strato holds the sword. Brutus says no man "but he was true to me". Loyalty is the best quality in the act.
Why this scores: two examples from different characters.
Example 3 (4 marks). How does the ending of the play show that order has been restored?
Model answer. The conspirators are dead, Caesar is avenged and the two victors have ended the war. Antony honours Brutus, and Octavius orders his burial "with all respect and rites". Octavius takes Brutus's followers into his service and calls the field to rest. The disorder that began with Caesar's death is over, and a new order begins under Octavius.
Why this scores: the dead, the honours, the new order, each in one sentence.
Doubts cleared
Q. Is the play a tragedy of Caesar or of Brutus? Caesar dies in Act III, but the tragedy is mainly Brutus's. Many readers say Caesar's spirit and Brutus's fall are two halves of one story.
Q. Why is there no cruelty at the end? Shakespeare wants us to leave with respect. Even the victors honour the dead man. It deepens the sadness.
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing that the play ends with the battle. It ends with Antony's tribute and Octavius's orders.
- Calling the winners villains. Antony and Octavius are shown with some nobility at the end.
Check yourself
- Who speaks the last tribute to Brutus?
- Who orders Brutus to be buried with honour?
- What does the spirit of Caesar do in Act V?
Answers: 1. Antony. 2. Octavius. 3. It brings about the deaths of Cassius and Brutus with their own swords: "O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet!"