The New Hudson Shakespeare · William Shakespeare
I. THE EXPOSITION, OR INTRODUCTION (TYING OF THE KNOT)
_Act I, Scene i._ The popularity of Cæsar with the Roman mob and the jealousy of the official classes--the two motive forces of the play--are revealed. The fickleness of the mob is shown in a spirit of comedy; the antagonism of Marullus and Flavius strikes the note of tragedy. _Act I, Scene ii, 1-304._ The supreme characters are introduced, and in their opening speeches each reveals his temperament and foreshadows the part which he will play. The exposition of the situation is now complete. II. THE COMPLICATION, RISING ACTION, OR GROWTH (TYING OF THE KNOT) _Act I, Scene ii, 305-319._ In soliloquy Cassius unfolds his scheme for entangling Brutus in the conspiracy, and the dramatic complication begins. _Act I, Scene iii._ Casca, excited by the fiery portents that bode disaster to the state, is persuaded by Cassius to join "an enterprise of honourable-dangerous consequence" (lines 123-124). The conspirators are assigned to their various posts, and Cassius engages to secure Brutus before morning. _Act II, Scene i._ The humane character of Brutus, as master, husband, and citizen, is elaborated, and his attitude to Cæsar and the conspiracy of assassination clearly shown. He joins the conspirators--apparently their leader, in reality their tool. In lines 162-183 he pleads that the life of Antony be spared, and thus unconsciously prepares for his own ruin.
_Act II, Scene ii._ Cæsar is uneasy at the omens and portents, and gives heed to Calpurnia's entreaties to remain at home, but he yields to the importunity of Decius and starts for the Capitol, thus advancing the plans of the conspirators. The dramatic contrast between Cæsar and Brutus is strengthened by that between Calpurnia in this scene and Portia in the preceding. _Act II, Scene iii._ The dramatic interest is intensified by the warning of Artemidorus and the suggestion of a way of escape for the protagonist. _Act II, Scene iv._ The interest is further intensified by the way in which readers and spectators are made to share the anxiety of Portia.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.