Caesar (C): But why if he is so desperate for me to read it can I not just read it?
D: No you can’t read the letter because you don’t want to be seen putting yourself before your people. So with dignity you reject the option to read the letter and say in a compassionate way to him “What touches us ourself shall be last serve’d” this will show to him and the others around you that you are not selfish and that you hold your people in high regard and won’t benefit yourself at their expense.
“Delay not, Caesar; read it instantly” is what he will then say to you, at this point you start to become a little agitated because of the constant badgering and questioning.
C: So I now say the line “What! Is this fellow mad?” I’ll say that as if I am questioning him and have a humorous undertone in my speech as if to say, “who is he to question Caesar?”
D: Yes, however in your next line “What! Urge you your petitions in the street? Come to the Capitol” you use the word “what!” again. This time in a much more aggressive tone because you are in charge and won’t be harassed by ‘lesser’ people.
C: So this time my tone of voice must be completely different much more aggravated and my facial expression must be one of surprise because this man is questioning the great Caesar, he is trying to give him orders.
D: Yes, that’s exactly how it should be done. Once again the arrogance of Caesar is shown because you won’t listen to him because you think you are is great. And remember as Caesar you must stay calm and composed all the way through.
In the next part of the scene you have to walk into the senate house.
C: But Caesar is getting older now should I walk slower?
D: Yes walk slower, but keep your head high and chest out. Remember that you view yourself as a god and so should act like one, as if you are above your status!
C: Ok that’s fine, but at the gates of the Senate House won’t there be guards?
D: No because the people who plan to kill you are people that you trust so you treat them as friends, not as citizens, and so don’t need protection from them. But this is your weakness, you misjudge their characters and in trusting them you show us that you have a weakness.
C: So I’m not as mighty as I thought, especially with my deafness in my right ear and my ‘Falling Sickness’. So all of these problems make my victories more special.
How about Cassius, how am I to act towards him? I have already stated I don’t trust him.
D: No your not as strong as you think you are, but your belief that you are stronger shows your arrogance. Cassius must be treated as a friend even though you don’t trust him and try to dispel any hostility between you.
As you enter the Senate house all the members rise to their feet to honour you, acting as if everything is normal. They follow you until you sit in your chair. Once you are sat in your chair you say, “ Are we ready? What is now amiss, that Caesar and his senate must redress?” This once again shows that you are in control. When saying these lines you must have a tone in your voice, which suggests, “Why are you wasting my time?” be quite dismissive.
“Most high, most mighty and most puissant Caesar”…
C: When Metellus uses these words I must feel stronger and more confident, but still be aware of his motives to try and lead me into his ‘trap’, and so have a commanding tone in my voice when I say my next set of lines.
D: Yes that’s correct. When Metellus gets to his line “A humble heart” you interrupt him because you know what he is going to ask of you, to bring his brother back from exile. His flattery is only trying to persuade you in bringing his brother back but you are “As constant as the northern star” and won’t be moved on the matter so you say the words “ These couchings and these lowly courtesies might fire the blood of ordinary men, and turn pre-ordinance and first decree into the law of children”.
When you say, “I mean sweet words” this should be said with a friendly tone of voice, and look him in the eye, as if to say ‘I know what you mean, but it can’t be done’. This is because of what he asks you to do, but as he is a friend you try to be compassionate towards his cause, as well as commanding.
“Know, Caesar doth not wrong, now without cause will he be satisfied”. This tells us that you are always in control and sure of what you are doing and of the decisions you make, and won’t be undermined. Or you will “Spurn thee like a cur out of my way”; will get rid of him as well.
D: Brutus will fall to his knee, and say “I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery Caesar; desiring thee, that Publius Cimber may have an immediate freedom of repeal”. This is starting to make you annoyed with their constant questioning and anxious, you begin to consider their real motives for calling you to the senate.
C: So I’m worried I’ll make eye movements, to check for anyone who is behind me. My voice will become more worried. But still showing no exceptions will be made.
C: “ I could be well mov’d, if I were as you; If I could pray to move, prayers would move me…..”. This means I would change my mind if they would change theirs, this means I’ve realised my fate and I’m not invincible like a God.
D: Correct. You continue your speech about how you are ‘constant’ and how you are the person who is “Unshak’d of motion” even though everyone else moves around you. Cinna interrupts you. This makes you angry, and you show your frustration by saying “Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus!” you say this with force and meaning, this also compares you with the Gods. You should stand up to show you are in control, and are above them. The great Caesar shall not be challenged; you’re arrogant to your last breath.
Then as Casca stabs you in the neck with great fervour, he doesn’t kill you, the others then stab you.
“Et tu, Brute? Then fall Caesar!” You see Brutus come forward to stab you; you are shocked and say these words with sorrow, but not remorse. When he stabs you pull your toga over your head, admitting defeat.
