Julius Caesar | Act 5, Scene 4 | Summary

Summary

Battle begins again. When Brutus's servant Lucilius meets the enemy, he claims to be Brutus. He wants to be taken prisoner in the real Brutus's place. Soldiers bring the captive Lucilius to Antony (who, of course, knows he is not Brutus), and Lucilius declares Antony's forces will never take a noble man like Brutus alive. Antony instructs that Lucilius be treated well and orders his soldiers to search for Brutus. Is Brutus dead, or is he still alive?

Analysis

The men ride into battle shouting their names, indicating the importance of family lineage and patriotism in Roman culture. Lucilius resists being taken as a prisoner of war, even after his capture, indicating the importance of pride.

Brutus is going down fighting. Cassius's death shocked him and made him think victory was nearly impossible. But he puts on a brave face for his troops, and they respond with unswerving loyalty. When Lucilius says Brutus will be found "like Brutus, like himself," he means that Brutus's actions will be honorable in any situation.

Antony knows the importance of loyalty, too. Like any good politician, he's building allies.