Tone in Julius Caesar

Tone Examples in Julius Caesar:

Act II - Scene II

"No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well That Caesar is more dangerous than he...." See in text (Act II - Scene II)

Caesar’s attitudes towards the readings of the augurs, which dictate that he should not go to the senate house, speak to his unique approach to fate. He requests to know his destiny, and then ignores it, countering with supreme confidence. Note, too, how Caesar refers to himself in the third-person, assuming an elevated tone.

Zachary, Owl Eyes Editor

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Act III - Scene I

"Thy brother by decree is banished. If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,(50) I spurn thee..." See in text (Act III - Scene I)

What is Caesar's tone as he addresses Metellus Cimber?

Wesley, Owl Eyes Editor

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Act IV - Scene III

"O murderous slumber, Layest thou thy leaden mace upon my boy..." See in text (Act IV - Scene III)

This is a strangely gruesome metaphor for sleep, and yet it makes sense in context. Even this rare moment of tenderness—in which Brutus cares for the young Lucius—is troubled by the specter of violence: violence done, and violence yet to come. The soft musicality of these lines, rich with “m” and “l” sounds, is striking as well.

Zachary, Owl Eyes Editor

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