Who is octavius in the play julius caesar

Why does Caesar refuse the crown when Antony offers it to him? What happens to Murellus and Flavius? Why does Antony shake hands with the conspirators? What happens to Portia? How are Octavius and Caesar related? Why does Brutus refuse to swear an oath? Why does Brutus kill himself? Free-Will Honor Ethics vs. Quotes Octavius. I do not cross you. But I will do so. Look, I draw a sword against conspirators.

Consequently, he is not reluctant to disagree with Antony, as he demonstrates in his defense of Lepidus "he's a tried and valiant soldier" , in his pointing to Antony's error in predicting that Brutus and Cassius would not come to Philippi, and in his insistence that he will fight on the right-hand side of the battlefield at Philippi and not the left-hand side as Antony orders.

However, Octavius does not let his determination to remain independent interfere with following Antony's advice when he realizes that Antony speaks from experience, as he demonstrates in agreeing to allow Antony to make Lepidus a junior partner in the Triumvirate, in agreeing with Antony that the most important matter at hand following the assassination is to prepare to meet the republican armies, and in accepting Antony's decision that they should fight from defensive positions at Philippi and allow the enemy to initiate the battle.

Octavius is shrewd in his political assessments and in his relationship with Antony. He is decisive in executing the proscription and in preparing to meet Brutus and Cassius. He is also supremely confident that he will succeed in defeating his enemies at Philippi and in organizing a successful new government of Rome.

Previous Antony. This minor game of tug-of-war between Octavius and Antony foreshadows what will happen between the two men after they defeat the conspirators. Although not portrayed in this play , Antony and Octavius along with Lepidus will go on to rule Rome as part of the "Second Triumvirate" the first included Caesar and Pompey.

As every student of history and Shakespeare knows, that whole "let's rule Rome together" thing didn't quite work out. You can read all about this in our summary of Antony and Cleopatra.

Parents Home Homeschool College Resources. Study Guide. By William Shakespeare.