Julius Caesar: Act 4, Scene 1 Summary

Plot Summary / Storyline

• Antony, Octavius and Lepidus form a ruling group (the Second Triumvirate) and make a list of enemies to kill, including some relatives.
• They discuss changing Caesar's will to take more money for their army.
• After Lepidus leaves, Antony tells Octavius that Lepidus is weak and only useful as a tool.

Commentary on Act 4, Scene 1

The new rulers behave coldly, even planning to kill their own family members if needed, which shows that power has made them hard and selfish.

Antony's plan to reduce Caesar's generous will is especially bitter, because earlier he praised Caesar's kindness before the people.

Calling Lepidus an "ass" and a tool reveals Antony's arrogance and the unfair way he uses allies for his own gain.

This scene mirrors the conspirators' discussions earlier, suggesting that one group of rulers has simply been replaced by another group who are just as ruthless.

It continues the theme that political power in Rome always seems to be linked with cruelty and betrayal.