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All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 4Scene 2
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Brutus' Stoicism in the face of Caesar’s ghost
Discussion
Act 4,
Scene 2
Lines 326-338

A discussion of Brutus’ Stoicism when confronted with Caesar’s ghost in Act 4, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Brutus

Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.
[Enter the Ghost of Caesar.]
How ill this taper burns! Ha! who comes here?
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
That shapes this monstrous apparition.
It comes upon me. Art thou any thing?
Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil,
That mak'st my blood cold and my hair to stare?
Speak to me what thou art.

Ghost

Thy evil spirit, Brutus.

Brutus

                                      Why com'st thou?

Ghost

To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.

Brutus

Well; then I shall see thee again?

Ghost

Ay, at Philippi.

Brutus

Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then.

Brutus realizes that the appearance of Caesar's ghost may very well indicate that the gods are not pleased with his role in Caesar's death, but his nonchalant response is consistent with a Stoic's calm acceptance of whatever the gods have in store for him. But Brutus' remark after the ghost has departed indicates that he may have been more alarmed by the ghost than a good Stoic should have been.